Are you debating whether or not to make an offer on a home before the New Year begins? Well....STOP deliberating and get out there and submit the offer! Between changing lender rules, mortgage rate hikes and the 2013 tax benefits; closing before the end of the year can mean significant financial benefits.
Here are five ways you WILL benefit by closing on a home before the end of the year.
1) New Year means new lending rules. Lending rules are changing on Jan 1st, and that means it could become more difficult to get a loan. The new rules will allow you to borrow less, at your same income level! The current 2013 mortgage borrowing rules allow for a 45% total debt-to-income ratio. This ratio does go down to 43% in 2014, meaning you will have to make or reduce your debt in order to buy the same house you are currently living in.
2) Avoid rising interest rates. Although mortgage interest rates are still pretty attractive, they are up 1-2% over last year during the same time period. The Mortgage Banker's Association is predicting that mortgage rates will rise to around 5% in 2014. If you decide to buy now and the rates drop...you can always refinance, but if you wait...you are stuck.
3) Maximize tax deductions. Although this is the most commonly thought reason for closing on a home before years end, it is an important one. You can start deducting mortgage interest and building equity immediately. Also, because some closing costs and points are deductible, you can start deducting them the year you purchase the home,....and that means they are included in your 2013 tax return! If you wait even 3 days into the new year, you will not be able to take any deductions until years end of 2014.
4) Easier financing. Are you waiting for home prices to decrease? Don't! It is quite possible that the mortgage rule changes for 2014 will make it more difficult to get financing. So if you are waiting to "save" a few bucks hoping for home prices to drop, you may put your ability to purchase a home in jeopardy, if you cannot secure a mortgage at all!
5) Lower Sales could mean higher inventory. Look at it this way...it's the "After Christmas" sale...before Christmas! Even though 2013's theme was low inventory and higher home prices, the fourth quarter has always seen a slowing down of the housing market, and 2013 is no exception. Housing sales have declined since September, so the inventory has increased, but the constrained inventory still means double digit year-over-year gains. What does that mean to you...you may secure a GREAT DEAL IN DECEMBER!
At Team Lynch Real Estate Consultants, we are here to answer any and all of your real estate questions, provide you with a unique, successful, personalized marketing plan to help sell your home or utilize our expertise to help you find the home of your dreams.
Source: RISMedia
