Facing an underwater mortgage (owing more than your home's worth) can be scary, but a short sale offers an alternative to foreclosure. In a short sale, you sell for less than owed and the lender forgives the difference. There are drawbacks like potential tax implications and credit score hit, but it allows you to avoid a foreclosure and potentially recover your ability to buy a home sooner. Explore all options with a HUD counselor before proceeding.
The dream of homeownership is slipping away for renters. A record low 13.4% believe they can afford a home, and rental costs are expected to rise 9.7% this year. Higher housing costs and interest rates are making it difficult for renters to transition to home ownership. Renters also expect mortgage rates to continue rising in the next few years.
Mortgage rates hit 7.17%, the highest in decades. This volatility is making it difficult for buyers and sellers to navigate the market, as rates can significantly impact monthly mortgage payments and affordability. Some buyers are finding ways to adjust to higher rates, but many sales are expected to shift towards the end of May and early June when sellers typically receive better prices.
The cost of a new house can vary based on various factors, including the finishes chosen by the buyers. To save money, potential buyers may consider hiring a contractor later on to add desired finishes after moving in. This strategy can help avoid high costs for unnecessary upgrades during construction, allowing buyers to focus on essential structural elements.
If you locked in a high mortgage rate in recent years, keep an eye out for interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. This could be an opportunity to refinance and save on your monthly mortgage payments. However, it's important to consider the closing costs associated with refinancing and compare them to your potential savings. If you bought your home with an FHA loan, you may also consider refinancing to eliminate the mortgage insurance premium.
Newly built homes come with hidden costs that can pop up after the first year of ownership. Property taxes are often estimated based on old data or projected values. When the county reassesses the home's value, taxes can increase significantly, leading to a jump in mortgage payments. To avoid surprises, homebuyers should research the local tax assessment cycle and consult with a loan officer to estimate the potential property tax increase.
