It’s almost September as I write this. First, I need to remind you that the filing deadline for tax extensions is nearing. October 16th will be here before you know it:
If you’ve comfortably waited around at home thinking you have plenty of time to get that done, it’s time to get a move on things.
Most of us *have* gotten more comfortable at home in the last few years. Remote work is nice, but so were sick days with your favorite silver-haired Price Is Right host. (We’ll miss you, Bob Barker.)
But maybe you’ve been dreaming of upsizing, relocating, or even buying your first home. While those are good dreams to have, timing is everything. And right now is a difficult time if you’re looking at new home ownership.
Inflation and the Federal Reserve’s 11 interest rate hikes since last year aren’t over — there’s a possible 12th on the horizon. While it can be hard for all of us, they’re not doing it for fun; it’s a calculated move aimed at cooling rising prices. While their strategy has its merits in the broader economic picture, it’s really causing a ripple effect in the New Castle County housing market that, if you’re not already aware of, you should be.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or considering a move, let’s unpack how these economic moves affect you…
What Rising Mortgage Loan Rates Mean for New Castle County Home Shopping
“The best time to buy a home is always five years ago.” – Ray Brown
If you’ve been keeping a watchful eye on the housing landscape because you’re in the market for a new Delaware home, you know that mortgage rates are at the highest they’ve been in 40 years.
And while age “ain’t nothing but a number,” interest rates are different. They have real impact on mortgage loans and could put a wrench in your home-buying efforts right now. So, navigating that means understanding the current landscape and figuring out what to do about it.
Here’s what things look like right now:
Qualifying for a home loan
Interest rates play a significant role in determining if, how, and when you can get a home loan. As rates go up, the monthly repayments on potential home loans follow suit. For you, this might shift the scales of what you can afford, forcing you to rethink the dream home you were eyeing last year if it’s out of your financial reach.
The domino effect on monthly payments
A higher interest rate translates directly into higher monthly mortgage payments. For every 1% increase in interest rates, monthly payments can increase by nearly 10% (depending on the loan’s specifics).
Let’s do some quick math. If you got a loan today for a 300k home at the current interest rate, you’d be paying around 500 per month more compared to 2020 rates, and all of that extra 500 is going to interest and not principal.
This is why so many are watching what the Fed is going to do next with interest rates. Significant amounts of money are on the line with each increase (or decrease) in Fed rates.
The critical DTI ratio
When lenders assess your eligibility for a loan, one of their primary tools is the DTI ratio. This measures how much of your monthly income is earmarked for debt repayments. A surge in interest rates can mean that a previously healthy DTI is now less appealing, making lenders more hesitant. If your DTI crosses a certain threshold (typically around 43% for a lot of lenders), you could encounter some closed doors in your search for a home loan.
Borrowing becomes costlier
In layman’s terms, as interest rates rise, the overall cost of borrowing goes up. This isn’t exclusive to mortgage loan rates; it’s a fundamental principle of finance. If you’re borrowing more due to a pricier property market, higher interest rates can add a hefty tag to the total amount you’ll end up repaying.
The strain on your financial profile
While we’d all love to sport a perfect credit score and a hefty savings account, reality is often more complicated. For those navigating financial constraints or a less-than-stellar credit score, rising interest rates compound challenges. It’s akin to climbing a hill that’s gradually getting steeper — still possible to navigate, but undoubtedly more demanding.
So, what do you do?
When you’re considering buying a home in this kind of environment, you have to be a bit more financially nimble and knowledgeable.
Though current mortgage loan rates are edging close to 7% (compared to around 4% in 2020), the forecast by most banks generally has 30-year loan rates decreasing to around 6% for the new year. If time is on your side, it might be strategic to wait things out a bit.
Waiting will give you an opportunity to pursue some strategies to improve your chances. But some of these you can do to help your chances right now, too.
- Focus on debt. Working on reducing your existing liabilities can make your DTI more attractive, presenting you as a better prospect to lenders.
- Knowledge is power. Get pre-approved. This proactive step not only showcases your seriousness but also provides clarity on how much house you can realistically afford.
- Credit is key. If your credit can be improved, work on doing that. An enhanced credit score can open up opportunities for better rates, so it’s worthwhile to continuously improve here.
- Save up to put more down. A larger down payment can provide more favorable loan conditions.
Before settling, make sure you’ve explored a variety of loan offers to ensure you’re getting the most favorable terms. Maybe even consider Zillow’s 1% down payment. Keep asking questions and be discerning in your home-buying decisions. There may be no place like home, but don’t spend more than you should to get that feeling.
While the current landscape around mortgage interest rates might seem daunting, with informed strategies and the right preparation, it’s possible to position yourself favorably. I’m here to support, guide, and provide clarity where I can.
Looking out for you,
Teri Suddard
