The old
adage that “timing is everything” especially applies to buying a new
home. And trying to be at the right house at the right time and get
it for the right price can be tricky. Here are some guidelines to assist
you: Turn to the real estate section of your Sunday newspaper. Monitor
the market and tract home prices. Expect to spend 90 days watching the
real estate market through advertisements. Question and investigate
homes that are advertised month after month. Hard-to-sell properties
could either be a warning sign or simply overpriced for the value. When
a real estate agent provides you with descriptions of homes currently
on the market from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), ask for a list
of homes that were on the market within the last six months or year
in the same neighborhood.
Compare
asking prices to actual sales prices for the same type homes. In addition
to monitoring housing prices, learn to identify hot, up-and-coming neighborhoods
by tracking selling prices from week to week. If one neighborhood experiences
price booms while other house prices are sluggish, its’ clear which
community to invest in. If you’re passionate about an upscale area –
and on a budget – prepare to buy a fixer-upper and invest some money
in renovation. Conversely, beware of buying a beautiful home in a marginal
area.
You may
not get your money back when you sell. Keep close watch on the fluctuating
mortgage interest rates. Low interest rates are the most inspiring reason
to buy property. Watch the rate of United States Treasury Bills. According
to Sonny Block, well-known talk show hose and real estate author. T-bills
are a sure way of predicting the rise and fall of mortgage rates. Also
watch the national Discount Rate, the rate at which banks can borrow
money from the government. When the Discount Rate drops, banks pay less
for borrowing the money and in turn reduce mortgage rates to the borrower.
Predicting
when a market is ripe for home buying is not an exact science – even
for real estate experts. However, by following these simple tips – and
staying on top of real estate trends, sales patterns and interest fluctuations,
you are sure to get the best house for your buck.
About
The Author W. Troy Swezey is the author of “TIMING IS EVERYTHING WHEN
IT COMES TO BUYING HOMES." As a Realtor at Century 21 Paul & Associates,
he has helped many individuals with their real estate needs. Visit his
web site to download his free e-book, “REAL ESTATE SECRETS EXPOSED.”
http://www.TroyIsMyRealtor.com
or mail to: TroyC21@usa.net