Coordinating the Sale and Purchase of Your Home

Usually, it is easier to buy a home than to sell a home but that isn't necessarily the case currently. In today's market, it can be scary to sell your home before buying another because you could find yourself without a home.

Most sellers will not accept a contingency on the sale of a buyer's home in today's market.  So, let's look at some of the alternatives that homeowners are using to facilitate the transactions. 

If you have the income, credit, and cash available, the replacement home can be purchased with a new 80-90% loan-to-value mortgage and sell the existing home after you have moved into the new home.  This would require making two payments for a while but probably gives the seller the least amount of pressure to find the replacement property before the existing one is put on the market.

If the mortgage on the new home has the option to recast the payment, additional down from the equity in the previous home after it sells would lower the payments without causing any additional expense to refinance.

Another alternative may be available if your home has enough equity to borrow against it in a Home Equity Line of Credit or a bridge loan.   This type of loan is generally made by banks who will loan qualified owners up to 80% of the appraised value less the current mortgages on the property.  Freeing up the equity in your existing home will give you a down payment for purchasing the new home before you sell the previous one.

If a seller has assets in qualified retirement programs, it is possible to do temporary loans against them to facilitate the interim purchase.  There can be penalties on some of these if they are not repaid in a timely manner.  It would be good to investigate with your tax professional to see if this is a viable option.

Hard money lenders provide a source that will be more common to investors than homeowners.  These types of loans are generally approved and funded quickly, have less requirements than bank loans and provide funding for projects that cannot be financed elsewhere.  Interest rates are higher than bank loans, are written for short terms (1-2 years), and usually require 25-30% down payment or equity.

Power Buyers and iBuyers offer to purchase your home for cash and provide a quick closing.  Deeper investigation into these options may reveal that you will not receive the full equity of your home because they have to discount the home to cover the expenses they will incur as a seller.    

In today's very complicated market, the value of a real estate professional representing your best interests, providing you advice, options and experience has never been greater.  While there are similarities in transactions, each one is unique, and you certainly need a professional to be guiding you through the process.

Agents are trained and experienced in coordinating the purchase and sale of homes.  This can be especially beneficial in navigating unfamiliar waters.

A New Opportunity for Homebuyers

You may not have heard of anyone assuming an existing mortgage for over thirty years and didn't know they were even possible any longer.  The reason is simple, it didn't make financial sense but now that interest rates are increasing, it may be an opportunity for some homebuyers.

Conventional loans added clauses to mortgages back in the early 80's that gave the noteholder the right to raise the interest rate if a loan was assumed, as well as require the new buyer to qualify for the loan.  This essentially ended the practice of assuming conventional mortgages.

Then, in the late 80's, FHA and VA mortgages did impose the right to qualify the new buyers, but the big difference was that the mortgage rate would remain the same as the original borrower.  Even so, it still effectively ended the assumptions of FHA and VA mortgages because rates on mortgages trended down for the next thirty years.

There was really no benefit to assume a mortgage that still required qualifying because it was possible to obtain a new mortgage with a lower rate.  Generations of buyers have never even contemplated assuming a mortgage but now, in 2022, it might well be an alternative that will lower the cost of buying a home.

Mortgage rates hit a bottom in early 2021 and have been increasing since, this year especially. 

Since qualifying is required for assuming an FHA or VA mortgage and only owner-occupants are eligible, you might be asking what are the benefits?  If the interest rate on the existing mortgage is less than the rate on a new mortgage, there could be a savings.

In addition to that, there are fewer closing costs involved on assumptions of FHA and VA mortgages than originating new mortgages.  Another benefit is that assuming an existing mortgage will be further into the amortization schedule than a new one which means equity-buildup occurs faster.  And finally, lower interest rate loans amortize faster than higher rate loans.

The rub in this situation is that many buyers don't have enough money to purchase an equity but there is a remedy for that.  Let's assume the buyer was considering a 90% conventional loan.  If they identified a home with an assumable mortgage, they could put the same 10% down payment in cash, subtract the existing mortgage balance from what would be the 90% new mortgage and secure a second mortgage for the difference.

There are lenders that make this type of loan and buyers need to shop and compare rates and fees on them just like they would if they were getting a new first mortgage.  Your agent can suggest lenders for second mortgages.

Most search filters on portal websites do not include assumable mortgages.  You will need to rely on your agent to ferret them out.  If the agent you are working with hasn't suggested assumptions, it may be that they are unaware of their existence.

Cost of Waiting to Buy in Both Price and Interest Rates

Have you ever been shopping on a website where you were looking at something that was on sale?  You were interested in it but there wasn't a sense of urgency and maybe, you had a lot going on and didn't get back to it for a few days.  When you did go back to the website, the price on the item had returned to its regular price.

How did you feel?  Did you go ahead and purchase it for the current price?  How did that make you feel knowing that if you had acted more decisively, you would have saved money and had the product by now?

In 2021, homes across the United State went up 19.1% on average.  There were some markets where the prices soared 30 to 40%.  Fortunately, last year the mortgage rates did remain relatively stable but that isn't the situation this year, in 2022.

At the end of 2021, economists from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, felt like prices would go up around 7% for 2022.  The Mortgage Bankers Association and the Home Price Expectation Survey predicted more like 5% and Zelman Research and the National Association of REALTORS� forecast closer to 3%.

While the number of sales did decline at the end of February 2022 to 7.2% month-over-month and 2.4% year-over-year, that could be explained as a lack of houses for sale.  In the same month, inventory was 1.7 months which is down from 2 months in February 2021.  The median sales price had a year over year increase of 15.0% to $357,300.

The Fed had their first of what may be four or five interest rate hikes this year to try and get control of the inflation rate.  We have already seen mortgage rates at the 4.5% price and that is for borrowers with the best credit.  Those with less than sterling credit can expect to pay more.

It is anyone's guess at where rates will end a year from now, but many experts think this decade of low rates is over and we'll not likely to see them again.

There is a pent-up demand for houses to buy and an urgency to buy before the rates get higher.  If a buyer waits a year to purchase a home but the price goes up by 5% and the interest rate goes up by 1%, it will have a dramatic effect on the payment.

		5% price increase	10% price increase
Sales Price	$400,000	$420,000	$440,000
Mortgage	$360,000	$378,000	396,000
Current Rate vs Possible 1.00% increase	4.5%	5.5%	5.5%
Monthly Payment	$1,824	$2,146	$2,248
Payment Difference		$322.18	$424.38
Additional Cost for 7 years		$27,063	$35,648
Additional Cost for 30 years		$115, 983	$152,776

 

If the appreciation is closer to 10% increase, the negative effect of waiting is exacerbated.

The equity in a person's home contributes greatly to their overall net worth and wealth position.  The effect is very apparent in contrast to renters compared to homeowners whose net worth is 1/40^th of the homeowners $300,000 or $8,000 for the renters.

As people stair step their way into larger homes to not only meet their increasing demands but also to enjoy the amenities of a nicer home, the equity will continue to grow based on two dynamics: appreciation and equity-build up.  The renters do not benefit from either of these.

To run your own comparison, using your own numbers and what you believe will happen in the marketplace, go to Cost of Waiting to Buy.  If you haven't developed a plan to purchase in today's market whether it be your first home or a move-up, you need facts and a trusted team of professionals to work for you.

It starts with finding an agent who will be as committed to find your home as you are.  We would love to help you or your friends.  It is what we do.

Home for sale 7400 Forests edge Ct laurel MD 20707

Coming Soon!!  55+ community in Laurel Maryland Come take a tour with me...

Home for sale 7400 Forests edge Ct laurel MD 20707 

Best & Final offers due by noon April 5, 2022. Welcome to 7400 Forests Edge Ct. Laurel, MD with 2,909 square feet and boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms. This home has upgrade after upgrade so don’t let this one get away in the beautiful Victoria Falls 55+ community on a unique, private, wooded, corner lot!! As you enter the first floor your eyes go immediately to the beautiful Travertine tiled floor. It is breath taking as you walk through the open concept home that leads you back through the formal Dining Room, Kitchen and Breakfast area with a large bay window. The Great Room, and Living Room have dark engineered hard wood floors that complement the Travertine floors. The Great Room has plenty of sunlight with a gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling. The Kitchen has cherry cabinets, large center island with storage, food prep countertops, breakfast area, self-cleaning wall oven, double sink, dishwasher, gas stove, and beautiful tiled backsplash. A door in the breakfast area leads to the backyard with a large new paver patio and wall with beautiful landscaping perfect for entertaining. The house has dual zone gas heating and HVAC air conditioning system with a UV Light air purifier for your comfort. The main floor Owners Suite has triple windows, a tray ceiling, an upgraded walk-in closet by Closets by Design to hold all your clothes perfectly. The remodeled Owners Bathroom has granite counter tops, double sinks, a Jacuzzi tub plus a standalone shower with decorative tiles and granite seat. The 2nd bedroom on the main floor can be used as an office or bedroom and boasts an extended double window. The 2nd level boasts a third large living area, two light filled bedrooms one with two closets and a full bathroom. This area is perfect for guests or an In-Law arrangement. The community offers many amenities including a club house across the street with indoor outdoor pools, a fitness room, billiards room, library, and banquet room. Outdoor activities include tennis, basketball, and an amazing walking trail. This beautiful home was built in 2005 and the following upgrades have been made for your comfort:  New Roof in Dec. 2020  LeafFilter gutter system with transferable warranty installed in April 2020  New paver patio and wall with a complete home underground drainage system 2020  Master Bedroom walk-in closet updated with Closets by Design with lifetime warranty 2019  Washer & Dryer 2021  UV Light Air Purifier HVAC 2021  Ackerman Security System with phone app. 2019  Ecobee Thermostats with phone app and 2 additional sensors 2019  Garage Storage Organization shelves 2021  Laundry room cabinets and shelves 2021  Travertine tiles imported from Turkey  Kitchen upgraded tiled backsplash  Invisible dog fence installed by previous owner  Upgraded Owners bathroom with decorative tile, and granite counter tops and seat in shower  Dual zone HVAC, gas heat The community is also full of amenities for seniors starting with your Private Resort Club! Stay in shape in the 55-foot indoor pool and state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Relax in the Whirlpool spa, sauna, or outdoor pool. Spend afternoons playing bridge in the Card Room, Shooting pool in the Billiards Room, and being creative in the Creative Arts Studio. Or join in the fun and socials, from barbecues on the terrace to cozy holiday festivities by the fireplace. Awaken old hobbies and be inspired to learn new ones by joining some of Victoria Falls clubs and activities. Can't decide what to do? The Community's Lifestyle Director will offer more options than you can imagine! Book Club, Card Clubs.

1604 Hopefield Road Silver spring Maryland video tour

Why a Home Should Be Your First Investment

Real estate has been described as the basis of all wealth.  Without considering income or investment property, buying a home to live in is an incredibly powerful way to build wealth or financial net worth.

A home is an asset measured by the size of the equity.  Equity is simply the difference between the value of the home and the amount owed.  There are two powerful dynamics at work to increase the equity which include appreciation and amortization.

Appreciation occurs when the fair market of the home increases.  The shortage of available inventory coupled with high demand has contributed to an 18% increase in value in the past year on average for homeowners in the U.S.

Most mortgage loans are amortized with monthly payments that include the interest that is owed for the previous month and an increasing amount that is paid toward the principal loan amount so that if all the payments are made, the loan would be repaid by the end of the term.

A 30-year mortgage at 3.5% interest on a $400,000 loan amount would have a principal and interest payment of $1,796.18 every month for 30 years.  After the interest is applied from the first payment, $629.51 would reduce the loan amount, thereby, increasing the owners' equity.

Each succeeding payment would have an increasingly larger amount applied to the principal and a decreasingly lower amount applied to interest.

Recently, CoreLogic reported that homeowners with mortgages have seen their equity increase 29.3% since the second quarter of 2020.  Equity rich is defined as when combined loans secured by a property are no more than 50% of estimated market value.  ATTOM reported that 42% of mortgaged homes in the U.S. are considered equity rich as of the fourth quarter of 2021.

Another advantage of this powerful asset is that borrowing money against the equity of your home is a non-taxable event. Regardless of whether it is a refinance or a home equity loan, the borrowed money is not income and not taxable.

A homeowner could stay in the home for years and as the home increases in value due to appreciation, they could borrow against their equity as many times as the value will justify.  They could continue to pull money out of their home for decades and under the current tax law, they could die and will the home to their heirs who would receive a step up in basis and the taxes would never have to be recognized.

Lastly, let's consider the home as an investment by looking at the rate of return.  Obviously, it is a personal asset that the homeowner will be able to live in, enjoy, raise a family, and share with their friends.  In calculating the rate of return, we consider a $375,000 home with a 3.00% 30-year FHA mortgage with a 3.5% down payment.  Using an annual appreciation of 3% and normal amortization, the $13,125 down payment in this home turns into a $148,062 equity in seven years.  The rate of return calculated is over 40% per year for the seven-year holding period.

Even if you discounted the ROI by half for all the unforeseen other expenses that may affect the real equity, it is still a 20% return on investment which could easily justify why purchasing a home should be your first investment.

It is challenging, particularly in some markets with low inventory, multiple offers, rising prices and increasing interest rates, but the advantages of owning a home are significant.  Would-be homeowners need the facts about their market and how to get into a home.  Start with downloading the Buyers Guide and make an appointment with a trusted real estate professional.

Paying Points to Lower the Rate

Two commonly known ways to lower your mortgage payments are to make a larger down payment especially if it eliminates private mortgage insurance and improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage.

Another way to lower your payment would be to buy down the interest rate for the life of the mortgage with discount points.  A discount point is one percent of the mortgage borrowed.  Lenders collect this fee up-front to increase the yield on the note in exchange for a lower interest rate.

A permanent buy down on a fixed-rate mortgage is available to borrowers who are willing to pay discount points at the time of closing.

Let's look at two options on a $315,000 mortgage for 30 years at 4% interest with no points compared to a 3.75% interest rate with one-point.  The principal and interest payment on the 4% loan would be $1,503.86 compared to $1,458.81 on the 3.75% loan. 

The $45.04 savings is available because the buyer is willing to pay $3,150 in points.  By dividing the monthly savings into the points paid, you can determine the breakeven point.  In this example, if the buyer is planning to stay in this home for at least 70 months, they would recapture the cost of the points and each month after that would be savings.

Another interesting thing to consider is that lower interest rate loans amortize faster; in other words, they build equity faster by paying off the loan sooner.  If the buyer stayed in the home for 10 years, their unpaid balance in this same example would be $2,117.38 lower than the 4% mortgage.  Combine that with the $2,259.29 in savings from the breakeven point to the end of 10 years and the buyer, in this situation, is $4,372.67 better off buying down the mortgage by paying the additional points. 

For a person buying a home, it may be difficult to come up with the extra amount for the points but one benefit is that the points paid are considered interest by IRS and can be deducted in the year paid.

A rule of thumb commonly used is that one discount point lowers the quoted mortgage rate by ¼% or 25 basis points.  A lender may quote X% + .6 points for a mortgage.  Using this scenario, to lower the mortgage rate by .25%, the buyer would need to pay 1.6 points. It is important to note that each lender determines the pricing of points for the loans they make. 

It may be beneficial to a buyer to pay points depending on how long they plan on being in that home.  To help you determine whether paying points should be considered, use this Will Points Make a Difference and download the Buyers Guide