Equity | Las Vegas Real Estate News & Insights

Why Buying Now Is Worth It

You may be torn between buying a home now or waiting. But don’t forget to factor in the equity you’ll gain as prices rise.

<imgsrc=”” alt=”a house with a blue sky and clouds”>

Understanding the Timing of Homeownership

The decision to purchase a home is often fraught with complexity, influenced by market conditions, personal finances, and long-term goals. It’s a significant choice with potential for substantial financial growth, yet it requires careful consideration. One critical aspect that prospective homeowners must not overlook is the potential to build equity as home prices rise over time.

In the current economic landscape, industry experts are predicting a steady increase in home prices over the next five years. These forecasts suggest that homeowners could accrue approximately $90,000 in equity within this timeframe. This projected growth showcases the financial benefits associated with owning property in a flourishing market.

The potential to grow equity is one of the most compelling reasons to consider homeownership. As opposed to renting, where monthly payments contribute solely to the landlord’s assets, owning a home allows you to build personal wealth through equity. This equity can serve as a financial safety net, a source of borrowing, or a stepping stone to future investments.

However, the timing of purchasing a home is crucial. While the temptation to wait for a more opportune moment might be strong, delaying your decision can result in missed opportunities for equity growth. As home prices increase, the initial cost of buying a home rises, which can diminish your potential returns.

If you’re contemplating homeownership, it’s important to assess your readiness both emotionally and financially. Evaluate your savings, credit score, and overall financial health to ensure you’re prepared for this significant investment. If these factors align, moving forward might be a wise decision, allowing you to capitalize on the expected rise in home values.

Homeownership is more than just acquiring a place to live; it’s a strategic move towards building wealth. The sooner you enter the market, the more likely you are to benefit from the appreciation of home prices and the compounding nature of equity growth.

If you feel prepared and are considering purchasing a home, it’s beneficial to consult with a real estate professional. They can offer insights into market trends, assist in finding a property that fits your needs, and help you navigate the complexities of the buying process.

In conclusion, the choice of when to buy a home is personal and multifaceted. However, understanding the potential for equity growth and aligning your financial readiness can guide you toward making a decision that secures your financial future. If you are ready to take this step, it could be advantageous to act sooner rather than later. Connect with a real estate expert today to discuss how you can start building wealth through homeownership and make the most of the growing market.

The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home.

Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home. That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in their current house toward their next down payment. And it’s why as home equity reaches a new height, the median down payment has too.

According to the latest data from Redfin, the typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers is $67,500—that’s nearly 15% more than last year, and the highest on record (see graph below):

Here’s why equity makes this possible. Over the past five years, home prices have increased significantly, which has led to a big boost in equity for current homeowners like you. When you sell your house and move, you can take the equity that gives you and apply it toward a larger down payment on your new home. That’s a major opportunity, especially if you’ve had concerns about affordability.

Now, it’s important to remember you don’t have to make a big down payment to buy your next home—there are loan programs that let you put as little as 3%, or even 0% down. But there’s a reason so many current homeowners are opting to put more money down. That’s because it comes with some serious perks.

Why a Bigger Down Payment Can Be a Game Changer

1. You’ll Borrow Less and Save More in the Long Run

When you use your equity to make a bigger down payment on your next home, you won’t have to borrow as much. And the less you borrow, the less you’ll pay in interest over the life of your loan. That’s money saved in your pocket for years to come.

2. You Could Get a Lower Mortgage Rate

Providing a larger down payment shows your lender you’re more financially stable and not a large credit risk. The more confident your lender is in your credit score and your ability to pay your loan, the lower the mortgage rate they’ll likely be willing to give you. And that amplifies your savings.

3. Your Monthly Payments Could Be Lower

A bigger down payment doesn’t just help you reduce how much you have to borrow—it also means your monthly mortgage payment may be smaller. That can make your next home more affordable and give you a bit more breathing room in your budget.

4. You Can Skip Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you can put down 20% or more, you can avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which is an added cost many buyers have to pay if their down payment isn’t as large. Freddie Mac explains it like this:

“For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is an added insurance policy for homeowners that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It is not the same thing as homeowner’s insurance. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that’s required if you make a down payment less than 20%.”

Avoiding PMI means you’ll have one less expense to worry about each month, which is a nice bonus.

Bottom Line

Down payments are at a record high, largely because recent equity gains are putting homeowners in a position to put more money down.

If you’re thinking about selling your current house and moving, reach out to a trusted real estate agent. They’ll help you figure out how much home equity you have right now, and how it can boost your buying power in today’s market.

Now’s the Time To Upgrade to Your Dream Home

If you’ve been wanting to sell your house and move up to a bigger or nicer home, you’re not alone.

If you’ve been wanting to sell your house and move up to a bigger or nicer home, you’re not alone. A recent Inman survey reveals the top motivator for today’s homebuyers is the desire for more space or an upgraded home (see graph below):

But there’s also a good chance you, like many other people, have been holding off on that goal because of recent market challenges. It makes sense – when you’re planning an upgrade that could increase your monthly housing costs, affordability has a huge impact on when you make your move. But there’s good news: now’s actually a great time to make that move happen. Here’s why.

You Have a Lot of Equity To Leverage

One of the key benefits in today’s market is the amount of equity you’ve likely built up in your current house over the years. Even with recent shifts in the housing market, national home prices have steadily grown, adding to the equity homeowners have today. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains it well:

“Persistent home price growth has continued to fuel home equity gains for existing homeowners who now average about $315,000 in equity and almost $129,000 more than at the onset of the pandemic.”

What does that mean for you? If you’ve been in your home for a few years, you’re probably sitting on a significant amount of equity. You can put that toward the down payment on your next home, helping keep the amount you borrow within a comfortable range.

This can make upgrading more achievable than you might think. If you’re curious how much you’ve built up over the years, ask your real estate agent for a professional equity assessment.

Mortgage Rates Have Fallen, Boosting Your Purchasing Power

And there’s another big reason why now’s a great time to make your move: mortgage rates are trending down. Lower rates can help make your future monthly payments more manageable, and they also increase your purchasing power. As Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), points out:

“When mortgage rates fall, the interest portion of monthly payments decreases, which lowers the total payment. This makes it easier for more borrowers to . . . qualify for mortgages that may have been unaffordable at higher rates.”

That gives you more flexibility when shopping for homes and may allow you to afford a house at a price point that was previously out of reach. A trusted lender can work with you to figure out the best plan for your budget.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to sell your current home and find the bigger, nicer home you’ve been dreaming of, don’t wait. Your equity, paired with lower mortgage rates, puts you in a great position to make that move today.

To make the best decisions and get the most out of your current market advantage, work with a trusted real estate professional who can guide you through every step of the homebuying process.

Why Buying Now May Be Worth It in the Long Run

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a question a lot of people have these days.

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a question a lot of people have these days. And while what’s right for you is going to depend on a lot of different factors, here’s something you’ll If you bought a $450,000 home at the beginning of this year, based on that starting value and the expert forecasts from the HPES, you could gain more than $90,000 in household wealth over the next five years. That’s significant.

So, if you’re ready and able to buy, and growing your wealth is important to you, you’ve got an opportunity in front of you. And now that mortgage rates have fallen, it may be time to consider making a move.

To talk more about your options and what makes sense, lean on a pro. They’ll be able to tell you what home prices are doing in your area and what that means for your move (and your future equity). The Mortgage Reports says:

“Given the intricacies of the current market, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and up to date about housing market conditions. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell in the remaining months of 2024, having a professional guide you through the process can make all the difference.”

Bottom Line

The decision to buy now or wait is a very personal one, but it’s valuable to have an expert’s perspective. They won’t push you, but they will explain things you may not have considered, like the equity that’s at stake.

If you want help weighing your options and thinking through how the current market factors in, connect with a local real estate agent.