Low Rates Driving Buyers to Market

Low interest rates are driving new buyers to the market all over the country. Although many retirees plan on a cash purchase, having entry level buyers competing for similar one level smaller homes can prove troublesome for the budget minded retiree. 

Although Washington is attractive to seniors and retirees with no income tax it is also popular among young people coming into the state for high paying jobs across a wide number of fields. The Tri-Cities and Vancouver remain popular for both retired and working people.

Retirees looking for that one level dream home may find themselves in competition with up and coming youngsters looking the jump into the is hot market with sub 3% mortgages available for solid borrowers. Retirees over the age of 55 can sometimes find communities design for older residents and may find less competition from working persons. But those communities are often sought after as well by the millions of aging boomers looking to downsize and slow the pace.

In any case retirees thinking about paying cash for a house may want to revisit the notion of a loan. Borrowing a few hundred grand at less than 3% is not a bad deal at all.   

Low mortgage rates a boon for retirees.

These super low rates in the mid-threes for a 30 year fixed and in the high twos for 15 year notes is a juicy opportunity for those nearing or already enjoying retirement. If you still carry a mortgage and your are at a rate above 4.5% a refinance to these very low rates could save you tens of thousands of dollars and free up precious cash each month. This could be an opportunity to knock that 30 year fixed loan with 26 to go down to a 15 year loan. The dream of owning outright your home could be close to reality.

If you are already hammering the the principle balance down hard each month refinancing may not be the best idea for you. Refinancing a 30 year loan that is 10-12 years deep might not save you any money over the long run, Sure the monthly payment will be lower but the term is extended and you push away the notion of a free and clear home.

Buyers looking to secure that golden deal on the "last home" you'll buy, that deal is hear now. These rates are shaving 10s of thousands of dollars off the effective price of a home. This excerpt from my Real Estate Blog discusses the buying power of low rates,

'Seriously my friends, these are truly fabulous times. Sellers will get the strongest offers when rates are low because more buyers will qualify at the higher price. Buyers will get the most bang for their buck at 3.5%. Buyers can also qualify for a lot more money. The same buyer that qualifies to borrow $240,000 at 4.5% will qualify to borrow $270,500 at 3.5%. These super low rates will allow buyers to essentially get 12.5% more money for the same monthly payment. 4.5% is a great rate, 3.5% is a OMG rate! Be sure to check with your favorite mortgage professional as there are a few variables that banks look at such property taxes, mortgage insurance, etc. But in general these are pretty accurate figures.'

Essentially the payment on a $240k loan at 4.5% is the same as the payment on a $270k loan at 3.5%. The lower rate is giving a $30,000 cash bonus or one could simply enjoy the lower payment on the $240k. Either way if a mortgage is to be part of the retirement plan, these crazy low rates should be taken advantage of.

Talk to your financial planner and/or mortgage professional for more information on using a low rate mortgage to enhance your retirement picture.