Buying a Boston condo for sale is one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make. (Sending you kids to college is up there as well, but back to the subject). It’s important to understand some mortgage truths as there is a lot of information out there and it might not all be accurate. Even things that worked in 2018 may not work in 2019. So let’s debunk some of the myths and filter through some of the outdated mortgage information.
A 30 year fixed interest rate mortgage is the best option.
Nowadays, there are so many different programs and options, especially for first-time home-buyers that the typical 30 year fixed rate mortgage may not be the best one for your needs. New Boston condo for sale buyers are not buying there forever home so 30-year mortgages may not be necessary. Buying a starter Boston condo for sale, building some equity, and then buying a luxury home in a few years can be a great steppingstone for first-time home-buyers. Going with a five or seven-year adjustable rate mortgage could possibly save a few hundred dollars each month in a mortgage payment and then if you plan on selling within the next five years and cashing in your equity, you can do so before the interest rates adjust.
You have to make a 20% down payment.
Now, while this is not necessarily 2018 rulings, the 20% down payment is really a myth that most home-buyers, especially first-time homebuyers don’t need to live up to. Most first-time home-buyers use an FHA loan with a low 3.5% down payment or even check out down payment assistance programs so that is literally no money out-of-pocket for your first home.
Hold off until interest rates drop.
I hate to break it to you, but interest rates are not going down. However, they’re not dramatically increasing either but they are going up at a steady rate. For 2019, we’re probably at the lowest end of the interest cycle so basically, whenever you read this, now is the time to buy.
Local lenders are the best.
Often, people walk into a bank and speak with a loan officer, but times are changing and things like Rocket Mortgage, Affordable Housing Programs and other online options or making it easier for buyers to find the right loan and program for their needs. Research shows that about 32% of Americans are applying for a mortgage digitally rather than in person.
Pay off your mortgage as quickly as possible.
Dave Ramsey is all for this, but it may not be the biggest goal. Paying off your mortgage early may not save you a whole lot of money and you might use that money for repairs or other financial needs instead of paying down your mortgage. And besides, if you’re planning on upgrading your home in a few years, paying it down now may not give you as much equity as you hoped.
The mortgage industry in 2019 is definitely different and there are so many different options that it definitely pays to shop around. And that’s the real take away from this… Shop around. Mortgage lenders are vying for your business and they will definitely work hard to offer you the best rates and service.
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