Buying a House in 2021: What to Expect

Shot of a family of four viewing their new home together

Buying a House in 2021: What to Expect: Mortgage rates are expected to remain low, and home prices are forecast to rise more slowly than in 2020.

Buying a house is like playing a complicated sport. You need to know the rules and get in shape before hitting the field, and then nimbly maneuver through challenges to win the game.

In 2021, “winning” requires understanding how you stack up against lender qualifications, preparing to compete with other buyers and navigating a socially distanced homebuying process until vaccines end the pandemic.

Here’s what buying a house in 2021 looks like and how to prepare.

Home prices expected to increase

Real estate experts expect home prices to go up in 2021, but not as fast as they did in 2020.

Prices of existing homes are projected to increase 5.9% in 2021, compared with a 10% jump in 2020, according to an average of the latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the National Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Prices vary by season, so when you choose to buy can impact what you’ll pay. Homes are generally most expensive in June and July and cheapest in January and February, according to a NerdWallet examination of market trends across 50 of the most populous metros in the U.S. The analysis used Realtor.com data from 2015 through 2019.

Active home listings are also highest in the warm months, which means you’ll have more homes to choose from. But demand is high then, too, so homes sell more quickly. Homes spent an average of 76 days on the market in the lowest-priced months, compared with 51 days in the most expensive months, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.

Mortgage rates expected to stay low

Economists expect mortgage rates to remain low in 2021 after falling to historic lows in 2020. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is projected to average 3.15% in 2021, up slightly from an average of 3.025% in 2020, according to an average of the latest forecasts by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the National Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Even though rates are generally low, it’s still important to shop around for a mortgage. The rate you’re offered will depend on the lender and your financial circumstances. Contact multiple lenders to compare mortgage rates and fees, and choose the best deal you’re offered.

Digital tools make buying a home easier

Virtual home tours, e-closings, smaller open houses and Zoom meetings have helped keep business going while keeping people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social-distancing regulations, which vary by state, county and city, are loosening with the rollout of vaccines. But online tools that ease the home buying process will outlast the pandemic.

Lender shopping remains critical

Shopping for a home before shopping for a lender is a common home buyer mistake .

Get your finances in order and shop for a lender before looking at homes, advises Scott Lindner, national sales director for TD Bank Mortgage.

Before you apply, check your credit reports and dispute any mistakes you see, and find out your credit score.

“Nothing is worse than finding your dream home and getting surprised that your credit score isn’t what you thought it was,” Lindner says.

“Nothing is worse than finding your dream home and getting surprised that your credit score isn’t what you thought it was.”

Scott Lindner, national sales director for TD Bank Mortgage.

To get preapproved, be prepared to provide details about your income, debt, employment and financial accounts. A mortgage preapproval is an offer by a lender to loan you a certain amount under specific terms. It’s not a guarantee for a final loan approval, but it will show real estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

Combined with your household budget, knowing the amount you’re qualified to borrow is essential for knowing how much house you can afford.

Credit requirements still tight

The credit score needed to buy a house depends on the type of mortgage and the lender. Some lenders raised their credit score requirements amid the economic fallout from the pandemic.

Credit availability has increased slightly over the last several months but is still near its lowest level since 2014, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Lower credit availability means it’s tougher to qualify for a loan.

Some lenders may loosen credit requirements as the economy improves in 2021, but it may still be hard to find a lender if you have a lower credit score.

Down payment requirements vary

Down payment requirements vary by the type of mortgage and the lender, but could be as low as 3% for some conventional loans.

Putting more money down will help you qualify for a lower mortgage rate and will decrease your monthly payment. A higher down payment may also give sellers more confidence that your loan will close, which may increase your chances of getting an offer accepted, Arienti says.

Source of this article: https://www.nerdwallet.com/