Is 2021 a Good Time to Buy a Home?

Pros of buying a home in 2021

The primary benefit of buying in 2021? You’re likely to snag a low interest rate on your mortgage. And the lower your mortgage rate, the less you’ll pay on your home loan each month.

While rates may continue to climb during 2021, they’re unlikely to spike in the near term. The Federal Reserve has pledged to keep interest rates low through next year, though rates may rise in 2023.

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its policies tend to influence how mortgage rates trend. If the Fed keeps interest rates low, there’s a good chance mortgage rates will stay low for at least another year, if not longer.

How have rates changed through 2021 (so far)?

Here’s a play-by-play of what mortgages rates looked like in 2021:

• January: Mortgage rates were close to historic lows
• February to early April: Rates climbed steadily
• Late April to early June: Rates dropped before coming back up slightly
• Late June through July: Rates went back and forth, and at one point they got close to 2020’s lows
• End of August: Rates creeped back up
• Throughout September: Rates stayed low

Buying a home at the wrong time is a mistake that could haunt you for years. 

Should you buy a home in 2021?

Mortgage rates and housing market conditions aren’t the only factors to consider. Whether you should buy a home in 2021 also depends on your personal financial picture.

You’re in a strong position to buy a home if you have:

• A steady job
• A down payment saved up
• A great credit score
• Low levels of debt

You’ll just need to shop around to find the best mortgage lender for you.

But if you’re not in such a strong position, it could pay to postpone your home search.

Perhaps you’re worried about getting laid off at work, or you don’t have much money set aside for a home purchase. Or maybe you have a lot of debt, or your credit score needs work. It may make sense to wait even if home prices come down at the end of 2021, inventory opens up, and mortgage rates remain competitive.

Source: https://www.fool.com/