Helena Talbot’s blog - Should I Buy A Home If Interest Rates Rise?

You may ask this question and get ten different answers.    Just because the interest rates have risen does not necessarily mean it is not the right time to buy.  If you hold off, this mistake could cost you thousands.  

 So how do you know when it's ok to buy a home if you know the interest rates are rising?  Well, that is a good question and here are some facts to help you sort through it all.

1.  Consider specialty loan options 

• Hybrid mortgages - this is a mortgage loan that will offer a very low rate for a fixed amount of time, usually 5-7 years, then the loan will revert to an adjustable rate mortgage.  This sounds a bit risky; however, if you are not planning on staying in your current home for more than five years, this is a fantastic option for you

• An ARM  loan with an option that would allow it to be converted to a fixed rate loan when at the borrowers discretion

• An interest only loan - this is a loan that requires you to make payments to the interest only for a set number of years, then it converts to an amortized loan with interest and principal payments each month

2.  Talk to a tax advisor - before you do anything, make sure you talk to your tax advisor about whether or not one of these types of loans is right for you.  

3.  Ask for a Buy Down - this is a fee paid at closing to get a lower interest rate.  Sometimes a motivated seller will be willing to paying some if not all of the buy down just to get the deal.  

4.  Ask the seller to pay some or all of the closing costs.  Quite frequently the seller's closing costs are used as a write off by the buyer.  (Check with your tax advisor before doing this)

5.  Lower prices mean lower loan amounts so don't let higher interest rates chase you off.  With some skillful negotiating your realtor can help you secure an unbelievable deal  saving you loads of money.  So a high interest rate does not have to mean more money.  

Remember, many people drop out of the home buying market when the interest rates go up, but as you can see this could be a very costly mistake.  Some of the best mortgage loans come about when the lenders are competing for your business and when sellers are realizing that there are more homes for sale than there are buyers.  

So talk with your realtor and come up with a game plan to help you find your dream home.  Don't let rising interest rates stop you, use it to your advantage!

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker- Licensed in Virginia. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.