How First Time Buyers can Take Advantage of Today’s Housing Market and Get the Best Deal of a Lifetime
The American economy may be in bad shape right now and many people lost their jobs. But there is a silver lining in all this gloom and doom. Home ownership is more affordable than ever. Let’s face it, the prices of homes have dropped, interest rates are at all time lows and the government created new incentives for you to buy your first home.
Home ownership always had great benefits. You can deduct your mortgage interest from your taxes, you build equity in the home by paying off the principal balance of your mortgage over time, and most likely the value of your home will increase. Here are five great reasons why you absolutely need to buy your first home in 2009:
1. Home Prices have dropped an average of 20% due to the mortgage crisis, in some parts of the country even more. Buying a home in 2009 will be a great investment. Most likely the housing market has bottomed out and values will rise in the coming months and years. If you buy in the current market you’ll be able to sell your house for a significant gain in the next 5 to 10 years.
Reason #2 – Tax Credits – There are now great tax credits available for those purchasing their first home. If you purchase a home in 2009, you can get $8000 tax credit as long as you close before the 1st of December this year. This is not something you will ever have to pay back either. This is an incentive the government is giving to help make sure that the economy does recover.
Reason #3 – Little Out of Pocket Money Required – When you purchase a home for the first time, you won’t need much money to do so. Most Columbus Loans, such as FHA or VA, only require a small percentage down from you. If you are a veteran, you won’t have to make any down payment.
Reason #4 – Companies Want to Lend – Believe it or not, you’ll find that the mortgage companies out there really want to lend. Since the interest rates are low, you can afford a nice home. Banks want to find buyers that are qualified, so you will need to have a good credit score. You will also have to show you can afford to make the downpayment on the home as well.
5. The market is practically flooded with bank and government owned homes. They sell for huge discounts and the sellers are very motivated. You can buy almost new HUD (government owned) homes for 25% below market value. And these homes hardly need any repairs.
You’ll definitely find that today there is a big opportunity to purchase a new home. Many homes are selling fast already. It’s a great idea to take advantage of all these benefits before the market begins to climb and homes get more expensive. Even with bad credit, there are still options available, such as going with seller financing. Purchasing your first home is a great idea, especially in 2009.
About the author: Susanne Novak is a long-time property investor who helps home owners buy properties at discounted prices. Her blog shows how to find the best Columbus houses and successfully purchase Columbus OH Homes for Sale.
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