Mississauga Real Estate BLOG

Waiting for the market to cool off before buying a home could end up costing you more money then it would if you bought a home now and took advantage of the lower mortgage rates mortgage.

With predictions of home prices set to fall many potential home buyers including home upgraders are choosing to sit on the sidelines and take a wait and see approach with their real estate plans. Home buyers refusing to participate in multiple offers are also bowing out until the market cools off a bit. Is this the right approach?

Since March when predictions were released that Mississauga Property values along with most other areas of the GTA would experience a price reduction of 20—25%, the Mississauga real estate market along with most other markets across the GTA have continued to flourish. During the first two weeks of April the average selling price of a home increased by 1% as compared to the average selling price at the end of March 2012. Although this average price does not necessarily mean that all homes have increased 1% in value in two weeks, it provides some guidance that home prices are still on the increase. By the end of the month the year over year increase in average selling price was up by 8%. Total sales figures were up 18% over last April.

The inventory of homes on the market continues to be very tight and there are more buyers out there then there are homes for sale. The hope is that as we move further in to spring the inventory will increase and prices will stabilize. If not then what next?

A continued tight inventory will push prices up even further. At the current level of monthly increases in the average selling price that could amount to an increase of about 12% over the next year. Based on the year over year average increase of 10% published for March 2012, this 12% doesn’t seem totally out of whack.

The Canadian economy seems to be moving along quite well and according to the “Big Bank Chief” if it continues to improve a gradual increase in the central bank rate could lead to an increase in lending rates. Some economists believe the increase will start towards the end of 2012.

Typically the real estate market doesn’t react quickly to moderate economic changes. Historically in an increasing interest market it takes about 6 months before the rate increases have an effect on home prices. Given the record low rates in the market right now it would not be unreasonable to assume that, should the central bank begin to raise rates at the end of the year that actual mortgage rates will be 1% higher by this time next year. Given the current market conditions and the length of time it takes the market to react to changes waiting for the market to cool off before buying a home could end up costing you more money then it would if you bought a home now and took advantage of the lower mortgage rates mortgage.

(NC)—More than ever, first–time homebuyers are weighing their options before embarking on the Canadian dream of owning a home. “We want consumers to be comfortable with the financial responsibilities of owning a home, so it’s important to determine what they can afford in order to maintain a reasonable lifestyle once they’ve made the leap,” says Phil Soper, president of Royal LePage Canada. As such, Soper offers these guidelines for first–time homebuyers:

1. Determine your net worth. Take your assets (cash, investments, savings, vehicles and other items you own) and subtract your liabilities (car loans, lines of credit, overdrafts and credit cards). A positive number is a good sign that you may be ready to purchase your first home.

2. Obtain mortgage pre–approval. There are many different mortgage options available on the market today. Thoroughly investigate the terms and rates available, and once you have settled on a rate, term and amortization period, apply for mortgage pre–approval with your lender. Mortgage pre–approval presents you as a serious purchaser, to both real estate agents and sellers.

3. Hire a real estate agent. Top agents have extensive experience and demonstrate dedication and commitment to helping their clients. Ask your family and friends for a referral, or explore real estate sites such as www.royallepage.ca to read profiles on agents, including their areas of expertise and languages spoken. A real estate agent will have knowledge of accurate, real–time market data to leverage your negotiating position, as well as access to properties often even before they are listed on MLS.

4. Be realistic. Choose a home that is within your means. Keep in mind that you will need to set aside extra funds for ongoing home maintenance and potential increases in utilities, taxes and mortgage rates.

5. Rent out a portion of your home. Consider buying a home with the potential to provide added income. Renting a basement apartment or a spare room can put extra money in your pocket, helping you to pay down your mortgage faster.

Source: www.newscanada.com

More helpful home buying tips and advice available on the Mississauga Properties website.

Selling your home first before buying another is the generally accepted route in the home buying process. However, that appears to be changing. With 16 years of consistently rising home prices in the the Toronto market, it’s not hard to see why some buyers can get complacent.

Before making your decision you really have to do your research. If the market is good and homes are selling well on your street, then there is a good chance you can sell your home quickly, If the market is slow it might not be a great idea.

The average days that the house sits on the market are up by 15 per cent to 23 days from 20.
For those people contemplating whether to buy first, make sure that you can financially withstand holding two mortgages in case the market turns. The bank can conceivably rescind a mortgage approval if the first property is not sold before closing of the second property.

Whatever you do, try not to impulse buy. So if you don’t think you can afford it, stay way from those open house signs until the cash is in the bank or you have sold your home firm!