Austin Texas Homes

All good things good to an end it seems. And the low-low 4% interest rates have ended. According to the experts, there is little hope that they will return.

For the past three months interest rates have remained under the 5% mark. Just a few short weeks ago, homeowners seeking a refinance, and buyers could get a mortgage loan with an interest rate around the 4.75% mark. Last week the national average was 4.91%. This week interest rates have shot up to 5.39% (as reported by Freddie Mac)! This is the highest interest increase in six months.

According to Yahoo Real Estate today’s rate is 5.396%. However, according to ReatyTimes.com the average rate is 4.91%. Either way, today’s rates indicate interest rates for home mortgages are on the rise.

Austin homeowners, it is important that you understand how higher interest rates effect you. There are some negatives and a very great positive reaction when interest rates go up.

Negative Reactions:

When interest rates rise, even slightly, less buyers qualify
When interest rates rise, buyers do not buy because of higher mortgage payments, which make renting more affordable
When interest rates rise, a home refinance is less likely to be beneficial

Positive Reaction:

When interest rates rise, home purchase activity goes up because buyers want to buy before the rates increase further

Austin home buyers, it is important that you understand how higher interest rates effect you

A higher interest rate results in a higher mortgage payment
A higher interest rate results in less buying power
A higher interest rate can keep you from qualifying for a mortgage loan

A higher interest rate costs you ten of thousands of dollars (in interest paid) over a long period of time (30-year mortgage)

Austin home buyers if you are considering purchasing a home in 2009, get off the fence. There are great reasons to buy now, including the one time (and for this year only), tax credit. By the way, there have been changes to the tax credit which will allow you to use it as a down payment or to pay closing costs when using FHA financing. I will be posting a blog on the benefits of how buying now can save you a lot of money.

Austin homeowner if you are considering refinancing your home loan, get off the fence. The higher the interest rate the less sense it makes to refinance. I will be posting a blog on the benefits of refinancing in a future blog.

Attention Austin homeowners. I will be posting a blog on the benefits of refinancing. It may not be too late!
Attention Austin buyers, I will be posting a blog on the benefits of how buying now can save you a lot of money.

Shay