Fear of missing out, uncertainty in the marketplace, and misconceptions about financing can all be obstacles standing in the way of you owning your dream home. If you have wanted to buy a home, but issues like these have always held you back, you might be in for some good news. The market for Del Mar real estate has had its share of ups and downs in recent years. What direction is the market trending? Is now a good time to buy? What about next year? This article will examine the top reasons buyers have hesitated to purchase and how they overcame these five common objections.
Reasons why buyers hesitate
Buyer hesitation is a natural response when considering the purchase of a new home, especially if it is your first time and you are unfamiliar with the process. Knowing what to expect can empower buyers to overcome their doubts and fears, helping people like you to put aside their hesitation once and for all to become satisfied homeowners.
1. Market instability
This often-quoted reason to hold off on purchasing a home is based on much of the media attention the housing market has received during recent years. With market conditions fluctuating, how do you know when it is the right time to buy? And should that be a major concern when it comes to purchasing a home for you and your family?
The truth is that the future is always uncertain. Based on recent reports, though,
the housing market does seem to be achieving stability in 2023. While many see the market as favoring sellers for the past few years, several factors are swinging in the buyers' favor. While getting the timing right is important, everyone needs a home, and when it’s time to move, it’s time to move. So, don’t let an uncertain future stop you from getting a jump start on your next investment property or future family home.
2. Financing a new home purchase
Many buyers are under the impression that getting approved for a home loan is a tedious, nerve-wracking, stressful process that could end in rejection. Some people also believe that they need to save up a substantial amount of cash for a large down payment before they can even begin to look for a new home.
Traditionally, down payments are expected to be about 20% of the purchase price. However, recently, this has been shown not to be the case. Many buyers can move into new homes with down payments as low as 3%. According to
Bank of America, seven out of ten first-time homebuyers put down less than 20% on their home purchases.
Talk to your lender about different loan options, such as FHA loans and VA loans for veterans. Even if you can afford a more considerable down payment, you might not want to tie up your cash if you don’t have to.
3. Is renting a more affordable option?
Unfortunately, this common misconception keeps many potential homeowners out of the market for years. If you are under the impression that moving into a new home is more expensive than renting, the reality might surprise you. According to data from the
California Association of Realtors, buying a home is cheaper than renting in most counties over a span of seven years. This takes into account the largely overlooked benefits of buying a home, such as mortgage interest and property tax deductions, as well as the appreciation value of your home. And, of course, each year you decide to continue renting and put off buying is one less year of equity you could be building in your future investment.
4. Fear of a depreciating investment
While two years ago, buyers were scrambling to purchase any home on the market, things have slowed down considerably. With home prices still high, interest rates rising, and supply low, some buyers don’t want to invest if it’s possible that home prices could drop in the coming year (or years). The good news is that this is highly unlikely. In fact, according to a recent article in Forbes, some experts are even predicting an
increase in home prices of 3.5% per year over the next four years. If you have been trying to wait out the market to find rock bottom, that time may have already come and gone. Entering the real estate game now is a great way to ensure you make the most of your investment in the long term.
5. Competition among buyers
Low housing inventory has been another issue that has plagued buyers recently. With fewer houses available and more families to compete with on each property, it's becoming harder and harder to close on a home these days. But the housing inventory shortage is not a new problem and has been an issue since 2008.
There is some good news, though. According to
Forbes, single-family home construction has been on the rise in early 2023. Even if new construction is not happening in your desired location, new homes do open up opportunities for potential sellers that have been waiting to move. Once the steady flow of new homes hits the market, the increased availability should cause movement in all directions.
Del Mar real estate
So, what does all this mean for those looking for Del Mar real estate? Despite the recent headlines, predictions, and speculation, all the data points toward a stable and healthy market in the coming year. So if you have been hesitant about looking for a new home, you should let your personal circumstances determine whether you are ready rather than market conditions or the fear of an uncertain future. Your future is what you make it!
If you are considering the purchase of a new home and need the assistance of an experienced professional, it’s time to team up with trusted
Del Mar Realtor Cindy Mort. Cindy has been a resident of Southern California for the past 30 years and has an excellent track record of matching gorgeous homes with satisfied buyers. You could be next!
*Header photo courtesy of Cindy Mort