In a recent article on CNBC by Diane Olick, it is reported that weekly mortgage applications have risen by 5.3%. It is quite likely driven by the low rates, which may now last longer than previously expected. In general, purchase demand is weakening in the more expensive markets due to affordability issues.
Interest rates
Homeowners’ interest rates on mortgages are now about 4.65%. Investors always have higher rates, but can still get rates in the relatively low 5’s, which historically (for investors) is one of the lowest rates in the past few decades (only higher than the mid 4’s from about a year and a half ago, but much lower than most historical rates over the past few decades).
For us, as investors in new single-family rental homes in the Sun Belt states, demand for mortgages is up, and so is the demand for housing. Yet price increases over the past year have not been sharp. This makes some large metro areas in the Sun Belt affordable and sensible to the investor.
I have said countless time how special it is to get a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage which never keeps up with the cost of living (neither the PI monthly payment nor the remaining mortgage balance). Thus, inflation constantly erodes the real value of our loan, while the tenant’s rent is paying it off. To be able to get such 30-year fixed-rate loans at today’s rate is an extra special gift (for reference, when I started buying homes in the 1980’s, rates on investor mortgages were about 14%).
Investors should buy in the Sun Belt
Investors will be well served to buy new, good homes in good metro areas in the Sun Belt, getting a 30-year fixed-rate loan if they can (FNMA only allows 10 per person or 20 for a couple where both spouses can independently qualify). Many of our investors have exceeded that threshold. However, those of you that still can get these great loans, would be wise to use them.
Reach out to our office to schedule a time with me if you would like to discuss this further at (415) 927-7504 or email info@wordpress-477489-3816299.cloudwaysapps.com
