AfterThought: What The Rising Interest Rates May Mean To House Buyers

In the past five years, the housing market in Hardin County, KY and surrounding areas has had a healthy share of house hunters that eventually became home owners and sellers who were happy to sell their homes to prospective home buyers. But, with the newly announced increase in the mortgage interest rates for new mortgages and refinancing, this news may leave potential first time home buyers something to think about. Don’t let this frighten you because it may not really mean much especially if the house of your dreams is just a few documents away. There are ways to afford that house you really want around the Elizabethtown and Fort Knox, KY area.

As you can see, interest rates are still amazingly low compared to historical averages.

As an example, for a house worth $145,000, here is the side-by-side comparison on the payment difference that you will see. This is for a 30year mortgage using the mortgage calculator for the Elizabethtown, KY area.

$831.94/monthly payments @ 4% interest

$770.73/monthly payments at 3.25% interest

As you can see, the difference is not much, so this really shouldn't scare anyone. Now is still the best time to buy a house while these interest rates are still "friendly" on the wallet.

Start Saving Money Now 

One of the biggest mistakes most would-be home buyers make is when they jump in and buy a house without a solid plan of their cash flow. Before you set out and decide to become a home owner, before you even make that first call with an Elizabethtown, KY Realtor, you must have a sit down by yourself and with your significant other (if you have one) to see how much you can really afford with monthly payments and other payments that come along with buying a house. See how much money you and your significant other are making and how much you both are willing to pitch in to make the dream come true. Above all, even if as newlyweds or starting out in your career, you should already try to start a financial portfolio and build a good credit history so that it will become easier to get approved for a mortgage with the bank of your choice.

Try To Find Additional Income 

These days, even if you are making a comfortable living, you should always try to find another source of income to have more money coming and as well as more security. The more cash in hand you can get, the better. If you can squeeze in more hours while you're still able, then go ahead and do that. Your partner may also find additional income through online means or even selling something online or through Craigslist. A stable income is a good sign that you and your partner are both ready to get the home of your dreams.

Be Realistic With Your Choice Of House 

Beautiful lobby of house for sale. Check it out at
www.HardinHomes.com 

Everyone can dream about owning a mansion the size of a castle if they want to but when it all comes down to it, a good sized home just perfect for your family and is more than enough. If you get a house that you can easily afford, this will allow you to afford other luxuries in life without compromising money for monthly amortizations. Or, you can use the additional money you saved for a new business venture or even financial investments.

Banks Will Always Have Interest Rates 

Always remember that loans will always have interest rates and it is up to you and your partner to find the best bank that will offer the best rate. If you partner with a wonderful Elizabethtown KY Realtor, they might even be able to point you to the best bank in the area that will have great rates. One prime example of a real estate company in  Hardin County and beyond is www.HardinHomes.com and their listings include additional information that most other real estate companies do not have. Check their listings out and speak with an Elizabethtown Realtor of some house choices that you find perfect for your family.

Remember, when there is a will; there is always a way… 
Good luck with your house hunting this season.