Taking Advantage of Historically Low Interest Rates

When buying a home for the first time, you have the luxury of deciding when it is the best time to make a purchase. One factor that can determine when it’s the right time to buy is the interest rate.  When it is low, there are a number of benefits to buyers.

Benefits of Low Interest Rates to Buyers

First time buyers do not always consider the interest rate when purchasing, but they should because:

• A lower interest rate means a lower monthly payment, and buyers can also qualify for a higher mortgage amount as a result.
• A lower interest rate means that their home costs them less in the long-term.
• A lower interest rate can mean that there are more houses on the market as sellers are trying to take advantage of the large number of buyers.

Finding Low Interest Rates

Even when interest rates are at historic lows, it is possible to shop around to find the best price. Just because a quoted low interest rate sounds appealing doesn’t mean it is the lowest available. There are a number of ways to accomplish this:

• Use a mortgage broker that can help you compare interest rates from multiple lenders.
• Don’t feel as though you need to be loyal to a specific bank just because you have used them in the past.
• Don’t be afraid to use lenders against each other when one gives you a good interest rate offer. Mention it to another lender to see if they’ll match it.

What Constitutes Historical Low Interest Rates?

In 2011, interest rates remained around 4% (and always under 5%) for a 15-year fixed mortgage.  Compared to past years, as outlined below, it is easy to see why these are considered record low.

• 1983 – interest rates ranged from the high 12% to high 13% for fixed mortgages.
• 1990 – interest rates ranged from the high 9% to the low 10% for 15-year fixed mortgages.
• 1996 – fixed interest rates remained in the high 6% to low 7% range.
• 2000 – mortgage interest rates were between 8% to 9%.
• 2005 – there were low interest rates of between 5% to 6%.

It is expected that these low interest rates may remain until 2013. Buyers already committed to a mortgage may be able to take advantage of these historically low rates, but it will be more complicated. First time buyers have the option to get into the housing market while costs are low.