The Difference a Year Makes for Homeownership
hello • December 23, 2020
The Difference a Year Makes for Homeownership
Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen
more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them.
1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the equity
you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one that better meets your needs – something that’s truly a perfect fit, especially if your lifestyle has changed this year.
2. Become a First-Time Homebuyer: There are many financial and non-financial benefits to owning a home, and the most important thing is to first decide when the time is right for you. You have to determine that on your own, but know that now is a great time to buy if you’re considering it. Just take a look at the cost of renting vs. buying.
3.
Refinance: If you already own a home, you may decide you’re going to refinance. It’s one way to lock in a lower monthly payment and save more over time. However, it also means paying upfront closing costs, too. If you want to take this route, you have to answer the question: Should I refinance my home?
Why 2020 Was a Great Year for Homeownership
Last year, the average mortgage rate was 3.93%
(substantially higher than it is today). If you waited for a better time to make a move, market conditions have improved significantly. Today’s low mortgage rates are a huge perk
for buyers, so it’s a great time to get more for your money and consider a new home.
The chart below shows how much you would save per month based on today’s rates compared to what you would have paid if you purchased a home exactly one year ago, depending on how much you finance:
Bottom Line
If you’ve been waiting since last year to make your move into homeownership or to find a house that better meets your needs, today’s low mortgage rates may be just what you need to get the process going. Let’s connect today to discuss how you may benefit from the current rates.
Westside Sellers: Why Early Planning Matters More Than Early Listing For homeowners considering a sale this year, February is less about listing immediately—and more about strategic positioning . Sellers who start planning early often benefit from a clear pricing and marketing road map—learn more about our Seller services on the Westside . On the Westside of Los Angeles, homes that perform best in spring are rarely last-minute decisions. They’re the result of thoughtful planning that begins weeks—or even months—earlier.
What Beverlywood Home Sales Show Over Time Each January, I step back and look at what actually happened in our local real estate market — not forecasts or headlines, but real, closed sales. Over more than a decade of reviewing this data, one pattern has stood out: the number of homes sold each year remains relatively consistent, while prices steadily rise. This January snapshot looks first at Beverlywood as a whole, then drills down into three key sub-markets where I have long-standing experience and market share: Beverlywood HOA, Castle Heights, and Reynier Village. All data referenced in the final version of this report are based on single-family home sales reported in the Combined LA/Westside MLS, using consistent boundaries year over year.
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