If you’re revving up to buy a house in the next 12 months—or trying to decide if it’s the right time for you—a little inside info will help you make your best moves. The housing market made some big changes in 2018 as the rise in housing prices (finally) starting slowing, and the 2019 market will have its own quirks, too. Here’s what home buyers and home-dreamers need to know.
Inventory’s still tight – but great houses are out there.
Inventory has fallen nonstop for the last few years, and in 2019, that won’t change. The good news is, you can still find a great house. Here are three tips for buying in a tight market:
- Consider a fixer-upper. Instead of looking at houses above your budget, look at fixer-uppers priced below your budget and invest the rest upgrading it. You’ll end up with a home full of your own design choices, and just think of the eventual return on investment. Just be sure to buy smart: avoid fixer-uppers with red-flag issues like a crumbling foundation.
- Look at old listings. Old doesn’t always mean a listing has issues—it can also mean the house was priced too high from the start. Some sellers drag their feet before lowering the price, and the house just hangs out on the market. When buyers search only for new listings, they can miss great properties with price adjustments.
- Get a sneak peek. Ask your agent about “coming soon” listings for homes waiting to hit the market. Often, real estate agents have the inside scoop on homes two to four weeks before they’re listed.
Homes are expensive, but your down payment doesn’t have to be.
Home prices have largely outpaced income growth, making it increasingly hard for would-be homebuyers to purchase a home. And in 2019, limited supply will only keep pushing prices up.
For 53 percent of renters who want to buy, the biggest challenge is the down payment. But here’s something that might surprise them: the 20 percent down payment everyone talks about is way more than what most people pay.
Most buyers pay 5-10 percent down, and some even pay zero (yep, zero). Talk with your real estate agent and lender and research loan alternatives with traditionally low down payments like FHA and VA. You can also find down payment assistance through sites like Down Payment Resource and your state’s housing finance agencies.
Don’t let the coming year’s still-tight market slow down your home buying momentum. There are great homes out there, whether they’re in one of our hot markets or your own neighborhood. In 2019 may be your year for a new home.