Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You Back

Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back. That’s feeling locked in by today’s higher mortgage rates and worrying they won’t be able to find something to buy while supply is so low. Let’s dive into each challenge and give you some helpful advice on how to overcome these obstacles.

Challenge #1: The Reluctance to Take on a Higher Mortgage Rate

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the average interest rate for current homeowners with mortgages is less than 4% (see graph below):

But today, the typical 30-year fixed mortgage rate offered to buyers is closer to 7%. As a result, many homeowners are opting to stay put instead of moving to another home with a higher borrowing cost. This is a situation known as the mortgage rate lock-in effect.

The Advice: Waiting May Not Pay Off

While experts project mortgage rates will gradually fall this year as inflation cools, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should wait to sell. Mortgage rates are notoriously hard to predict. And, right now home prices are back on the rise. If you move now, you’ll at least beat rising home prices when you buy your next home. And, if experts are right and rates fall, you can always refinance later if that happens.

Challenge #2: The Fear of Not Finding Something to Buy

When so many homeowners are reluctant to take on a higher rate, fewer homes are going to come onto the market. That’s going to keep inventory low. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Inventory will remain tight in the coming months and even for the next couple of years. Some homeowners are unwilling to trade up or trade down after locking in historically-low mortgage rates in recent years.”

Even though you know this limited housing supply helps your house stand out to eager buyers, it may also make you feel hesitant to sell because you don’t want to struggle to find something to purchase.

The Advice: Broaden Your Search

If fear you won’t be able to find your next home is the primary thing holding you back, remember to consider all your options. Looking at all housing types including condos, townhouses, and even newly built homes can help give you more to choose from. Plus, if you’re able to work fully remote or hybrid, you may be able to consider areas you hadn’t previously searched. If you can look further from your place of work, you may have more affordable options.

Bottom Line

Shift your attention away from the challenges and direct it towards the aspects you can control. Get in touch with a nearby agent to collaborate with a seasoned professional who possesses the expertise to guide you through this process and discover your ideal home. For this purpose, consider contacting Anne-Britt at Mountain Rose Realty. 

In conclusion, finding the perfect home may seem like a daunting task with its fair share of challenges. However, by shifting your focus to what you can control and seeking the assistance of a qualified professional, the journey can become much smoother and rewarding.

Anne-Britt and Mountain Rose Realty are here to be your trusted partners in this exciting endeavor. With their extensive experience and expertise, they will navigate the real estate waters on your behalf, ensuring that you find the home of your dreams.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, Anne-Britt and Mountain Rose Realty have the local knowledge and dedication to help you make the best decisions. Your satisfaction and happiness are their top priorities.

Take the stress out of the home buying process and let Anne-Britt and Mountain Rose Realty guide you every step of the way. Get in touch with them today and start your journey towards finding the perfect home that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Remember, your dream home is just a click or a call away with Anne-Britt and Mountain Rose Realty. Let's make your homeownership dreams a reality!