"Timing" your closing

As investment advisors say, you can't time the market. But in real estate, there is one sure thing--the end of the month will be a busy time for closings. Why? Well, when you buy a home, the interest clock starts ticking from the date of closing. When you pay your mortgage, the interest is paid for the full month in arrears. That means that any interest 'charged' in the current month is due at closing. Let's put that into perspective. Today is the 11th. IF you closed today, your new loan's first payment would be due in APRIL. When you pay April's payment, guess what? You just covered all the interest for MARCH. That leaves February hanging so that would leave 19 days of interest left due and payable at closing. For a $200,000 loan at 4.25%, that would be around $23 per day SO you'd have to come up with $437 at closing to cover the interest. If you closed on the 29th, you'd have to pay ONE day of interest or $23; if you closed on Friday the 26th you'd pay $92. IF you are a cash-strapped buyer that extra money can mean a LOT (like paying for movers or pizza for all your buddies who are helping you move). I can see why people want to close at month-end but let me tell you why NOT.

Think of it this way--this is not a revelation to realtors and loan officers. They know their clients' personal situations and will try to schedule these cash-strapped buyers on the last day or as close to it as possible. Again, I get it BUT just realize that there are many issues that could come up. As EVERYONE is super busy, what happens if something goes wrong? Primarily, if the loan is delayed then the closing can be delayed. Again, everyone is busy; things happen. BUT why would you want to set yourself up for something to happen to YOU? Also, people tend to want to close on Friday. Why? Well, the theory is so that they can move the next day. IF something goes wrong though, guess what? If your Seller (especially if they are a builder) "doesn't care" that you have a $100/hour mover idling in the cul de sac. They "don't care" that you have everything lined up. If they don't get their money, it didn't fund. If it didn't fund, you don't own a home. If you don't own the home, do you expect them to just let you move in? NO. Again, they aren't truly uncaring people (hence the quotes around don't care). With that being said, ask any closing attorney or agent about horror stories about people moving in and causing damage, etc. prior to owning the home, with the extreme example of that happening PLUS something totally going south with the loan process and then they can't actually buy the home. Who would be stuck? THE SELLER. (SO if you are a Seller, think twice about allowing someone to move in w/o closing; call and ask me why sometime; that's another post!).

Tips? Close the equivalent of the week of the 20th or 25th on a WEDNESDAY. Why? Well, you're close to month-end (less out of pocket, CHECK) and guess what? If 'something' happens at closing, there are several days to sort it out. What could happen? Missing documents, underwriting issues, missing funds, delayed funding wires, delayed documents, etc. etc. etc. In all honesty, I haven't had many closings take more than a day (extra) to fund when issues have come up; but if it was on a Friday, you'd be looking for a hotel!

There's my tip for the day! Get out there and find your next home! (and remember to call us to close it for you!) Bo

Spend, spend spend

I had missed this email back in November but click HERE for an excellent read on why the government's SPENDING is killing our country. Well reasoned and supported...

Interest rates on the rise... move fast!

Are you considering a home purchase? A refinance? The time is NOW. Why? Read THIS ARTICLE noting that rates are rising but also take into account that it is widely accepted that the FED will raise short-term rates this summer. Sure, those rates actually have nothing to do with Long-term (e.g. mortgage) rates BUT it will still affect the marketplace. If they do raise the "Federal Funds Rate" expect to see car loan interest rates to go up as well as 2nd Mortgage (HELOC) rates, which are based on the Prime rate AND don't forget credit card rates will likewise rise. SO as noted, while the Prime rate may have 'no affect' on mortgage rates, the factors allowing people to AFFORD a mortgage will definitely be affected (okay, if they don't have ANY car loans or ANY credit card debt or ANY other interest rate affected items, then you are correct, I am wrong ; )

In sum-if you want to buy a house or refinance, do it NOW and definitely before August 1st when the world ends, thanks to dear old blubbering Barney Frank. Cheers!

Rent vs. Buying in ATL

These people DO realize that you could buy a nice HOUSE in-town for somewhere close to the monthly rents listed, right???

Click HERE for the story. Bottom line--if you can afford rent over $1200 per month, you can afford a home!

Home sales info!

More info on the housing market (click HERE for the article).

While I understand the comment from an economics standpoint I totally disagree with the 'concept' that existing-home sales don't contribute to the GDP. There is a HUGE ripple effect from the purchase/sale of a home--Sellers (hopefully) got paid and now can purchase another home or more 'stuff' (or pay down debt so they can get more 'stuff') and Buyers need to make that home 'theirs' (Home Depot/Lowes, here they come! Ditto for furniture, electronics, etc.). Regardless, good info!

Buying vs. Renting--in a word: Wealth!

Click HERE for a great article as to why homeowners are in general more well off than renters. Food for thought! Bo

Renting vs. Owning--a quick commentary

I was reviewing a contract for a gentleman purchasing an in-town townhome in the $300's; his mortgage was going to be about $1700 with Dekalb taxes and it seemed like a killer deal. While he will probably pay some monthly HOA dues, I know that there are older homes in our area (Brookhaven) that can be purchased in this price point that would NOT require HOA dues. What is the point of this commentary? He moved out of an upscale apartment complex because his monthly rent on a 2 Bedroom/2 Bath apartment with less than 1300 square feet was going to be $1625 per month! OUCH!

I am just using this example to give you pause to think about why you're renting (if you are...). If you pay rent, it goes to the landlord. If you pay your own mortgage, your asset is (hopefully!) appreciating and your balance is dropping. If you do your homework, you can find something much larger than 1300 square feet for a lower monthly cost. Yes, you may have more to upkeep but the tax benefits alone may make it worth it! Regardless, I continue to be blown away by renters who pay such high amounts when financing is so inexpensive!

With that being said, move quickly! Rates are still low; inventory is still tight. BUT rates WILL go up and there will always be houses out there--you just have to dig!