Should you Try to "Time the Market"
One problem with attempting to time your purchase to the business cycle is that no one can accurately predict the future. Another challenge is that interest rates are generally higher during a depressed market and income may not be keeping up. For that reason, fewer people can qualify for a home purchase than in more prosperous times.
Why You Should Not Wait
Plus, this strategy generally works best for first-time buyers. People who already have a home usually need to sell it in order to buy their next one. If a "move-up" buyer wants to buy a home during a depressed market, that means they usually have to sell one during the slow market, too. If a seller wants to sell his home to take advantage of a "hot" market when prices are fairly high, they generally have to buy their next home during that same hot market. It tends to equal out.
Finally, the business cycle can change over time. Since 1983, we have had two fairly long expansions with only a slight recession in between each. You would not want to wait nine years to buy a home, would you? You could miss out on a substantial amount of appreciation by waiting, and end up paying much higher prices.
Next Determining Your Offer Price
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Benefits of Owning Your Own Home |
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Important Things To Avoid Before Buying a Home |
Don't Buy a Car - or Did You Already Buy One? |
The Business Cycle and Buying a Home |
Comparable Sales and Your Offer Price |
Major Factors Influencing your Offer Price |
Offering to Purchase Real Estate- the Basics |
Writing an Offer - Safeguards Regarding the Property |
How Financing Details Affect Your Offer |
How FHA and VA Financing Affects Your Offer |
Selecting Service Providers |