Dec 21

Are Young Adults Missing Out on Big Housing Opportunities?

Are Young Adults Missing Out on Big Housing Opportunities?

Are Young Adults Missing Out on Big Housing Opportunities? Image by Ambro & FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are Young Adults Missing Out on Big Housing Opportunities? Image by Ambro & FreeDigitalPhotos.net

With low mortgage rates and fallen home values, some housing analysts are questioning why more first-time buyers—particularly Young Adults—aren’t flooding to the market. As a recent Reuters article questions: Could they be missing out on the “sweet spot” of the housing market by delaying their home purchases?

The desire to buy is certainly there. Ninety-three percent of renters in the millennial generation say they plan to buy a home in the future, according to a poll by Trulia. But the number of first-time Young Adults home buyers remains constrained: One in three home buyers are first-timers, the article notes.

“Maybe that’s because some millennials—generally those now in their 20s to early 30s—don’t have the jobs that qualify them for mortgages, or because they are taking time to accumulate down payments, or because the ongoing wave of foreclosures has frightened them,” writes Linda Stern, a Reuters columnist.

Whatever the case, Young Adults may still have some time to cash in, particularly as long as financing a home purchase remains so low. The Fed announced it is keeping interest rates low until the unemployment rate drops below 6.5 percent, which the Fed doesn’t expect to happen until 2015.

Real estate professionals may be able to help the younger generation work toward their goal of home ownership in the meantime too.

For example, as the Reuters article points out, those looking to buy soon should take several steps to home ownership, such as working to improve and protect their credit score. “If your score is anything less than 740, find out how you can raise it — paying down a credit card balance, putting more time between you and your last late fee,” Stern writes. The article also notes CreditKarma.com, a free site that allows you to monitor your credit score until it’s more attractive to a lender.

Young adults who are aspiring for home ownership also should start tightening up their wallets and saving for a down payment and closing costs. Also, they should learn about mortgages available from the Federal Housing Administration, which offers loan products with low down payments that are popular among first-time home buyers.

Source: “Are First-time Homebuyers Missing the Sweet Spot?” Reuters (Dec. 19, 2012)

 

admin

For all of your Real Estate needs, place yourself in the competent hands of a career Realtor who is a Philadelphia native and Delaware County resident. Skilled, smart and enthusiastic about his work and his life, Anthony DiDonato has the appealing combination of business sense and people skills gives him an edge in an industry that demands both.

Educated at Drexel University with a dual major in accounting and finance and minors in management and psychology Anthony DiDonato offers over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has been a real estate investor since 1985 and a member of H.A.P.C.O. (Landlord Association). He became a licensed Realtor in 1992 and a member of the Local, Pennsylvania and National Associations of Realtors. Anthony DiDonato is also a member of the Computerized Multiple Listings, (MLS) and Internet Marketing Programs. In 1997 Anthony DiDonato became Century 21 All-Elite, Inc. Corporate Secretary.

Anthony DiDonato believes in taking his profession to the highest level of quality service. He is known for finding that “perfect” property in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania for his buyers and helping his sellers prepare their properties so they sell quickly and efficiently.

When it comes time to negotiate the terms of a contract, Anthony DiDonato has the knowledge, experience, and professionalism applied to meeting – or exceeding – his clients’ expectations. His service to his clients is second to none. His honesty and integrity have been his claim to fame.

For Superior Real Estate Representation in the Delaware Valley, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania… call Anthony DiDonato.