Kalamazoo MI Real Estate: An economist responded when asked how interest rates would change: “They may fall some and then, rise and after that, they’ll fluctuate.”
Just because interest rates have been low for ten years doesn’t mean they are supposed to be low or will stay low. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates twice this year and are expected to go up twice more plus three times next year.  Mortgage rates have risen from 3.95% to 4.62% since the first of January.
Increased rates directly affect the payments on homes but so does the price. With inventory levels remaining low, the prices will continue to go up. When interest rates and prices rise at the same time, it costs buyers a lot more.
If the mortgage rates go up by one percent and prices increase by five percent in the next year, the payment on a $250,000 home could go up by $200 a month. In a seven-year period, the buyer would pay $18,000 more for the home.
People planning to buy a ho ...

Kalamazoo MI:  Dreaming of owning a second home on a lake or a condo in two places to be able to be snow birds?  We would love to help you accomplish that dream!  Our team is able to help you buy a home in the SW Mich area and we can connect you to a pre-screened REALTOR of integrity in any state or Canada so you will be sure you are working with a great agent anywhere. We are often asked whether a second home get taxed like a primary residence?  They do have some key tax differences.  Here is a quick summary of what we understand to be the differences. This article is intended for informational purposes and advice from a tax professional for your specific situation should be obtained prior to making a decision that can have tax implications. Note that we have been told that a principal residence is the primary home where you live and a second home is used mainly for personal enjoyment while limiting possible rental activity to a maximum of 14 days pe ...

Kalamazoo real estate - For the last 25 years, most buyers have gotten a new mortgage or paid cash when purchasing a home. Years ago when we (David and Cindi) purchased our first house, we assumed a mortgage at 8% interest when the rates were about 12.5%!  We were thrilled to save so much money every month! 
There haven’t been significant numbers of assumptions in the past 25 years because interest rates have been steadily going down and FHA and VA have also added qualification requirements on assumptions that were not present in the past.  Since interest rates were going down and If a person had to qualify, they might as well do it on a new loan and get a lower interest rate.
Even though mortgage money is currently attractive and available, it is at a four-year high. When interest rates on new mortgages are higher than the rates of assumable FHA and VA mortgages originated in the recent past the question becomes.....Does it make sense to consider the possibili ...

Protect your Family from Lead in your Home Booklet for Reading or Free Download

Learn the impact of a higher interest rate on your Greater Kalamazoo home purchase.