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    3 Ways Low Mortgage Rates Impact The Value of Your Home

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on everything... From travel to toilet paper stock at your local grocery store....

    • Ken Schwartz
    • April 6th, 2020
    • 3 min read

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on everything...

    From travel to toilet paper stock at your local grocery store. However, there’s another effect you might want to keep an eye on if you’re a homeowner: Falling mortgage rates. In the United States, the Federal Reserve cut rates by half a percentage point on March 3 (to keep up with the market), then again by 1.5 percent on March 15 (in response to COVID-19). In Canada, the Bank of Canada cut rates by 1% on March 13.

    What does this mean if you’re already a homeowner? The first answer is easy: If you’ve been thinking about refinancing, now’s a good time to lock in a low rate. But if you’re concerned about the value of your home (particularly if you’ve been looking to sell in the next year), the news is a little more complicated. Here’s how the latest low mortgage rates might impact home values:

    ONE

    The number brings out more buyers — typically.

    Low mortgage rates motivate many potential homebuyers to take the leap into homeownership. When there are more buyers than there are homes, supply and demand apply and you can expect property values to increase. However, that’s the expected scenario when there are low rates without a worldwide pandemic. If COVID-19 keeps buyers at home and properties linger on the market, price cuts abound and then create a trend towards lower home values.

    TWO

    Low rates here means low rates elsewhere.

    Interest rate changes don’t just affect mortgages, it also affects savings accounts, CDs and other investments. Lower rates of return elsewhere mean less capital that could go into purchasing real estate, a factor that puts “supply” ahead of “demand.” Ideally, though, lackluster rates of return could motivate potential buyers to put their money into real estate instead, leading to a rise in home prices (and home values).

    THREE

    Buyers could be waiting for even more cuts.

    While no one knows the long-term effects COVID-19 will have on the economy, many anticipate another rate drop to follow. Potential buyers might take a “wait and see” approach, which leads to homes languishing on the market, price cuts and possible trends in lower home values as a result if it’s a long-term issue.

    Overall, the low mortgage rates generally mean good news for sellers, but the current pandemic does add an element of uncertainty that brings caveats. While national trends are an important factor to watch, your best indicator of where your local market is going is by keeping an eye on your neighborhood — and getting in contact with a realtor who already is up on the area.

    While we tried to cover the most common reasons why low mortgage rates can affect property value...

    The other factors that could affect your home’s value might not have been mentioned. We know that every seller has different timelines and priorities. 

    If you’re concerned about how your home’s value could be affected by low mortgage rates, we’re here to listen to your concerns and help walk you through the process.

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    About the author

    Ken Schwartz

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    Since 2008, I have been helping clients reach their goals, and doing so in the most professional fashion possible. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at San Diego in 2008. After working in the field for a short time, I found my true calling in Real Estate. My ability to talk with people and problem solve made real estate a perfect fit for me. I obtained my Real Estate License in 2008 and have worked in the industry ever since. My previous experience includes Property Management and helping clients Buy or Sell their home. In 2012 I received my Real Estate Brokers license and have recently joined the team at CENTURY 21 Affiliated. When I'm not out selling homes, I love spending time with my wife and 4 french bulldogs. I also play in an adult baseball league, which helps fulfill my competitive nature. Having played baseball in high school, it is a great extension to my glory days. Thankfully San Diego has such great weather, we can play year round. My expertise in the San Diego market and the outstanding resources of CENTURY 21 Affiliated give my clients the satisfaction that I can provide them the best quality service out there. A Real Estate transaction can be a stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. We do everything we can to make it as smooth as possible, while delivering our clients the best value and helping to build their personal wealth.

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    Ken Schwartz Real Estate

    Ken Schwartz | CA DRE #01854235 | NMLS 2461429

    2020 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 800, San Diego CA 92108

    2020 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 800, San Diego CA 92108

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    858-500-2195

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