Should I Buy a House Now?

Are you wondering if you should buy a house? 

One of Crown’s employees and her husband tried to buy a home a couple of months ago. They made an offer, but the house sold to someone who offered 18% over the asking price! Before making an offer, answer these questions:

• Are you financially stable and ready to lock into a mortgage, with no guarantee that the home will retain its value?

• Is your career inflation proof?

• Do you have 3 to 6-months of emergency savings?

• Can you afford a plumber or electrician, or can you make the repairs? 

Greg McBride is the chief financial analyst at bankrate.com. He said, “Although the national average on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is now above 4 percent, there are plenty of lower rates available for borrowers that shop around. Conducting an online search can save thousands of dollars by finding lenders offering a lower rate and more competitive fees.” McBride recommends steering clear of adjustable-rate mortgages for now. He sees rising mortgage rates eliminating some buyers, but he doesn’t see a halt in rising home prices. Instead, he predicts a slower pace of appreciation. So don’t buy more house than you can afford. You’ll end up house poor, strapped to a place that will rob you of sleep. I don’t recommend spending more than 30% of your income on a home. You need margin to give, save, and invest. Remember, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord is what stands.” (Proverbs 19:21)

And if you’re trapped in credit card debt, I recommend Christian Credit Counselors. They’ll create a debt management plan just for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline: 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.