2020 has been a rough year for all of us. For many, life today looks nothing like what it did at the beginning of the year — but life does still go on. Big decisions like getting married and buying a home are still being made. While making those choices is particularly difficult right now, there are some silver linings.
The end of 2020 is actually a great time to invest in real estate. Real estate is generally a smart investment, no matter what the time of year. But some times are better than others.
Below the team at SRC Land explains why 2020 is a good year for land buyers, and why real estate might just be the investment you’ve been looking for.
Buying Property in 2020
There’s no denying that this year has been unprecedented. The combination of an election year and a pandemic has collided with the other real estate trends that have been developing for years, all of which have come to make 2020 a particularly good time for those interested in buying a home or property.
1. Mortgage Rates Are Low
If you’re considering buying a home, you’re probably considering credit options. While SRC Land offers Harlingen owner-financed lots for those unable to access credit through traditional lenders, low mortgage rates may be one factor to consider if you’re wondering if buying a home before the end of 2020 is right for you. Specifically, mortgage rates have dropped significantly since their peak in 2018. In fact, mortgage rates have hit record lows 9 times this year.
2. Prices Are Low
According to data collected by the Federal Reserve, sales prices on homes have been decreasing since 2017, based on a median price. That decline reached nearly 10 percent by the end of 2019. In 2020, prices haven’t dropped, but they have reached a “softening period.” Those prices are expected to rebound in the coming year.
3. The Stock Market Is Weathering the Storm
2019 was a good year for stock investors, putting them in a solid position to start the year. While 2020 has been chaotic, the stock market is still doing relatively well. This means both that the economy is healthy and that your own investments may be rebounding.
Buying Property at the End of the Year
Just like Halloween candy and airline tickets, you can save money on property by buying at the right time. By being patient and striking at the right time, you can save considerable money on your investment.
1. Thin Competition from Buyers
The one thing all of us probably remember from Economics 101 is the concept of supply and demand. When demand is low, prices are likely to drop. Because of this, October and November are generally a great time for home shopping. This is the time when most buyers stop looking for the year. December is particularly good because most potential buyers will be busy with the holidays.
2. Save on Taxes
Buying a lot or land for sale in Harlingen represents a significant opportunity to save money on your taxes for this year. These savings come in a few key forms:
- Deductions — If you buy a home prior to Dec. 31, you can deduct some of your mortgage loan interest, closing fees, and property taxes. Taken together, these deductions add up fast. This is especially true when your mortgage is still relatively new and your payments are primarily covering the interest.
- Tax Credits — Investment in things like energy-efficient homes can sometimes qualify you for specific tax credits.
3. Sellers Want to Save on Taxes Too
Buyers aren’t the only ones looking to save money on their taxes; sellers want to get in on those potential savings, as well. This is partly due to the fact that many sellers might be waiting to close a sale before purchasing their own home. This need to close in time to negotiate another purchase could lead sellers to be more flexible with the deals they offer you.
4. Save on Contractors
Winter can be an excellent time to do home renovations, especially in Texas. Winter tends to reach a slow down period during which many contractors may offer lower rates or simply be more available. This means you may have an easier time hiring plumbers, roofers, electricians, inspectors, and even moving companies.
The General Benefits of Buying Property
Thankfully, 2020 won’t last forever. Even once the year is over, buying and investing in real estate will still represent a great way to build your financial portfolio and future. There are countless benefits to buying and owning your own home, some of which include:
1. Earning a Consistent Income
Those interested in securing a source of stable passive income should consider purchasing property. Once an investor has a mortgage, the property can be rented out to create a consistent flow of income. This sort of stability is the foundation of an individual’s long-term financial health.
2. Owning Your Own Home
The rental-income opportunities of buying land lead to another benefit of purchasing a home: you won’t need to pay rent anymore. Sure, when you buy a home you will probably have some sort of mortgage, but the payments you make on that mortgage will go towards a home that you own rather than a temporary living space. This also means that you will have the freedom to make any changes to the home that you may want.
3. Building Your Equity
When you initially begin making payments on a mortgage, the majority of that money goes towards paying off the interest on the loan. However, once you begin paying off the principle of the loan, the actual borrowed amount, the equity in your home will begin to grow. After consistent payments, you can borrow against that equity for things like additional properties or college tuition.
