4 Tips for Homebuyers in a Rising Interest Rate Environment

By Stan Ponte

Stan Ponte

Rising mortgage rates are causing uncertainty for many homebuyers in today’s market. The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate home loan rose to 5.27%, according to Freddie Mac on May 5th. In comparison, the average rate on America’s most popular home loan was 3.22% in early January and 2.96% a year ago.

While the rising interest rate environment might seem daunting for some buyers, there are still ways for consumers to purchase their dream home even though rates are higher. Here are four tips for homebuyers to consider when looking to purchase a home in a rising rate environment.

1. Cash is king

If buyers have the ability to pay all-cash for a home today, they will have a significant purchasing advantage and be seen as more likely to transact in the eyes of the seller. 

2. Be prepared

Buyers need to be extra prepared as time is likely not on their side. In today’s environment, interest rates can move quickly, either up or down. Buyers must be prepared to either buy interest rate locks or lose out because they are not ready to transact when they find a home. It’s important for buyers to work closely with a mortgage banker to ensure their current financial documents are updated and ready so that they can transact the moment they find a home. Buyers should triple check that all of their bank documents are updated with their mortgage banker especially if a home search is taking longer than expected. If a home search takes more than a month, buyers should provide new bank records so they can transact quickly when they are ready. If you are looking at potentially buying a co-op, where you own shares in the building rather than own the property itself, you may wish to do some research into what you need to do in order to get approved by the co-op board who are in charge of deciding whether your application will be accepted so that you give yourself the best chance of being able to secure somewhere to live.

3. Be creative 

Buyers should work closely with their mortgage banker to understand the different loan products and get creative with their financing options. Now is the time for buyers to lean into the competitive process for mortgage providers to determine what products are available today, at what rate, and at what cost. Adjustable-rate mortgages have returned as a way to straddle today’s rising rate environment, but buyers should understand all of the risks and the benefits associated with these types of mortgages to determine if they are a viable option for them.

4. Be careful 

While demand is coming back for adjustable-rate mortgages today, buyers should carefully read the fine print and fully understand the mortgage product that are taking. When signing a five, seven, or even 10-year adjustable rate mortgage, there are potential negatives and buyers must be careful as these are considered slightly risker than a 30-year fixed. Not only do these mortgages adjust to the current market rate once the term is up, but some contain balloon payments and/or the inability to refinance at will.

Rising interest rates and other economic headwinds are causing concern for many homebuyers today, but with this uncertainty comes great opportunities in the current market. There are some great deals out there and now is the moment for buyers to act if they can. Rates can still be attained, but the mortgage product might look different today.

Stan Ponte is a Senior Global Real Estate Advisor and Associate Broker with Sotheby’s International Realty - East Side Manhattan Brokerage. He was named the #2 agent across all firms in Manhattan by individual sales volume in 2020 according to “The Thousand” list, an annual national ranking by The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends. As a realtor in New York City for the past 23 years, Stan’s client list ranges from first-time home buyers to CEOs, philanthropists, hedge fund managers, entertainers and technology thought leaders.

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