HOMEOWNERSHIP TRUMPS RENTING ONCE AGAIN!
HOME LOANS, SHASTA COUNTY, TIPS FOR BUYERS
February 3rd, 2009
Significant drops in home prices and interest rates have made home ownership attractive compared to renting once again. This has not been the case for the past 7 years or so due to a run up in home prices. Now that prices have dropped nearly 50% from the peak, and interest rates falling to historically low levels, mortgage payments are in line with rental rates.
In Redding, the median price has dropped to $190,000 according to a recent article in the Record Searchlight. Assuming a buyer can tender a 20% downpayment to avoid mortgage insurance and secure the lowest interest rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, the monthly payment will be $816. Add $200/month for property taxes and homeowners insurance for a total PITI payment of $1,016. This home would rent for about $1100/month.
Factor in tax advantages of home ownership and owning has a distinct financial advantage over renting. The homeowner will have about $7,600/year in mortgage interest deduction and $2000 in property tax deductions for a total of $9,600. Assuming a buyer is in the 28% tax bracket, and has income to write these deductions off, the buyer will save about $225/month in federal income taxes. I have not figured the additional tax benefits of state income tax deductions for this analysis. This means the net monthly housing expense is just under $800/month. Clearly, owning beats the heck out of renting in today’s housing market!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCA REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
