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Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost Consumers Thousands

for-saleThe financial costs of delaying or forgoing a home purchase in today’s unexpected market have become very high, according to the inaugural Opportunity Cost Report released by Realtor.com, a leading provider of online real estate services operated by News Corp subsidiary Move, Inc. With interest rates and home prices expected to rise within the next year, consumers could end costing themselves more by putting off buying a home.

The report reviewed the 382 largest markets in the U.S. using data on current median existing home prices, rents, local mortgage rates, and estimates of property tax, and insurance rates. It also factored in maintenance costs, costs of selling, forecasts for mortgage rates, home prices, and rents over a 30-year time period.

“Current market conditions give buyers the opportunity to build substantial wealth in the long-term, compared with renters and later buyers, in advance of the projected increase in mortgage rates and continuing price appreciation,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for realtor.com.  “The problem is inventory is low, which has many would-be home buyers –especially first timers – standing on the sidelines and missing out on potentially material financial gains.”

The estimated wealth an average buyer would accrue over a 30-year period totals $217,726, the report noted. The penalty of waiting one year to buy is $18,672, while the penalty of waiting three years to buy is $54,879. National data shows that homeowners see sizable financial benefits compared to lifetime renters, despite some markets being more buyer-friendly than others. The 30-Year financial benefit of owning ranges from more than $1 million in Santa Cruz, California to $200,000 nationally. In 88 percent of metro areas, buying a home produces a financial benefit of at least $100,000 over 30 years.

With estimated 30-year financial gains above $500,000, and opportunity costs of waiting three years as high as $200,000, ten markets are much more appealing to owners, the Realtors report. California and other Western states metros are expensive markets with strong housing demand and limited supply. The long-term wealth potential and financial penalty for delaying homeownership in these areas are the highest nationwide. This is mostly due to price appreciation, escalating rents, and higher mortgage rates on the horizon.

“This analysis looks solely at the financial reasons to buy a home, based on assumptions about rising mortgage rates and changes in home values,” Smoke said. “It’s important to remember that a home purchase decision is deeply personal. Potential buyers need to consider factors such as upcoming life events, job security, and potential relocation, in addition to financial benefits, because they too can have a significant impact on ownership.”

About Author: Xhevrije West

Xhevrije West is a writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas. She has worked for a number of publications including The Syracuse New Times, Dallas Flow Magazine, and Bellwethr Magazine. She completed her Bachelors at Alcorn State University and went on to complete her Masters at Syracuse University.
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