Why Interest Rates Shouldn't Be Your Top Concern When Buying a Home

Tampa Bay New Home Finders

Are You Focusing on the Wrong Part of the Financial Equation?

Many home buyers are anxiously waiting for interest rates to drop before making a move. However, they might be focusing on the wrong aspect of the financial equation. Instead of stressing over interest rates, it’s crucial to consider what you can comfortably afford to pay each month.


For instance, even if you’re pre-approved for a $300,000 loan, the real question is whether you can manage the monthly payments. By prioritizing your monthly budget, you can avoid financial stress and make a smarter decision when buying a home.


Real-Life Example: Beyond Pre-Approval


Recently, I worked with a buyer who was thrilled to be pre-approved for a $450,000 home. During our consultation, we reviewed their pre-approval letter. They were surprised to learn that the monthly payment didn’t include taxes, HOA fees, CDD fees, or insurance costs, which significantly increased the total monthly payment.


The Right Question to Ask


When working with a lender, the key question isn’t about the interest rate. Instead, ask, “I want to pay $X a month, including taxes and insurance. What price range can I get approved for?” This approach ensures you understand your full financial commitment and can avoid falling in love with a home that’s beyond your comfortable budget.


Hidden Costs and Important Considerations


  • Down Payment and Reserves: Besides the monthly payment, the biggest hurdles for first-time buyers are often the down payment, closing costs, and having a three-month reserve.
  • Incentives: New construction homes often offer financial incentives that can help with closing costs or buying down the interest rate.
  • Credit Score: A higher credit score opens up better mortgage options. Some builders even offer programs to help improve your credit score while your home is being built.

Building Wealth Through Homeownership


Buying your first home might not be about finding your dream home immediately. It’s a crucial step toward building wealth and eventually reaching your dream home. I’ve helped many buyers start with a “starter” home. They lived there for a few years, built equity, and used that equity for the down payment on their next home, even amidst higher interest rates.


The bottom line is to ask the right questions and work with a knowledgeable buyer’s agent, especially when considering new construction options. Remember, buying a home is about building your wealth, not your landlord’s. The first home is a stepping stone to your dream home.

To learn more about the new construction opportunities in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, visit here!





If you are considering purchasing a new construction home and would like to ask questions, schedule a discovery call today with one of us or our designated New Home Specialists.


Carla Goddard | East Pasco Living Team Lead | Operations Director Builder Services


Graduate, REALTOR® Institute | Residential Specialist | BHHS-Certified New Home Specialist | Certified National Home Specialist – Residential Construction Certified (CNHS-RCC) | NHCB Certified New Homes Co-Broker |BHHS-Certified eCertified® Specialist | BHHS-Certified rCertifiedSM Referral and Relocation Specialist | Tampa Bay Builder Services Manager

📧email: carla@eastpascoliving.com

📲text/call 813.716.4498

By CARLA GODDARD October 28, 2024
We have all heard the great “renting vs buying” debate for years. Some people love renting because, if something in the home breaks, they’re not responsible for fixing it. And I get it. I own property and have had some particularly bad experiences when something went wrong (at the worst possible time). And it’s true, when you rent, you have fewer responsibilities. However, renting isn’t as hands off as many people think, and to be honest, you’ve probably already been paying for those costly repairs without even knowing it. In fact, you’ll probably pay more as a renter than you would as an owner. Let me explain… #1 Owning Will Yield A Return On Your Investment When you own a home, you get tax deductions, which is a big incentive. And unlike renting, your mortgage can’t go up due to inflation or deflation. You’re also building up tons of equity, which means that, when you sell, you’ll have more cash for retirement or more cash to put down on your next home. #2 Renting Makes Your Landlord Rich (Not You) People who own homes are essentially paying into a huge investment every month, so although they have a house payment, it’s going to their mortgage - not to their landlord’s pocket. Additionally, most landlords raise the rent every year, to adjust for the cost of appreciation, which means that the renter is actually the one who’s paying for the depreciation (and future repairs) on all of the appliances of the home. If you’re going to pay that cost anyway, it’s probably better for you to pay them on a home you actually own. #3 Rent Costs are Up Generally speaking, rent in sought-after areas can be massive. Right now, most rent costs are up 5% or more - But while interest rates are in flux. It still means that, for about the same price as renting, you can have more space, freedom, and peace of mind in a home you own. #4 Owning Has More Stability The tenant landlord relationship is notoriously tricky. Landlords write the contract, name their price, and control pretty much everything about the place you call home. They can enter your home, hire their own repairmen (however sketchy and DELAYED they may be), or even sell the home... and there’s very little you can do about it. When you own, you have greater control over all of these things. #5 You can’t make it your own One of the worst things about renting is that you can’t personalize, decorate, or improve the space. So renters are typically stuck with the paint, flooring, hardware, and appliances as the day they moved in… And sometimes, decades before they moved in! (Hello shag carpets!) The sad thing is, most renters rent because they don’t even know that they can comfortably afford a home. They just need a great team who can help calculate the math behind renting vs. owning. If that sounds like you (or someone you know), we can help. No pressure, no sales tactics, just helpful advice and the guidance you need! Our team includes no pressure mortgage brokers who will work with you to see what makes sense for YOU! And finally, if you’re not thinking about making a move just yet, feel free to save this blog for future reference, so you can come back to it! Have a great week!
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