Everyone has their own specific set of factors that can motivate them to jump into the housing market. For those potential buyers still on the fence about whether they want to buy, we have outlined our Top Five reasons why people should start their home buying process this spring.

Five Reasons You Should Consider Buying A Home Now

Interest rates are not going down anytime soon.

Interest rates are currently just below 4% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Interest rates are not expected to stay at historic lows anytime in the near future, so buying a home sooner rather than later may mean that you may be able to save a few thousand dollars each year, depending on the amount of the mortgage you plan on taking out.

According to CNBC, mortgage applications were up 10% last week due to current interest rates, the lowest IN YEARS.

There are cheaper mortgage insurance premiums in effect.

Due to there being cheaper mortgage insurance premiums, in some cases it may be a better idea to buy a home sooner due to all of the other benefits of buying now, instead of waiting later when housing may be more expensive and interest rates may be higher. Yes, saving for a larger down payment may be a great idea, but when you combine all of the factors in this article, you may actually find yourself losing money over the long-term. Last January, The Obama Administration directed, via executive action, the Federal Housing Administration to reduce annual mortgage insurance premiums by 50 basis points, from 1.35% to 0.85%.  On a $300,000 loan, this makes the savings approximately $150 per month!

Home values are expected to increase.

Home prices are said to be increasing and they are only expected to keep increasing in the future. Inventory is down and is expected to shrink further, homes are being sold above asking price, and interest rates are climbing. Also, according to Freddie Mac, home prices are expected to see a price gain of 4.5% in 2015 alone, and they’re expected to keep increasing in the following years. The latest local market activity report from the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors said home prices increased 4.5% from March 2015 to March 2016, and the YTD increase is 5.7% year over year.  Real estate analysts expect this trend to continue. That means if you’re in the market to buy a $300,000 home, next year that same home could cost you over $315,000.

Rent prices are increasing.

Rent prices are increasing month after month in the United States. In many areas in the U.S., you may even find yourself paying a higher amount towards rent each month than you would if you had a monthly mortgage payment. According to Zillow’s most recent real estate market report, rents for residential housing in the United States grew at their fastest pace in two years in the first quarter of 2016, surpassing home values. Rents outpaced home values in 20 of the 35 largest U.S. housing markets. In addition to rising rent, tenants don’t benefit from the same tax breaks such as mortgage interest credit that homeowners receive.

The joys of home ownership.

Monthly mortgage payment costs are less today than they were even a year ago.  We know you want to save money, but don’t you want to take pride in owning your very own space?  Think about how much fun it will be to personalize your rooms by painting them a custom color, and not having to ask your landlord for permission. How about gardening or getting a new pet to love?  The joys of home ownership are so rewarding.  Even if you’re older and don’t want the hassle of maintaining your own home, there are lifestyle community options for the growing 55+ population that make so much sense.

IS A 55+ COMMUNITY PERFECT FOR YOU?

Designed with the needs of aging residents in mind, 55+ communities are becoming popular choices for seniors. While every homebuyer has his or her own set of needs in mind, the 55+ homebuyer is likely to find what they’re looking for in a community that is designed just for them.

1. Homes Designed for Seniors
   Not to be confused with retirement homes or nursing facilities, senior communities can range from apartment complexes or condos, to single-family homes in gated communities. These communities often have special features that are specifically designed for aging residents such as wider doorways to allow room for walkers or wheelchairs. Additionally, most of these homes are one-level, allowing residents easy access to any room without having to go up and down stairways.

2. Fabulous Amenities
   Senior communities don’t have to be boring! The 55+ communities typically have great amenities, including clubhouses, fitness centers, tennis courts, pools and spas, and golf course access. Some even offer fun, community events such as cooking classes, dance classes, games, and craft workshops.

3. Low Maintenance Living
   Most senior communities have homeowners associations, which are often charged with the responsibility of maintaining the community amenities and keeping up with landscaping. Community associations also may cover other costs such as home insurance, transportation services, and even some utilities.

4. Convenient Location
   Builders tend to plan senior communities near shopping centers, restaurants, churches, hospitals and other community facilities.

5. Security
   Living in a 55+ neighborhood can offer older residents peace of mind. Knowing you’re among others who have similar lifestyles can help residents feel comfortable, even if they live alone. Additionally, many senior communities offer security measures such as community gates or security police patrol.

6. You Don’t Have to Be Retired
   Although 55+ communities are often referred to as “retirement communities,” most of these neighborhoods do not require residents to actually be retired. The restrictions on living in one of these communities lies mostly on things like age and income.

If this sounds like the kind of community for you, talk to a real estate agent at The Trembley Group today.  Their team of knowledgeable lifestyle community specialists will share the 55+ residential options available in the greater Myrtle Beach area.  Please click on the following link to be immediately connected: The Trembley Group.

If you need to finance your purchase or discuss today’s interest rates, be sure to check out the mortgage education center provided by Scott Krumweide and his team of financing specialists at ABC Mortgage to find more tips and information.

OUR FEATURED 55+ COMMUNITY IN THE MYRTLE BEACH AREA

Come explore the south strand area with us at the Seasons 55+ community in Murrells Inlet, SC.  There are only 6 new homes remaining at this dynamic community and a few re-sale homes too. Pricing is in the low to mid 300’s and every home features upgrades and a lifestyle you’ll appreciate coming home to every day or every season. Start your search for your next home in Seasons by clicking this link: The Trembley Group.

One of our favorite new home listings is the current model located at 1624 Murrell Place Murrells Inlet, SC  29576. From the moment you step foot into the front entry, you’ll be wowed by the builder’s attention to detail. 1624 Murrell Place is the most popular plan at Seasons!

It’s an Indigo II with a bonus room that boasts a fantastic open floor plan where you flow through the kitchen, living room and dining room creating a wonderful entertainment area. This home is located on a wooded/golf course home site and features a large screened lanai. The home also includes a split floor plan with the master suite being on the opposite side of the 2nd bedroom and den. The finishes include hardwood in the living room, granite counter tops in the kitchen, and stainless steel appliances.

Sometimes buying a re-sale home has its perks!  Custom painting and finishes such as blinds and window treatments are complete.  Other details like a full appliance package being included, landscaping being more mature, and less new construction on the property’s street are offered. We have a few re-sale properties available at Seasons Prince Creek West. Take a closer look.

534 Inverrary Street Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 is a three bedroom, two bath home featuring over 2,100 square feet of living space. This Kiawah model was used only as a second home and shows beautifully. It is surrounded by beautifully manicured landscaping. You will notice the nice brick pavers leading up to and throughout the front porch where you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee. As you open the double-door grand entrance, you will be greeted with 16 x 16 ceramic tile which flows throughout the entire home. The formal living room leads to the spacious lanai which features two sliders which can be opened to give you more living area. You have the option of opening all the windows to allow the nice breeze to flow through. The Kitchen features granite counters and under-cabinet lighting. The breakfast bar is open to the family room giving you plenty of room for entertaining. The formal dining area has a tray ceiling and large bay window which allows the sun to shine in for natural lighting.

As you enter the master suite, you’ll see the large tray ceiling as well as another bay window which bumps out to give you additional sitting room. Along with a private office, you also have two walk-in closets along your path to the master bath. The crown molding throughout gives the home a beautiful touch. In the evenings you may want an alternative to the front porch sitting, therefore you can relax on the large patio out back with your beautiful palm trees and an open view of the common area. All the appliances will convey with purchase.

601 Grand Cypress Way Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 is an Indigo II model and such a wonderful home for any buyer who wants to enjoy an open floor plan. One of the most popular floor plans in Seasons. It features hardwood floors throughout the home to include the kitchen. Tile in the bathrooms. Three bedrooms and 2 baths with huge open floor plan for great entertaining. Tankless water heater. Expanded lanai with EZE Breeze enclosure. Plantation shutters around the home. Glass tiled backsplash with matching tile on island. Upgraded appliances and kitchen cabinets. Touchless faucet in stainless steel kitchen sink. Under cabinet lighting. Surround sound in the house. This home shows like a model!

If you love the Carolina Coastline, you’ve found the sweet spot that holds the best of everything the Low Country has to offer.  Just 10 minutes from Myrtle Beach, the vacation playland that attracts visitors from around the world, Murrells Inlet has a decidedly different feel.  This charming historic fishing village has a relaxed charm and friendly grace.  Its unique combination of recreation, artistry, and natural beauty brings something new to discover daily.  Also for those active adults, there are all the conveniences like great hospitals, an array of entertainment options, and the very best dining and shopping experiences.

What about beaches?  In the Murrells Inlet area, residents are only a few miles away from the Huntington Beach State Park. It’s been dubbed one of the best beaches on the Grand Strand!  Unlike the beaches in Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach isn’t built up with hotels and buildings, nor is it full of tourists.  It’s an expansive three miles of pristine white sand beaches, relaxing ocean water, and diverse wildlife.

Need help? Call The Trembley Group at 843.945.1880 ext. 100 and we’ll help you look for the perfect listing or buyers agent!

At The Trembley Group, we pride ourselves on being the experts at more than just selling real estate. We are local residents, some of us have been here for a lifetime. The rest of us will be here until the end of time. We love living, working, and playing in the diverse backyard of Coastal Carolina, and look forward to helping you live and love your dreams soon too. Please reach out to us by phone or email for personalized service and one-on-one advice. 

About our blog

Our agents write often to give you the latest insights on owning a home or property in the Myrtle Beach, SC area.