“Here’s a look at how just the home price appreciation piece can really add up over the years.”
If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and ongoing affordability concerns may make you wonder if it still makes sense to buy a home right now. While those market factors are important, there’s more to consider. You should think about the long-term benefits of homeownership too.
Think about this: if you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. Why is that? The reason is tied to how home values grow with time and how, by extension, that grows your own wealth. That may be why, in a recent Fannie Mae survey, 76% of respondents say they believe buying a home is a safe investment.
Here’s a look at how just the home price appreciation piece can really add up over the years.
Home Price Growth over Time
The map below uses data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to show just how noteworthy price gains have been over the last five years. And, since home prices vary by area, the map is broken out regionally to help convey larger market trends:
If you look at the percent change in home prices, you can see home prices grew on average by just over 57% nationwide over a five-year period.
Some regions are slightly above or below that average, but overall, home prices gained solid ground in a short time. And if you expand that time frame even more, the benefit of homeownership and the drastic gains homeowners made over the years become even clearer (see map below):
The second map shows, nationwide, home prices appreciated by an average of over 297% over a roughly 30-year span.
This nationwide average tells you the typical homeowner who bought a house 30 years ago saw their home almost triple in value over that time. That’s a key factor in why so many homeowners who bought their homes years ago are still happy with their decision.
And while you may have heard talk throughout the year that home prices would crash, it hasn’t happened. In fact, experts project home prices will continue to rise for years to come.
Bottom Line
If you’re wondering if it still makes sense to buy a home today, it’s important to focus on the long-term advantages that come with homeownership. When you’re ready to start your homebuying journey, let’s chat.
To view original article, visit Keeping Current Matters.
Sellers: Make Today’s Home Price Appreciation Work for You
While prices aren’t expected to depreciate, the rise in prices is forecast to moderate over the next few years.
Key Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home
Homeownership is life-changing, and buying a home can positively impact you in so many ways.
3 Hot Topics in the Housing Market Right Now
If you’re a prospective buyer or seller, it’s important to understand the current real estate market conditions and how they affect you.
A Look at Housing Supply and What It Means for Sellers
It’s not too late to take advantage of today’s sellers’ market and use rising equity and low interest rates to make your next move.
3 Charts That Show This Isn’t a Housing Bubble
With home prices continuing to deliver double-digit increases, some are concerned we’re in a housing bubble like the one in 2006.
Today’s Real Estate Market Explained Through 4 Key Trends
The current real estate market is one for the record books with the exact mix of conditions that create opportunities for buyers & sellers.