If you’re thinking about selling your home, here’s some good news: home sales have seen a 5.9% increase. But you might be wondering whether to buy a new house first or wait until you’ve sold your current one. In this article, we’ll cover what you should know about buying a new house before selling your current one.
We’re here to help if you’re looking to sell your house in West Palm Beach, Florida. As local West Palm Beach FL home buyers, we can provide you with insights into the process of buying a new house before selling your current one. Read on to discover important facts that will help you understand your options and the steps involved.
Is Buying a House Before Selling Cost-Effective?
In some cases, it can be cost-effective to buy a house before selling your current one, especially if homes in your area tend to sell quickly, and you can afford a second mortgage payment. However, it’s essential to assess the current housing market conditions in your area before making a decision.
Qualifying for a Second Mortgage:
Before you decide to purchase a new home, you’ll need to ensure that you qualify for two mortgages simultaneously. When applying for a mortgage, lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio, which compares your income to your total monthly debt obligations. Keep in mind that your current mortgage payment will be factored into this calculation, making it potentially challenging to qualify for a second mortgage.
Coming up with a Down Payment:
One of the initial challenges when buying a new house before selling your old one is securing the down payment for your new home. This can be risky, as you might face difficulties selling your old home while dealing with the financial commitment of two mortgages.
Using a Loan From Your 401K:
To cover the down payment, you might consider taking a loan from your 401K. It’s crucial to check with your plan administrator to see if this option is available and to understand the terms, including the interest rate and repayment period. Be aware that the IRS imposes limits on how much you can borrow from your 401K, so make sure to inquire about the maximum amount.
Using a Home Equity Loan:
Another option is a home equity loan, which allows you to use the equity from your current home to fund the down payment for your new one. This type of loan typically comes with a fixed interest rate, and you can access either the full amount or a portion of your equity line during the draw period.
Exploring the 80/10/10 Piggyback Method:
When you put down less than 20% for a down payment, it can result in a higher monthly payment due to increased interest rates and the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI). To avoid these added costs, some banks offer the 80/10/10 piggyback method. This involves an 80% primary loan with a fixed-rate, 10% paid in cash, and the remaining 10% covered by a loan. However, during this period, you’ll need to manage both your current mortgage and the mortgage on your new home.
Reasons to Buy Before Selling:
There are valid reasons to buy a new home before selling your current one, such as:
Seller’s Market: In a seller’s market where homes sell quickly, it makes sense to secure a new home before selling your current one, as contingent offers are less attractive to sellers.
Your Dream Home: Sometimes, you come across a home that you absolutely love and don’t want to miss out on.
Great Deal: If an exceptional opportunity arises in the market, you may want to make an offer before it’s gone.
Avoid Multiple Moves: Buying a new home before selling can help you avoid the hassle of multiple moves and temporary housing expenses.
Avoiding Owning Two Properties:
If you prefer not to manage two mortgages simultaneously, you can opt to sell your current home quickly and then search for a new property. While this approach requires temporary accommodation and storage costs, it allows you to take your time finding the perfect new home without the pressure of selling quickly.
Sell Your House in West Palm Beach FL:
Buying a new house before selling your old one can be a complex and costly process. If you’re looking to avoid this hassle and sell your house fast, contact us today. We specialize in helping homeowners sell their properties quickly and hassle-free.
If you need to sell your house in Florida promptly, we’re here to assist you. We are local homebuyers in West Palm Beach FL, and if your West Palm Beach FL house meets our criteria, we can offer you a fair cash offer. We pay cash for houses in West Palm Beach FL.
For more information or if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (786) 904-1444 or fill out our online form, and we’ll get in touch with you.