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Guest Article: Maximize Your Home-Buying Capacity

Hi, I am Bill Anderson, a Residential Loan Officer with Dime Bank. I have been in the mortgage industry for over 35 years, of which I have spent numerous years at local community banks as well as mortgage companies. In my experience with both, I have found that rates and fees are lower at community banks as compared to mortgage companies.

A lower mortgage interest rate directly reduces your monthly mortgage payment. With a lower interest rate, you would be able to afford a more expensive home for the same monthly payment compared to a higher rate scenario. For example, your monthly payment would be about the same on a $315,000 mortgage at 7% as it would be on a $350,000 mortgage at a rate of 6%. That represents an increased buying capacity of around $35,000.

Buying capacity is especially important in the Hartford region as it is one of the top metro areas in the country and homes are consistently selling over asking price. There isn’t enough inventory to meet the demands of homebuyers. The median sales price in Hartford County is about $375,000 and $360,000 in Tolland County, according to Redfin. Mortgage Bankers Association Deputy Chief Economist, Joel Kan, says “While median principal and interest payments are gradually declining, they are significantly higher than they were five years ago, given cumulative home-price appreciation and the current level of mortgage rates." He goes on to indicate that borrowers have increasingly shifted to Adjustable-Rate Mortgages and FHA loans to manage these affordability challenges.

Many homebuyers have a pre-conceived notion that a Fixed Rate Mortgage is better than an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage. This isn’t always the case given this rate environment and the expectation that interest rates will eventually come down and you can refinance. Why not take advantage of a lower payment with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage now knowing you will likely end up refinancing either way?

If you would like to discuss the impact to your buying capacity using Adjustable and Fixed Rate Mortgages and would like to set up a time to chat, I’d be happy to help. I can be reached at 860.465.7556 or banderson@dime-bank.com.


Bill Anderson, Vice President, Residential Loan Officer, NMLS #1867550, Dime Bank, 135 Talcottville Road, Vernon, CT 06066

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