A lot changes in 7 years, especially in the real estate world. In September of 2017, we published an article detailing how to upgrade from tenant to homeowner.

Back then, the journey from being a tenant to becoming a homeowner was relatively straightforward, driven by historically low-interest rates and a more favorable housing market. With a $1,200 monthly budget for a mortgage payment, one could secure a mortgage of about $250,000, making homeownership an achievable dream for many.

Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape looks quite different. Rising interest rates, increased living costs, and tighter housing inventory have reshaped the real estate market. Let’s compare the numbers and see how the path to homeownership has evolved.

Real Estate in 2017 vs. Affording a House in 2024: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Monthly Budget and Affordability

• 2017:
  With a gross monthly income of $5,000, a tenant could allocate up to 40% ($2,000) towards housing and debt costs. After accounting for debts like car payments, credit card bills, and student loans, a potential homeowner had around $1,200 available for a mortgage. At the time, with an interest rate hovering around 4% for a 30-year mortgage, this budget could afford a home loan of approximately $250,000.
• 2024:
  Fast forward to today, that same $5,000 monthly income faces steeper financial constraints. The average car payment has increased to around $400, credit card minimums have risen to about $75, and student loan payments have gone up to $150 per month. After these debts are accounted for, about $1,375 remains available for housing costs, with only $1,025 left for a mortgage after considering homeowner's insurance and property taxes. With current interest rates at around 7%, this budget now supports a mortgage of approximately $160,000.

Interest Rates and Mortgage Affordability
The most significant change between 2017 and 2024 is the increase in mortgage interest rates. In 2017, the rates were around 4%, allowing buyers to stretch their budgets further and purchase homes at higher prices. In 2024, with rates rising to about 7%, potential homeowners find their purchasing power significantly reduced. This difference translates into a decrease of roughly $90,000 in mortgage affordability for the same monthly payment amount.

The Role of Clark Real Estate in Today’s Market

Navigating the current real estate market can be challenging for both tenants looking to transition to homeownership and landlords seeking reliable tenants. This is where Clark Real Estate steps in, offering expertise and support to help clients make the best decisions in a shifting market.

For Potential Tenants
Clark Real Estate understands the complexities of today's market and works closely with tenants to explore all available options. Whether you’re interested in making the leap to homeownership or finding a rental property that aligns with your long-term goals, Clark Real Estate provides tailored guidance on:

• Understanding Current Market Conditions: The team offers in-depth analysis of the current market, including interest rates, inventory levels, and local real estate trends, helping tenants make informed decisions.
• Credit Improvement Strategies: For those who need to improve their credit scores to qualify for better mortgage rates, Clark Real Estate offers valuable resources and guidance on steps to enhance creditworthiness.
• Personalized Property Searches: With access to a broad range of properties, Clark Real Estate helps tenants find homes that fit their "must-have" criteria, whether they are looking to rent or buy.

For Potential Landlords
In a competitive rental market, landlords are looking for ways to maximize their investments while ensuring stable, long-term tenancies. Clark Real Estate supports landlords by:

• Matching Quality Tenants with Properties: Using a comprehensive screening process, the team ensures that only qualified and reliable tenants are placed in rental properties, minimizing the risk of vacancy and turnover.
• Managing Property Performance: From maintenance to tenant relations, Clark Real Estate provides full-service property management to help landlords maintain and increase their property's value.
• Advising on Market Trends: With the market shifting frequently, staying informed is crucial for maximizing returns. Clark Real Estate keeps landlords updated on market trends, rent prices, and investment opportunities.

Adapt and Thrive with Clark Real Estate

The real estate market has evolved significantly from 2017 to 2024, with increased interest rates and living costs presenting new challenges for both tenants and landlords. Whether you are a potential homeowner adjusting to the new financial landscape or a landlord seeking to navigate the changing rental market, Clark Real Estate is here to help.

By providing comprehensive support, tailored advice, and in-depth market analysis, Clark Real Estate empowers clients to make the best decisions in today’s climate. Reach out to Clark Real Estate today to explore your options and find the perfect property that meets your needs in 2024.

Mortgage interest rates are on the rise. After enjoying a long break from higher rates, home buyers and homeowners are realizing the impact of even small changes in interest rates. True, rates are far from what could be considered high. (As a comparison, consider mortgage rates in 1982-83 being over 16%.)

Currently, every $1,000 of financing a 30 year mortgage costs only about $5 per month. Here's what that means: If your budget allows for a monthly mortgage payment of $1,000 (not counting escrows for property taxes or insurance, PMI or HOA dues) that equates to a $200,000 loan.  If interest rates continue to rise as experts predict, even a 1% increase in rates reduces that $1,000 monthly payment to about $178,000 in financing. That's a difference of about 11% less buying power!  That could mean the difference between the home of your dreams and one you will settle for.

History shows that housing market activity actually goes up when rates increase.  The reason? Buyers realize they may miss out on getting the house they want with the payment they can afford. That results in a higher number of buyers looking at the same time. This drives up prices as more homes are sold with multiple offers.

There are some steps borrowers can take to improve their situation in a rising interest rate market:
1. Get pre-approved by a lender with competitive rates and a reputation of being able to move a loan from purchase to closing in a timely manner.
2. Pull together all the information your lender will need before you get together with them. This will include:

•   2 years of income tax returns with all schedules.
•   W-2's from the last two years.
•   3 months of bank statements.
•   A recent pay stub from your employment.
•   A recent statement from any retirement account or investment portfolio you may have.
•   Award letters, if any income is from Social Security or pension benefits.

3. A list of all your monthly debt obligations such as auto loans, credit card payments, student loans, etc.
4. Be prepared to address any negative items that may be on your credit history.

Having these items in advance will speed up the approval process significantly and give you an advantage in being able to move quickly when the right house becomes available.
Finally, discuss "locking" the interest rate with your lender. In a rising rate market, it is critical to understand the lender's policy to lock in a rate to protect you from changes that could occur prior to the closing of your loan. Typically interest rates cannot be locked until you have a purchase agreement signed by all parties and you have confidence in the closing date as well as having resolved any contingencies such as house inspections.

While rates are rising, it's still an excellent time to invest in real estate. Taking advantage of today's rates will make you look like a genius in the future and you will have locked in a stable payment for a long time to come.