The Benefits of Purchasing a Home for Sale in Corpus Christi Today
Purchasing a home is an important decision, one that requires careful consideration and planning. With the current market conditions and the benefits that homeownership brings, now may be the right time for many families looking for a home for sale in Corpus Christi to make that leap. Hogan Homes understands the importance of finding the perfect home, and we’re here to help guide you through the process.
Here’s why today might be the right time to buy:
There is a Rise in Homes for Sale
Based on the National Association of Realtors (NAR) data, the inventory of homes for sale this year has seen a notable increase from the beginning of the year. This uptick is due to two factors: homeowners putting their properties up for sale and homes lingering on the market slightly longer due to decreased buyer demand, influenced by rising mortgage rates.
For potential buyers like you, this translates to a wider selection of homes. Plus, having more options translates to less buyer competition for the same property, potentially making the buying process smoother.
Building Equity
Owning a home allows you to build equity, a valuable financial asset. Instead of paying rent every month, your payments contribute to an investment that can appreciate over time.
Consider this: Instead of paying monthly rent to a landlord or corporation, you can start investing in your own home equity. Think of your house as a long-term savings account. As you build equity, the value of your home increases. You can also explore options like cash-out refinancing if your family faces financial challenges or if you need to support your children’s college education.
In the best-case scenario, you can pay off your fixed-rate loan within the planned 30 years and enjoy retirement with significantly lower monthly expenses. Yes, buying a home is often a more appealing option than continuously paying rent to landlords.
Whether you intend to sell your starter home in five years or downsize during retirement, it’s likely that you’ll profit simply by living there and waiting for the market to appreciate in value. Moreover, the capital you earn from selling your house might qualify you for a capital gains exclusion, allowing you to enjoy that income without paying taxes. If you have any uncertainties about your eligibility, it’s always wise to consult with an accountant or tax preparer.
Tax Advantages
Homeowners in the U.S., including Texas, can often take advantage of tax deductions related to mortgage interest and property taxes. These can lead to significant savings at tax time.
- Mortgage Interest Deduction – Homeowners can claim deductions for the interest they pay on their mortgage, helping to lower their taxable income. While there are limits to this deduction, it’s accessible to most homeowners.
- Property Tax Deduction – In addition to the mortgage interest deduction, you can also deduct the property taxes you pay. This deduction further reduces your taxable income, leading to potential tax savings. For detailed information on mortgage interest and property tax deductions, you can refer to the IRS regulations here.
- Mortgage Credit Certificates – First-time homebuyers who qualify can benefit from a special tax credit known as a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). With an MCC, homeowners can receive an annual tax credit of a portion of their mortgage interest payments, up to a maximum of $2,000.
Stability
According to the U.S. Census data (Table A-4), homeowners are significantly less likely to relocate within a year compared to renters, with homeowners being more than three times less likely to do so. The study indicates that approximately 4.9% of homeowners moved between 2020 and 2021, while the figure stood at 16% for renters. The reasons for these moves vary, ranging from job-related relocations to unsustainable rent increases.
Regardless of the reasons behind these moves, research from the National Association of Realtors suggests that communities where residents tend to stay for the long term often show stronger social bonds, higher civic participation, and more social capital.
On the other hand, rent prices can fluctuate based on market demand. By securing a fixed-rate mortgage, you can ensure your monthly payments remain steady, making budgeting simpler.
A Place to Call Your Own
One undeniable benefit of homeownership is the freedom it offers. Want to paint a room? Go for it. Thinking of adopting a pet? No landlord restrictions to worry about.
If one of the primary attractions of homeownership is the desire to pass down a fully paid-for home to your children, you’re not alone. Many people share this goal, and they are likely to buy a stable home in a secure neighborhood for the benefit of their children.
Tips for Prospective Homebuyers
Understand Your Budget
Before looking at properties, determine what you can afford. Factor in not just the mortgage, but also property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.
Research the Neighborhood
Spend time in potential neighborhoods. Check out local schools, parks, and amenities to ensure they align with your needs.
Work with a Reputable Homebuilder
A knowledgeable professional can provide insights, negotiate on your behalf, and streamline the buying process.
Good to know: You can consult directly with home builders like Hogan Homes for a full-service experience. If you have a realtor, consider suggesting that they reach out to new home builders like Hogan to expand your options. Remember, working directly with Hogan Homes doesn’t require you to have a realtor, offering you flexibility in your home-buying process.
Inspect the Property
Always get a home inspection before making a purchase. It can reveal potential issues that might not be immediately visible.
While the decision to buy a home is always a personal one, the benefits are many. From financial perks to the intangible joys of ownership, there’s a lot to gain. If you’re considering purchasing a home for sale in Corpus Christi, Hogan Homes is here to help, offering a range of homes tailored to different needs and budgets.
Sources:
“Existing-Home Sales,” National Association of Realtors, https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics/existing-home-sales
“Cash-Out Refinancing Explained: How It Works and When to Do It,” Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cashout_refinance.asp
“Capital Gains Tax on Home Sales,” Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/06/capitalgainhomesale.asp
“CPS Historical Migration/Geographic Mobility Tables,” United States Census, Bureau, https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/geographic-mobility/historic.html
“REALTOR® University Information,” National Association of Realtors, https://www.nar.realtor/nar-academy/realtor-university-information
“Topic No. 505, Interest Expense,” Internal Revenue Service, https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc505
“Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: What’s the Difference?” Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage/mortgage-rates/fixed-versus-adjustable-rate/