2013.  Carpe Diem.  No day but today.  No time but now.  Ads and trends are constantly focused on selling you things NOW by convincing you that now is the only time to buy.  What isn’t an exception to the rule?  The housing market.  So, sit back, relax, and PAY attention to exactly what you should be asking when it comes to shopping for homes and getting the best bang for your buck.

Is this the right right now?
No matter what the market looks like, or what the media is trying to sell you, your personal life should always be your first priority.  Is buying a home right now what’s right for you?  Does it line up with your current ambitions and plans?  Do you plan on staying here for a period of time? These are important questions to know the answers to before you jump into shopping for a new home.

If the answer is Yes, you may move on to the next question.

Is this the right financial decision?
What determines the answer to this question?   Interest Rates.  And the lower the interest rate, the better.  Our 2013 financial experts show that this year is ideal with lower interest rates prominent in the market.  Rates currently preside at 3.5%, the lowest available since the 70’s.  It’s great that rates are so low, but can we ensure that they’ll stay that way?  Absolutely not!  And it’s a hard thing to forecast, so proceed with caution.  Sometimes, it’s better to be safe than sorry and assume that rates will increase in the near future.
Yes?  If you’re ready to take that leap and trust those financial instincts, proceed to the next question.

Is this the right time in the housing market?
When the recession hit, it took down the housing market with it.  Now, however, the market has recovered a bit.  We’re not where we were before the crash, but that doesn’t mean that the market can’t continue to decrease in price.  The take-away from today’s stats is that reasonable pricing is available for home shoppers.  Just make sure to pay attention to local trends (and never be afraid to ask for help from your favorite real estate agent!).
Another Yes?  Continue on!

Are you ready?
If the stars have all aligned so far, make sure not to miss out on one little thing: your own preparedness.  Be aware of the work required to find, secure, and buy a new home.  There are many costs that you need to be aware of, both during the close and after the purchase. 
Think you’re ready?  Does everything match up? Then perhaps 2013 is the right time for you!

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Article citation: Feldman, Benjamin.  (June 6, 2013).  Is 2013 the right time to buy a house?  Retrieved June 18, 2013 from: http://homes.yahoo.com/news/is-2013-the-right-time-to-buy-a-house–231039614.html.