US homeownership drops in Q3: These 3 tips could help you buy a home soon
Here are some steps you can take to afford home
The homeownership rate in the U.S. fell in the third quarter, remaining at the lowest rate since the first quarter of 2020. (iStock)
The homeownership rate in the United States dropped to 65.4% in the third quarter of 2021, down significantly compared to 67.4% in Q3 2020, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. This rate held steady from 65.4% in the second quarter, matching that quarter’s lowest rate since Q1 2020, just before the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Homeownership in the U.S. reached its peak in 2004, hitting its highest rate of 69.2%, according to Statista. The nationwide drop in Q3 2021 compared to the year prior appears to be driven largely by declining homeownership rates in the southern and western regions of the country, down to 67% and 59.9%, respectively. However, homeownership rates of 70.9% in the Midwest and 61.7% in the Northeast were not statistically different from the year before.
If you're currently a renter and are looking to purchase a home, visit Credible to compare your options and find your personalized rate while interest rates are at historic lows.
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What generation has the highest rate of homeownership?
Older adults – ages 65 and above – saw the highest homeownership rate in Q3, at 79.7%, according to the Census Bureau. Younger generations of Americans, though, had much lower homeownership rates.
People between the ages of 55 and 64 saw a homeownership rate of 73.7%; 45- to 54-year-olds were at 70.1% and those about a decade younger (ages 35-44) saw a rate of 61.3%. The lowest homeownership rate was found among the youngest-age households, at 38.5% for those under the age of 35.
A recent study showed that millennials, or those currently between the ages of 25 to 41, are the largest population of homebuyers. However, those young adults are seeing their homeownership dreams being delayed by student debt, according to the University of Chicago Press Journals.
Millennials and other young homebuyers should compare multiple mortgage lenders to find the best fit for them and their needs as they look to purchase homes. Visit Credible to put in your information and compare multiple lenders at once.
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How you can afford to buy a home
Affording a home in today’s competitive housing market can be a challenge. However, prospective homebuyers can take steps to position themselves for success before purchasing a home in the near future. Here are a few:
Buy when rates are low
When interest rates are low, homebuyers can save significantly on their monthly payment and over the life of the loan. This either allows them to buy a home while making lower monthly payments or allows them to afford a more expensive home, investing the money in real estate rather than spending it on higher interest rates. Currently, the 30-year mortgage holds an average interest rate that is just above 30%, according to Freddie Mac data. This is near record lows, but rates are expected to rise in the months and years ahead.
Potential homebuyers can check out Credible to find their interest rate and get pre-approved in minutes without affecting their credit score.
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Work on your credit score
During the months leading up to purchasing a home, it's important for potential homebuyers to have their finances in order. This includes checking their credit scores and improving their credit history. Homebuyers can sign up for free credit monitoring from Credible to assess their credit profile. They can also reach out to a mortgage lender to ask about the next steps to get ready to purchase a home.
Find the right mortgage lender for you
When homebuyers enter the housing market, they may have different needs for their mortgage experience. Buyers should always compare multiple mortgage lenders to see which one works best and offers them the best interest rate.
If you are interested in buying a home, contact Credible to speak to a home loan expert and have all of your questions answered.
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