Rates are low now. Unless you have been under a rock, I don’t need to tell you that. With QE2, of course there’s the expectation that they would be going down again. I do not have a crystal ball, but clearly the confidence level in the government’s economic policy is uneven.
That said, I could know you for the next 50 years (and I hope that I do!) and we may never see rates here again. Frankly, many feel that rates are too low. As a realtor, mortgage rates are the most powerful leverage to my buyers’ purchasing power. And really, the ideal situation to get the best deal would be to pay in cash, then roll into a mortgage.
Let’s say, however, that you find a great purchase and a great mortgage rate? How can you leverage this even further? First, you should confirm with your lender before you take your mortgage (this only applies to condominiums or homes) that you have the right to assign the mortgage. In New York State, this will save up to 1.925% of the mortgage amount for the purchaser of your property. That’s a value add.
Let’s take another step, though- Ask your lender if they will transfer the mortgage at the RATE which you have your mortgage. This won’t always work, but depending on your relationship with the private bank, or institution, imagine being able to offer a portion of a mortgage at a rate of 4% if rates have gone up to 6%, 7% or higher? Good luck and keep me posted!