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PERSONAL FINANCE
A quick guide to buying a new home when interest rates are high.
New York Life | June 26, 2024
Whether you’re leaving renting behind or are looking to buy your dream home, here are some tips on how to reduce the impact of today’s high interest rates on your property purchase.
Consider your mortgage options
Decide what’s right for you:
- A fixed-rate mortgage that prevents you paying for future rate hikes but ties you to existing rates.
- A variable-rate mortgage that saves you money if rates fall but costs more if they rise.
Get a mortgage pre-approval early
This will not commit you to choosing a particular provider, so shop around for the best offer. Then you know where you stand.
Make the biggest down payment you can
This will save the amount of interest you’ll pay in the long-= term.
Making a down payment of 20% or more can also get you get a lower interest rate and you won’t need to take out private mortgage insurance (PMI) to protect your lender.
Save for your down payment by:
- Using a mortgage calculator to calculate the best down payment for you
- Adjusting your budget to save more money
- Boosting savings by starting a side hustle, renting out property, or investing
Improve your credit score
This helps you get a better mortgage deal with a lower interest rate.
Your score is based on:
- Your payment history
- Outstanding balances
- The length of your credit history
- Applications for new credit accounts
- The type of credit accounts you hold, like credit cards or student debt
Where to find your credit score:
- On credit or loan statements
- Via credit or housing counselors
- From a credit agency like Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion
Your credit score, also called a FICO score, is grouped into the following categories:
- 580-669: Fair
- 670-739: Good
- 740-799: Very good
- 800-850: Excellent
Aim to get into the “very good” category to minimize your interest rates.
How to improve your credit score:
- Make repayments on time
- Improve your “credit utilization ratio” by using less of your credit limit or increasing your borrowing capacity
- Correct any errors on your credit report by notifying the relevant agency
- Extend your credit history by keeping dormant accounts open
- Don’t take out new loans before getting a mortgage
Create a budget to stay on top of your repayments
Your budget should be realistic and affordable.
What to include:
- Mortgage repayment costs and potential re-mortgaging costs
- Home insurance costs
- Property taxes for your area
- Homeowners association (HOA) or condominium association fees, if applicable
- Save 1% of your home’s value to help pay for repairs and maintenance
For help with your life insurance strategy as you consider a major investment like buying a home, contact a financial professional today.
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Media contact
Kevin Maher
New York Life Insurance Company
(212) 576-7937
Kevin_B_Maher@newyorklife.com