Nearly 37 percent of Americans rent instead of own their home. Of the top 100 largest cities in the U.S., over 90 percent have seen significant rent increases. Rent Cafe reports the average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Denver is now almost $1,700 per month and there are no indications the prices will drop anytime soon. Yet, first-time home buyers are a trend that will never die.
Check out Usaj Realty’s First Time Home Buyers Guide that illustrates why now’s the time to buy. And, below you’ll find some powerful market conditions that help explain why:
- Historically low mortgage rates: Denver’s mortgage interest rates are below 4%. With the right realtor on your side, borrowers can make a wise investment and get much more house with lower monthly mortgage payments. These rates are predicted to remain low, and make now a prime time to invest in a home.
- Mortgage loans are becoming more readily available: Guidelines on loans are very reasonable. As the government becomes more flexible, more money is becoming available for loans and therefore banks can lower their credit and FICO standards. Some banks are also making it easier for first-time home buyers to purchase homes by lowering the amount of down payment required.
- Job stability and quality of life: Denver is one of the best cities in America to find a job. Business Insider ranks Denver 9th in the nation of the top 20 cities for recent college grad sin which to work. Young professionals comprise 22 percent of Denver’s population and 37 percent own at least bachelor’s degrees. From professional sports teams to cultural offerings to a hopping music and club scene, Denver offers up an impressive social scene for young adults.
- Financial planning: Buying a home means your monthly payments will stay constant so you can better plan for the future. With renting you’re likely to pay more every year with rent increases. Plus, you build equity and receive tax breaks when you become a homeowner.
- Denver’s neighborhoods: According to Buildium, Denver is considered one of the 50 Up-and-Coming Markets in the U.S. When you consider the city’s high employment, income growth, cost of living and home sale growth, investing in real estate makes for a wise financial decision. The area continues to show growth year-over-year and there are still neighborhoods that show huge potential for first time home buyers.
- Other facts affecting Denver’s housing market: According to the National Association of Realtors, millennials now make up 37 percent of the home buyers in the U.S. Instead of being characterized as a generation of renters, this demographic has now taken over as a contingent who are actively buying. And even though Denver continues to be a seller’s market, recent statistics point out that home sales are beginning to soften and buyers have more room for negotiation.(Editor’s note: This blog was originally published in July of 2015. It has been edited and updated to provide current information).
