Home Buyers Gaining Edge From Credit Crisis

Home Buyers Gaining Edge From Credit Crisis

Home buyers with solid credit and money for a down payment are now better positioned than they were a few weeks ago.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is at or near a three-month low.  Home prices in many areas have fallen.  Despite the meltdown in non-traditional mortgages, many community banks still offer jumbo loans (above $417,000), though rates have risen, all these things continue to contribute to a buyer's market.

Nationwide, median home prices fell 1.5% in the second quarter, according to the National Association of Realtors. In addition, sales were down in most states, the NAR said.  That's given buyers with sound credit a lot of bargaining power.

Many lenders have abandoned non-traditional loans, including jumbos, because investors, fearful that the crisis in the subprime market is spreading, are reluctant to buy jumbos and other loans that mortgage investment giants Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac won't buy.  But now, many community and national banks have stepped in to offer jumbo loans.  They're better positioned than some other lenders to make those types of loans because they can fund them with customer bank deposits, says James Chessen of the American Bankers Association.

Still sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to get better before you buy your next (or first) home?  There may be no better time than now.

We'd love to hear your thoughts and comments on the "State of the Market"… and whether you think now is the best time to buy or not, and why.  Just leave your comment by clicking the comment link below.