Obviously, if a person doesn't have the down payment or credit score, they won't be able to seize this opportunity. If a person is concerned about losing their job, that would be a valid reason for not buying now. If you are planning on relocating in the next year or two, maybe now isn't the time to buy.

On the other hand, if a person doesn't own a home, has good credit and job stability, they should seriously consider capitalizing on this unique combination of opportunities. A qualified real estate professional can explain all of the reasons and even suggest some very interesting financing alternatives.

Top Ten Reasons to Buy a Home NOW

1. Interest rates incredibly low – the rates are hovering at near historic lows. Interest rates play a huge part in the cost of housing together with the price and shouldn't be overlooked. The average mortgage interest rates for the past four decades were: 1970's 8.9%; 1980's 12.7%; 1990's 8.1%; 2000's 6.3%. Most experts agree that they're going to rise this year.
2. Lower Prices - Recent price adjustments have made good values that haven’t been available in some situations for years. Current buyers are able to take advantage of the discounted prices.
3. Selection is good – In a seller's market, buyers sometimes have to accept a home that may not meet their needs completely because of short supply. Inventories in most markets and certain price ranges are higher which allow buyers better choices.
4. Negotiate financing concessions – FHA, VA, and Conventional allow the seller to contribute towards financing concessions for the buyer. The money can be used for buyer's closing costs, pre-paid items or interest rate buy down.
5. Costs for FHA loan going up – Currently, a seller can pay up to 6% of the sales price in financing concessions but the number will be reduced to 3% later this year; the date has not been announced yet. The annual MIP for FHA loans will also probably be going up this year which will increase the monthly payment. Buyers who get in now will pay the lower fees.
6. Interest and property tax deduction – the U.S. is one of the few countries in the world that allow an interest and property tax deduction for homeowner/taxpayers.
7. Source of funds with deductible interest - a homeowner can borrow up to $100,000 above their acquisition debt and deduct the interest regardless of what purpose the money is used. This is a great opportunity to consolidate debt at a lower interest rate and be able to make the interest deductible that otherwise may not have been.
8. Capital gain exclusion – the U.S. allows qualified homeowners to make a profit on their home without having to pay tax on the gain.
9. Borrowing against equity is non-taxable event – taking money out of the equity in your home does not require recognizing capital gains income.
10. The combination of reasons to buy a home may never be stronger than now.

Interest rates are going up; it is just a matter of when. Inventories are starting to be absorbed by current demand. New home construction is down considerably which could lead to higher prices due to not enough annual housing units to keep up with the population. Prices have started to climb in some markets; others will surely follow.

A basic rule of investing is to buy low and sell high. There will be some buyers who take advantage of the current opportunities and will look back and remark how fortunate they were to act when they did. There will be others who look back on these conditions and say "We should have bought then." Hindsight is always 20/20. Evaluating the present and acting takes equally clear vision. The help of a trusted professional can make the difference.

Copyright 2010 Pat Zaby, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this blog post may be copied without written permission. Associations and companies may reproduce this blog in publication by contacting Pat@PatZaby.com. For general comments, questions or suggestions, please send an e-mail to feedback@patzaby.com.