Is Now a Good Time To Invest in Real Estate? [2024]

Are you considering investing in real estate and want to know if now is a good time to buy? Here is what you should know about investing in real estate now and if it is a good time.  

Investing in real estate offers numerous benefits. Many people shy away from real estate investments due to misconceptions that they are intimidating or require a large amount of money, which is not true. Investing in real estate is relatively straightforward, and almost anyone can invest in a property.

There are various reasons to invest, regardless of your age, income, or other factors. The sooner you start investing in property, the sooner you can begin building your portfolio. People choose real estate investment as a means to build wealth, as the real estate market tends to be less volatile than the stock market.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 75% of multifamily investors are over the age of 45. Many real estate investors enter the market later in life due to specific fears. Still, more than half of these individuals own over five units and generate income from their properties.

When assessing the current market conditions, it's important to evaluate the local housing market, home prices, and interest rates. These three factors will provide a good indication of the market's performance at that time.

Although we can't determine if investing now is the best option for you personally, we can provide all the essential information to help you make an informed decision. Take a look at the current real estate market, housing market predictions, investing, and more.

Here is what you should know about investing in real estate now. 

1. Housing Market Forcast 2024

Over the past few years, the increase in mortgage rates and home prices has deterred potential buyers from investing in real estate. Despite the higher prices and low inventory, Fannie Mae is forecasting an increase in home sales transactions compared to last year.

Experts predict that home price increases will slow down in 2024 compared to previous years. However, price fluctuations will depend on the local market supply.

As we step into 2024, it's great to see that mortgage rates have decreased, with an average of 6.61% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, as reported by USA Today. While we'd hope rates return to the upper 4% to lower 5% range, experts don't foresee this happening this year.

However, there's optimism as the American Institute for Economic Research predicts a potential decrease in mortgage rates, which could lead to an increase in home prices. If inflation continues to fall, interest rates will be cut, and high demand will increase. The housing market is predicted to improve overall, and it may be a good time to invest in real estate.

Fortunately, for those beginning their search for a home, experts predict a slower increase in home prices this year. However, this will vary greatly and will depend heavily on the local market supply. Due to the low housing inventory, now might be the right time to sell your home, as long as you have your next one lined up.

2. What to Look For in Real Estate Property

Many people ask the question, what property is the best to invest in to make the most money, and the issue is there is no good answer. While there is not one way to look into it, there are a couple of things you should consider when you are looking into investing in real estate. 

1. Look for an area that is attractive for renters or with fast-appreciating homes. Location is important, as always. 
2. Make sure the area has all the amenities and conveniences most homeowners are looking for.  
3. Look at the area crime rates, school rating, as well as tax history 
4. Invest in homes that renters want in the area, such as townhomes, condos, and bedrooms. 
5. Pay attention to the prices of recently sold homes and compare them to see the average and historical sales prices today. 

Keeping a few things in mind when considering real estate investments is important. Understanding the tips for finding the best real estate investments and reaping all the benefits requires time and research. If you're new to investing, it's best to start step by step and not rush into such a significant commitment.

Unfortunately, like everything else, there are drawbacks to investing in real estate. Understanding these downsides can help you make informed choices when making such investments. Knowing the negatives allows you to make wiser decisions and be aware of what to watch out for.

Here are the disadvantages of investing in real estate that you should be aware of before taking that leap.

No Guarantee

Like any investment, there's no guarantee that a property will appreciate or yield a profit. Many factors influence what happens, including the state of the economy, the demand for housing at the time, and local events. Like most investments, real estate always bounces back in time, so if you wait, you can start to earn that profit. 

Time-Consuming

If you are looking to be a landlord, you have to be a specific person to do so. Being a landlord for a property you own and are renting out, you will need to take away a lot of time and energy to keep up with the property management as well as the tenants involved. At the end of the day, this is your priority, and you need to maintain it in the best way you can to earn those benefits. 

Tough to Get Financing

If you have a strong credit history and a stable income, obtaining financing for an owner-occupied property is straightforward. A modest down payment is required, and the remaining amount can typically be secured through a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan.

On the other hand, if you buy to rent or fix and flip, lenders are not as generous with financing options and tend to have stricter requirements, higher credit scores, lower debt-to-income ratios, and larger down payments, so just be prepared. 

Cash Flow is Not Guaranteed

As mentioned previously, there is no guarantee that you will always have tenants as your top priority. If your tenants leave, the mortgage and expenses will fall on your shoulders, and you must keep paying even if you are not receiving rental income. In this scenario, you should have a solid emergency fund and stable finances to handle any situation that comes your way.

3. Different Investments to Consider

While buying a home is the main investment in real estate, there are other ways you can buy into the market, from rentals to house flipping to many other things. Here are some ways you can diversify your portfolio in real estate. 

Rental Properties

Buying and leasing a rental property to short—or even long-term tenants is a popular way to invest in real estate and earn an income. A huge advantage of being a landlord is that you can deduct costs related to the property, including maintenance, repairs, utilities, depreciation, and other expenses. 

Of course, there are disadvantages to investing in a rental property, such as time-consuming, high start-up costs, and other things; however, if this option sounds more realistic for you, start checking out available rental properties near you. 

Renting Rooms

Renting a room is a great way to dabble in the real estate investing world. Renting out part of the house you live in, like a room basement or an accessory dwelling unit, is a great start-up with low cost and extra income that can help you in the long run. 

Online Real Estate Investing Platform

Online real estate investing platforms, or crowdfunding websites, match developers with interested investors who pool their capital to fund real estate programs with as little as $500. These platforms offer the potential for high returns but also carry more risk, so it's important to be aware if you are interested in this form of investment.

Flipping a House

House flipping is an exciting venture that includes acquiring a discounted property, making improvements, and then selling it for a profit. It can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires dedication and hard work. There are numerous strategies for achieving success in this field, so if you're intersted in revitalizing properties for profit, continue reading to gain valuable insights.

Buy a REIT

A REIT is a great option if you want exposure to real estate without the responsibility and stress of managing rentals. This company owns and operates income-generating properties like apartments and offices. REIT pools capital from multiple investors and owns a portfolio of assets. Investors buy shares of REITs and earn a share of the income.

4. How to Prepare to Buy a Property in 2024

You should consider a couple of things before you prepare for homeownership in 2024. Here are some tips before you buy. 

Get Finances Ready

The first step you should consider before buying is getting your finances right. Home prices are predicted to remain high, and mortgage rates may not fall anytime soon, so you need to make sure you can afford to buy and get the lowest rates available. 

Timing

There is never "the best time" to buy in 2024; it varies by person and housing market. Everyone looks for something different when they are buying, so if you are looking for lower rates, you may want to wait. 

It is predicted that buying in the spring and summer will give you more houses available, but it will also bring in more competition since that is the peak buying season. So, just prepare yourself and set your priorities in time. 

Build Savings

Whether you are trying to get your mortgage down payment or your savings account, saving extra cash is vital if you are planning on moving soon. When you buy a house, you should be prepared for the unexpected as well as other hidden costs, so having extra savings will help you avoid going into debt. 

Do not Rush

Take your time. Do not rush into buying a home because this is a huge investment, and you do not want to make any mistakes or waste all your money. If the rates and market trend favorably this year, they will likely stay that way for a while, so do not worry. 

Mortgages and Assistance Programs

To afford homeownership, many buyers in 2024 will utilize mortgages for first-time home buyers and grants and other forms of assistance. You may be eligible for many programs that may help you get the lowest rates and make down payments. 

5. Is Now a Good Time To Invest in Real Estate

Real estate investing requires evaluating multiple factors to maximize returns and mitigate risks. To invest in a property successfully, you should always keep a couple of things in mind, and all of that will take time, money, and planning. 

The real estate market is always changing, and many challenges and opportunities will arise. This is a huge commitment that requires planning and learning as you go on. Knowing all the benefits and disadvantages of investing is essential ahead of time. 

There is no right or wrong time to invest because the real estate world constantly changes. It is never too late or too early; investors can be at any age. Trying to time the market can be tricky, so if you pay attention to your financial stability and the inventory of homes and commercial buildings available, you should be prepared to invest when you are ready to make this big purchase. 

Methodology

We gathered information from various sources and utilized our data to create this guide on whether it's a good time to invest in real estate. We consolidated a range of data to help you make informed decisions about investing in real estate at this time.

• Fannie Mae
• USA Today
• American Institute for Economic Research

The above are a few sources we used to gather most of our information about whether it is a good time to invest in real estate now. 

FAQS

Why is real estate such a good investment?

On its own, real estate offers many benefits, such as cash flow, tax breaks, equity building, competitive risk-adjusted returns, and a hedge against inflation. There are many other ways why real estate is such a good investment, so if you are interested in doing so, start doing your research now. 

Is real estate investing worth it in 2024?

Interest rates are expected to decline in 2024, which improves the real estate investing conditions, so if you are intersted in investing, start looking now. 

What are the three most important factors in real estate investments?

If you are investing, you should be aware of three ways to make money on your real estate investments: loans, appreciation, and rent. To achieve these, you need to look out for three things: price, condition, and availability.

Is Now a Good Time To Invest in Real Estate? [2024] - The Bottom Line

There are various reasons to invest, regardless of your age, income, or other factors. The sooner you start investing in property, the sooner you can begin building your portfolio. People choose real estate investment as a means to build wealth, as the real estate market tends to be less volatile than the stock market.

When assessing the current market conditions, it's important to evaluate the local housing market, home prices, and interest rates. These three factors will provide a good indication of the market's performance at that time.

If you are considering moving or selling a rental home, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.