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Product Purchases and the Economy

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Product Purchases and the economy
Anthony Norman
ECO372
January 25, 2016
Steven Karp

Product Purchases and the economy
Consumers, such as myself are using more caution when it comes to determining whether or not we should invest in purchasing a new home. There are numerous factors to consider before buying a new home that for example the price and location. I must partake in the necessary research to know what lies ahead for me when it pertains to budgeting and making monthly payments on a new mortgage. The wellbeing of the economy can be a game changer on whether or not I should make such a huge investment as purchasing a new home. Two important economic indicators, which will aid in helping me to determine if buying a new home will be a wise and sound investment, are the interest rates and housing start.
Economic Indicators
According to Investopedia (2015), an interest rate is the sum charged communicated at a rate of essential, by a loan specialist to a borrower for the utilization of benefits. Interest rates are often shown on a yearly premise, known as the annual rate (APR).
The interest rate affects the affordability of buying a home. If the rate increases by 1%, it will have a significant impact on my monthly payment. For example, if I am looking to purchase a home that cost $400,000.00 at an interest rate of 3.0%, I am looking at a mortgage of $1,686.00. If that interest rate were to increase by 1%, my monthly payment would increase by $223.00 with a monthly note of $1,909.00. The rate increase would have a significant impact on my household as well as my finances if I have not budgeted or saved enough money in the event if something like this was to happen. As a potential buyer, my credit score or credit history will determine my interest rate. While doing research, I have learned that it is imperative to consult with a professional such as realtor to find out my options and to get pre-qualified before looking for a home.
Another economic indicator that I need to consider is housing starts. According to Business Dictionary (2015), housing starts are the quantity of new single or multi-family lodging units as decided from various licenses issued for development of individual structures.
Housing starts are a key financial indicator because of its large overflow advantage for alternate sectors (retail, manufacturing, utilities) of the economy. Home manufacturers more often than not don't begin to build a house unless they are genuinely confident it will sell upon or before completion. Changes in the rate of housing starts are indicators to let me know about the demand for homes and the viewpoint for the construction business. Moreover, every time another house starts, construction activity rises, and money will return to the economy. When the house sells, it produces incomes for the home manufacturer and a horde of consumption opportunities for the new homebuyer such as myself. Appliances, furniture, and landscaping are only a couple of things I can spend cash on, so the financial "expansive influence" can be large particularly when you consider it as far as more than a hundred thousand new family units around the nation are doing this consistently.
In the past two years, interest rates for the housing market and housing starts have been favorable for homebuyers as well as the construction industry. According to “Mortgage News Daily” (2015), in December of 2013, the interest rate was 4.46% on a 30 year fixed mortgage and as of today, the interest rate is now 3.93%. The economy has affected the supply and demand of the housing market due to the low-interest rates. More consumers are willing to purchase new homes based on the low-interest rates that will allow them the affordability to buy a more expensive house based on the demand and location of the property. With new construction, it has created more jobs for those in the construction industry, and wages have increased for workers. An increase in employment will decrease homeowners from defaulting on their mortgage loans.
There are so many factors to consider before purchasing a new home. How well the economy is doing is a crucial part in my decision-making. The housing market fluctuates, and at any given time, the rate can increase as well as decrease. As I researched, I discovered that the Federal Reserve is expected to increase mortgage rates in mid-December (Bogart, 2015). An interest rate increase applies downward pressure on the demand for homes and the cost of those households in the short term. After the Feds decide to increase interest rates, there won’t be many people willing to part with their homes. Most consumers stock or wealth is in their homes, which is considered to be a significant investment. If the interest rates slightly increase, doesn’t necessarily mean that the housing market will crash. If rates remain at their historic lows, many potential buyers who are looking to purchase a new home may do so (Bogart, 2015).
Price Impact and Decision I have done a lot of research on the housing markets from the past two years. Purchasing a home that will cost around $300,000 would cost me around $1,420.17 with an interest rate of 3.93% if I were to lock in now. With interest rates fluctuating, but still considerably low, I have decided to wait to purchase a new home. Besides the two economic indicators that are important to consider before buying a home, I also have to consider that I have a son that is in his first year in college. I also had to consider that my oldest daughter is graduating from high school and will be entering college next year. The money I have saved and have set aside for any unforeseen events will be used to allocate anything that may arise. The thought of moving to another area that is booming in real estate and businesses is a little unnerving to me due to new cost to the budget but understand in the long run it will benefit my family. With my oldest son in college and oldest daughter entering college not to mention that I am presently in college myself, I must pay attention to all indicators while making this decision.
Supply and Demand This assignment has been a learning experience that has taught me that supply and demand plays a vital role in the housing market. When there is a high demand for houses, the prices rise and when there are is a large supply of available housing and not enough demand, the price falls. Macroeconomics studies the behavior of the economy as a whole, which is a representation of economic indicators. Indicators such as interest rates and housing starts are major contributors that affect a homebuyer’s decision before buying a home. It sets an example of how I may need to budget and place myself in position on whether or not to purchase a new home.

Conclusion
The well-being of a thriving economy is a good indication for consumers when they are in the market to make purchases such as investing in a new phone, new car, or even a new home. When the economy is strong, and the housing market is growing, is a good indication that an investment such as a home can become a dream come true for future and potential homebuyers. The supply and demand of housing, as well as its location, is predicated on whether or not to buy now, buy later, or save more before buying. The research done has led me to believe that it is best that keep working on my credit and take in all the information before deciding to move forward with this type of decision. Determining factors that are my children and other unforeseen events that may occur due to fluctuating interest rates must stay in focus throughout this time. It is always a good rule of thumb to make wise choices and look at the picture as a whole as macroeconomics does.
References
Bogart, J. (2015). What a Fed Rate Increase Could Mean for You. Retrieved from https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/advisorvoices/what-a-fed-rate-increase-could- mean-for-you/Housing Starts. (2015).
Economic Research. (2016). Retrieved from https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2 /series/HOUSTW
In Business dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/housing- starts.html
Interest Rate. (2015). In Investopedia. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interestrate.asp
Mortgage News Daily. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com /mortgage_rates/charts.asp?Y=2015&M=12

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