The economy in Caledon and the country is in dire shape, and many fear that we’re in a recession and property prices are still sky-high. But that shouldn't automatically give up on your dream of buying a condo or home. There are many Caledon real estate options you can choose from, and you might even get a better deal in a recession.

What is a Recession?

There have been many debates over the definition of a recession recently. However, a simple one would be that a recession is when the economy sees two consecutive quarters of negative growth. That means that the gross domestic product will shrink for two quarters in a row. And that did happen.

Regarding the real estate market, homebuyers are experiencing a tough market this year. For example, mortgage rates have increased by over 2% in the first six months of 2022, pushing the monthly payment by nearly 50%. In addition, factors such as income, retail sales, unemployment, consumer spending, and industrial production may determine if there’s a recession.

If you're thinking of recession and the real estate market, the 2008 bust may come to your mind. Mortgage payments on adjustable-rate mortgages soared, home prices dropped, and millions of homeowners foreclosed. It's understandable why potential buyers may worry today that buying during a recession does not make sense. But should you walk away from buying a home altogether?

Why Could a Recession Help Caledon Homebuyers?

Not all recessions lead to a housing market collapse. Experts agree that a recession could open up more opportunities for buyers with financial resources. While some people hold off on purchasing properties during a recession, this could be a mistake. When rates go up, and house demand slows, you can get a better deal on the property you want. 

For starters, there is less competition. Unfortunately, the recession can put some people in difficult financial positions, resulting in less competition within the Caledon real estate market for those who can still afford to buy properties. That leads to lower prices. Because there are fewer buyers, sellers will no longer see bidding wars or multiple offers for their properties and may lower their prices.

During a recession, home prices tend to decrease as demand slows, opening up the possibility of buying a property at a more affordable price than you may have seen during the past two years. While that's bad news for Caledon property sellers, it can be good news for hopeful homebuyers.

Tips for Buying a Caledon Home During a Recession

Whether the economy is in a recession or not, purchasing a home may take time and patience. But being prepared will only be advantageous when the ideal time comes along. 

Get Your Finances in Order

Before becoming a home buyer, please ensure you’re in an excellent financial position. You must know all the costs of owning a property, including home insurance, taxes, and long-term maintenance. It's also vital to have a good credit score. Otherwise, a low credit score may negatively impact your interest rate and mortgage application. If you have poor credit or aren’t financially stable, it may be in your interest to wait to buy a home. Instead, take the time to improve your position to be ready when the next opportunity arises.

Set a Budget

When considering buying a home, you must review your finances and expenses. Then determine how much you can set aside for a down payment. Usually, a 20 percent down payment is ideal, yet, in 2021, the median down payment was 13 percent. Other expenses you need to take into consideration are closing costs and possible repairs to the home. 

After factoring all of these in, determine how much you can easily spend on a monthly mortgage payment. Knowing what you can go up to and what you can afford is vital.

Work with a Reliable Real Estate Agent

Buying a property during a recession might be a good idea, but only if you’re lucky enough to remain financially stable. Working with a real estate agent can be advantageous, as they can tell if it's the right time to buy or if the list price is fair. Moreover, they could help identify potential issues in the home that might require repair and negotiate the selling price if there is a significant issue. In other situations, a real estate agent may be aware of future offers that aren’t yet on the market listings.