Doug Francis Real Estate

  • Meet Doug
  • How I Sell Your Home
  • Case Studies
  • Let’s Connect

Home Buying Tips | Low Mortgage Rates

By Doug Francis

The Innis House, Fredericksburg VA
Image by DougFrancis via Flickr

It seems like every week there is an announcement that home mortgage rates are at an “all-time low”, but this weekly headline is starting to get a little stale for most home buyers who are locking-in the mortgages as late as possible before going to closing. The “rate float option” gives home buyers the option of risking today’s low rate with the expectation that they will lock-in at a lower rate in the future.

This isn’t about mortgage rates

Well that is almost true, because it is important to point out that we are looking at financing a long-term “investment”. Your mortgage is a debt and the interest that you pay is an annual tax deduction.

If you are looking to buy a home then you really need to examine how long you will live there, or what your life will look like in five or ten years? Yes, this is time for long-term planning, to think big, and to consider a house that you will still fit in ten years from now. With rates this low, you are able to afford a better house than you would have been able to buy two years ago

“… own the best house you can afford” – Life’s Little Instruction Book

You are probably a wiz at this by now, but let’s assume you are getting a mortgage for $417,000 on a cute Vienna VA house and hope to lock in a 30-year rate, do you know how much the interest payment will be every month?

Interest Rate x Loan Amount = Annual interest ÷ 12 = Your Monthly Interest

4% x $417,000 = $16,680 ÷ 12 = $1,390 a month in interest

4.5% x $417,000 = $18,765 ÷ 12 = $1,563 a month in interest

5% x $417,000 = $20,850 ÷ 12 = $1,737 a month in interest

6% x $417,000 = $25,020 ÷ 12 = $2,085 a month in interest

What I am suggesting here is that you buy a home for a life that is bigger than your life is today because long-term money is so cheap. Yes, I am suggesting skipping that starter home. These low rates should really make you consider buying as big a home as you can afford keeping in mind your future needs and quality of life.

You may never move again

  • Write down where you see yourself in 2020
  • Take a look at local communities, any future plans?
  • Bike Trails, Schools, Restaurants, Community Events, Employers
  • Are there airports, trains, museums, local history
  • If you had to move, how active is the real estate market?
Related articles
  • You: Mortgage rates fall to another record low (washingtonpost.com)
  • UPDATE 1-U.S. mortgage rates at new record lows-Freddie Mac (reuters.com)
  • U.S. 30-year mortgage rates fell in week – Zillow (reuters.com)

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Posts, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: buyer agent, doug francis, Home Buyer Tips, real estate, Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

Considering selling your home?

https://youtu.be/0ZSodCtsfkY

Just Sold!

Plum Street home with swimming pool

Looking for a house with a pool in Vienna, VA?

Sold!

https://vimeo.com/1003798838?loop=0

Planning to sell your home?

Case Studies

Continue Reading

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Hiding your name

Looking for testimonials?

Read through a collection of client comments originally posted on Zillow, Google and Trulia. See what my clients say...

Looking for a Custom Home?

Insights into New Homes in Vienna VA
Staged kitchen for real estate marketing

Here’s my home seller checklist… imagine you’re Getting Ready to Sell

Getting started is the hardest part for many clients. My Vienna home seller checklist will help you get the ball rolling today.

“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

Search for a subject

Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
Why do people hire me?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

This material can only be used with written permission.

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2025 Doug Francis · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in