Should You Buy Your Dream Property with Cash? The Surprising Truth About a 'No Mortgage Investment'

Have you come into a significant sum of money? Perhaps you sold a property recently and discovered the substantial gain in equity from years of appreciation. Maybe you received an inheritance, sold a business, or your family gifted you a large sum of money. Now, you've found a property you love and have the means to pay for it in cash. But is it the best decision? While it may seem like an easy choice on the surface, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons based on your financial situation.

Purchasing a property with cash could be considered the "No Mortgage Investment," for when you buy with all cash you are effectively saying "no" to other investment opportunities. Are there other options that could potentially outpace the current interest rate on a mortgage that you could secure? This is an essential question to consider. For instance, the S&P 500 index has historically returned an average of around 11.88% since its inception through the end of 2021. While it's just one option, there are many other investment opportunities to explore.

What about leveraging your investment by purchasing an investment property? This could potentially increase your overall real estate portfolio and potential equity gains. Additionally, renters would be paying down your loan balance for you, increasing your net worth over time.

It's true that you can put a mortgage on a property you've previously purchased for cash. However, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, mortgage rates are unpredictable, and there's no way to know what they will do in the future. It may make sense to lock in an acceptable rate now instead of risking it. Secondly, unexpected changes in your income or employment could affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage in the future. This could leave your funds locked up, making it challenging to access the money you used to purchase the property outright. Lastly, a Cash-Out Refinance can come with higher fees and interest rates, and there may be limits on how much cash-out you can receive based on the loan type.

In conclusion, the "No Mortgage Investment" could be right for some, but it's crucial to consider all angles and consult with financial planners, tax advisors, or anyone else you turn to for financial advice. Don't make any hasty decisions and be sure to evaluate all investment opportunities before committing to a significant purchase.

IMPORTANT: This informational is educational in nature only. Loan product availability and qualification requirements are constantly changing. If you'd like to learn more about a product, please contact one our our highly qualified loan officers.