There will be a time in every renter’s life when buying a home seems more appealing than renting. Should you buy or should you continue renting? Why buy? When you rent, your money doesn’t entitle you to enduring ownership of anything.
Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that you spend $800 per month on a spacious apartment. If you take the number, multiply it by 12, and look at the total amount, you’ll discover that you spend $9680 per year on your apartment, that you don’t get to keep in the end.
There are many reasons to buy a home. If you have been thinking about buying a home, it is a worthy ideal, and one that is achievable.
Huge Appreciation
Real estate is one of a few investments today that appreciates by leaps and bounds. In some cases, the price of houses can double in just 3-5 years given the best economic conditions. Can you say the same about any other investment? Even when the markets are down, you have only to gain from your long-term real estate investment.
Equity
Money paid for rent is money that you will never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
Saving On Taxes
The federal tax law allows for the deduction of real estate and mortgage interest from your taxes. In case you choose to sell your home you would also get a tax break on capital gains. There are definite tax advantages to home ownership.
Predictability
Unlike rent, your fixed-rate mortgage payments do not rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs are not similarly frozen.
Stability
Everyone gets to the point where they want stability in their lives. Owning your own home gives you a neighborhood, schools and community that you can call your own.
Freedom
The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle. And if you want influence in the neighborhood, you can choose a home with a Homeowners Association and help mold the neighborhood too.
Ability to Modify Your Home
Buying a house means you can paint your walls any color you want, have a garden, add a patio if you want to. Renting doesn’t afford you the same about of control over your environment. Even if a landlord were to allow you to alter a rental property, you’ll have invested in someone else’s property. With your own home, any investment you make increases the value of your investment.
Obviously, home ownership has its advantages. And with the right mortgage, you have ample beautiful choices in the Bay Area. To discuss the possibility of getting pre-approved for a mortgage, call Karen Douglas today.