7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home

Tax Breaks. The U.S. Tax code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, and some of the costs associated with buying your home. Appreciation. Real estate has long term, stable growth in value. Year-to-year fluctuations are normal, but home prices have increased 6.5% on average each year from 1972 to 2005. Equity. Money paid for rent is money you'll never see again. Mortgage payments let you build equity ownership in your home. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. When you sell, you can take up to $250,000 as a gain without owing any income tax. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed mortgage payments don't rise over the years, so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you the opportunity to make lasting friendships, participate in community activities, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.