Sunday, March 28, 2010

The Benefits of Homeownership
Homeownership can bring many blessings. Yet, the idea of maintaining a home, as well as affording a mortgage can seem overwhelming. However, the most beneficial reason to be a homeowner is to build wealth. The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban development (HUD) notes that "home equity is the largest single source of household wealth for most Americans." Home equity is the difference between the home's fair market value and the outstanding balance of all the liens on the property. And what about appreciation? You can expect approximately a 6.5% average value increase in your home each year. The National Homeowner Strategy states that "through homeownership, a family can invest in an asset that can grow in value and generate financial security". Other wealth builders are to consider tax breaks and tax credits, such as being able to deduct property taxes, mortage insurance and the exclusion of capital gains. Studies have shown that owning a home can actually make you healthier and make your children happier. Owning a home allows people to have greater control and inspires responsibility over their living environment. It helps stabilize and strengthen communities. Generates jobs and stimulates the economy. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reports: "Homeowners accumulate wealth as the investment in their home grows, enjoy better living conditions, are often more involved in their communites, and have children who tend on average to do better in school and are less likely to become involved with crime. According to NAR's Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing, homeownership brings with it:
Higher educational performance and better behavior of children.
Lower community crime rates.
Lessened welfare dependency among households.
More household participation in civic affairs.
Better household health.

Talk to me today about your possibility to own a home!
The median buyer's expected length of tenure in a home is approximately 10 years.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Did you know?

List prices on homes today are approximately the same as they were in 2004.