Reasons to Buy a Home
Quality of Life
Housing Cost Predictability – No Rent Increases
Tax Deductibility of Mortgage Interest
Tax Deductibility of Property Taxes
Appreciation Potential
Forced Savings through Loan Principal Reduction
Wealth - Principal Accumulation Home Equity = Loan Reduction + Appreciation
Favorable Capital Gain Treatment
Pride in Your Home
The Ability to Customize and Improve the Property
No Landlord Controlling Your Life
Leverage (where else can an investment you buy this size of with 5-10% down)
Savings, Payments Lower than Rent
Significantly Reduced Incidence of Crime, Especially Violent Crimes
Putting Down Roots and a Sense of Place and Belonging
The Ability to Borrow Against your Equity
Improved Outcomes for Children
a. Better Grades and Test Scores
b. Lower BehaviorSocial and Emotional Problems
c. Lower Rates of Anxiety and Depression
d. Higher Educational Attainment and Lifetime Earnings
e. Better Health
f. Less Likely to Get Pregnant at an Early Age
