Let's face it, buying a home is still pursuing the American Dream. There are definite benefits but also some drawbacks to consider. All in all, it's a good time to buy and you're in the right place. We've put together some of the things we believe may help you to define whether you would like to own or rent.

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Benefits of home ownership:

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• Save Money. Renting is at an all-time high these days and often home-ownership is actually cheaper. 

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• Pay yourself. Why pay someone else's mortgage? If you're putting your monthly payment in to your own home, you're building equity. Equity gives you more leverage. As you make mortgage payments, you build equity in your home, which can be a valuable asset and provide financial stability. 

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• Tax benefits. Homeowners may be eligible for tax benefits, such as deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and certain home-related expenses.

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• Belonging and Privacy. Owning a home in a community gives you pride in your home and the neighborhood. You also have greater privacy and control of access. And, homeowners tend to stay in one place longer than renters.

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• Predictable Housing Costs: With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly mortgage payment remains relatively stable, providing predictability in housing costs compared to renting. And, by planning maintenance and repair, you'll keep your costs steady.

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• Stability and Autonomy: Homeowners enjoy a sense of stability and control over their living space, with the freedom to make personalized changes to their homes. You can make changes to your home and customize it to suit your preferences.

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• Potential for Appreciation: Over time, real estate has the potential to appreciate in value, allowing homeowners to build wealth through the increase in their property's market value.

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• Forced Savings: Monthly mortgage payments act as a form of forced savings, helping individuals build wealth over time by gradually paying down the principal on their mortgage.

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• Personalization: Homeownership allows for greater personalization and customization of living spaces, reflecting individual tastes and lifestyle preferences.

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• Security and Privacy: Homeownership typically provides a higher level of security and privacy compared to renting, with greater control over who enters your property.

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• Generational Wealth: Passing down a home to future generations can be a way to create and preserve family wealth.​

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Drawbacks of home ownership:

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• Maintenance and Repairs: As a homeowner, you are fully and solely responsible for maintenance and repairs, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. Regular upkeep is necessary to preserve the value of the property.  Its condition, the appliances and mechanicals typically all fall on your shoulders. (Condos and some other arranged communities may help with some of this.) And, while regular maintenance is expected, unexpected repairs or issues, such as a leaky roof or plumbing problems, can result in significant, unplanned expenses.

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• Upfront Costs and Long-term Commitment: Purchasing a home involves significant upfront costs, including a down payment, moving costs, closing costs, and other associated fees. Financially speaking, you are signing up for 30 years, typically. 

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• Committed to your neighborhood. Sometimes it is much more difficult to up and leave a neighborhood when you've bought a home and invested in a community. The opposite is also true that sometimes you choose a neighborhood for all the wrong reasons and you have to stay put to make financial sense.​​

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• Borrowing against your home can be very enticing but can also leave you "house poor". You may not see equity for a while. Some areas and price ranges don't see equity for many years. 

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• ​Market Volatility: Real estate markets can be subject to fluctuations. Economic downturns or changes in the local housing market can impact the value of your home.

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• Less Flexibility: Owning a home can reduce flexibility, especially if you need to relocate for work or personal reasons. Selling a home can be a time-consuming process.

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• Property Taxes and Insurance: Property taxes and homeowners insurance can be ongoing expenses that homeowners need to budget for, in addition to mortgage payments.

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• Market Timing Risk: The timing of your home purchase can affect your investment. Buying during a market peak may result in slower appreciation or even a decline in property value.

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• Interest Payment Impact: While mortgage interest may be tax-deductible, a significant portion of early mortgage payments primarily goes toward interest rather than equity.

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• Opportunity Cost: The funds used for a down payment and homeownership-related expenses could potentially be invested in other opportunities that might yield higher returns​

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• .HOA Restrictions: Homes in certain neighborhoods may be subject to Homeowners Association (HOA) rules and restrictions, impacting the freedom to modify or use the property as desired.

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• Market Timing Pressure: There can be pressure to time the real estate market correctly, potentially leading to stress and financial strain if purchasing during a market peak.

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Ultimately, the decision to own a home should be based on individual circumstances, financial readiness, and long-term goals. It's essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider your personal preferences and lifestyle.

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