Homeownership–It’s NOT Just About MoneyThe “numbers tell the story” examples should ease your mind about the financial aspects of becoming a homeowner. But there are other, less monetary, benefits to homeownership that may partially explain the fact that buyers buy when they are ready.Several research studies indicate that homeownership adds to the value of communities, has positive effects on children, and even contributes to increased voter participation rates.Homeownership: The American Dream More than two thirds of American households own their own home. They know the benefits of homeownership, from the accumulation of home equity, tax incentives, and the pride of owning a place of their own. They also had to take that first step of deciding “I’m ready to be a homeowner.” REALTORS® assisted many of today’s 75 million homeowners in both their decision to buy and their first home purchase. REALTORS® are real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and who abide by the Association’s strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.They can help guide you to first-time homebuyer programs in your area, as well as assist you in searching for and buying your home.Why Not Wait?You may wonder whether it is worthwhile to wait to purchase your home until prices are at their lowest. Prices are not the only factor that should drive your decision. Currently, interest rates are at generational lows that greatly improve the affordability of homes. Further on the annual cost table, you can see that even if home prices decline, the possible tax savings of owning a home lead to a lower cost for the buyer, not the renter. Also,there are special, additional tax benefits for first time home buyers that may be available for a limited time only.Finally, and most importantly, when you have made the decision to commit to homeownership because you are financially ready, market conditions are a secondary concern. In fact, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2008 Profile of Home Buyersand Sellers found that more than four in ten buyers purchased a home because the buyer was ready to make the commitment to homeownership.care of NAR
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Posted by Yasmin Sabur on December 28, 2008 at 5:28pm
First things first.Why would any one have a blog, a web site and write articles on buying a home in this economic climate?If you’re thinking this woman must be totally out of it, well, in some ways, but not regarding purchasing a home.The best first mortgage and down payment assistance programs currently available were all created during times of national economic hardship. FHA 3% down payment mortgages and VA 100% guaranteed mortgages are just two programs created when folks had a need for low down payments to be able to purchase a home.As we pull out of this financial crisis, I believe more assistance will become available, not only for homeowners, but also for first time homebuyers.If you have a stable job history of two years, have paid your bills on time, kept you credit accounts down to a minimum, and have some money saved, there is no reason why you can’t be in a home of your within a few months. Now is always the best time to own a home.Myhomedownpayment.com is a nationwide directory of down payment assistance programs for low-to-moderate income families (most of us fall into this income group). Down payment assistance and closing costs programs exist on the national, state, county, and city levels. Take advantage of these programs.You need to be willing to do your homework, find ethical and knowledgeable real estate and mortgage professionals to assist you, and begin to enjoy the pleasures of home ownership.The author, Yasmin Sabur, is the founding member of My Home Down Payment and myhomedownpayment.com, e-education businesses promoting affordable housing through mortgage down payment assistance programs for low-to-moderate income families.
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