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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