1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.
2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.
6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.
7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.
Once your offer has been accepted on the home you would like to purchase one of the things that is suggested is for you to get a home inspection. What is a home inspection? Well, one of the best ways to understand the property’s condition is to hire a qualified home inspector. It is recommended you contact and interview at least two to three different home inspectors in order to find one that will meet your individual needs. Inspectors are familiar with the building codes and will help look for flaws in the home your are purchasing.
The following are some important questions to ask before making your final selection;
- How long have you been in the home inspection business?
- What are your qualifications?
- Are you a member of any inspection organization or association?
- How many resale home inspections have you completed?
- If I hired you today, when would you be available to complete my inspection?
- What will the inspection cover?
- How long is your average inspection and how long after it’s completed will I receive my report?
- How much will the inspection cost?
- May I attend my inspection? May my real estate agent also attend?
- Do you provide estimates for repairs and improvements?
- Can I contact you post-inspection for any questions?
These are just a few questions and you may have more but hopefully this will help you when it is your time to need a home inspection.
Talk to you soon, Patti
Question – Can I write off all expenses on my home?
This is a MYTH: Home addistion, insurance cost, renovations, condo/HOA fees are not tax deductible like your property taxes and mortgage interest can be. Remember to always check with a tax advisor or a financial planner when determining what home related issues are deductible.
see you again soon,
patti -pattimace@pattimace.com or pattimace@sbcglobal.net
