Ten Great Reasons to Buy a Home in 2011

  • Quality of life ? a home provides stability and security for you and your loved ones, and membership within a community of neighbors.
  • Pride of home ownership ? a home is a personal haven, a place that you can decorate, shape, and share over time because it?s yours.
  • Excellent affordability ? lower home prices combined with low interest rates means there are tremendous opportunities for buyers.
  • Historically low interest rates ? around 5 percent in the U.S. gives better purchasing power to those who qualify.
  • Appreciation potential ? your home investment can grow in value.
  • Equity buildup and debt pay down ? homeowners enjoy an average net worth of approximately $184,000 vs. $4,000 for renters.
  • Leverage ? where else can you buy an investment of this magnitude with 5-10 percent down?
  • Tax deduction advantages ? property tax and mortgage interest write-offs (in Canada, home owners gain a tax benefit upon selling).
  • Tax exemption ? up to $500,000 per married couple or $250,000 per person on sale of a primary residence in the United States (no tax upon sale in Canada).
  • The real cost of renting ? at $800 per month, with the average 6 percent rental increase per year, you will pay $126,536 over a 10-year period but have zero ownership of the property.