Top 5 Benefits of Owning a Home

I’m not going to beat around the bush; a house is a big purchase and a huge life milestone. You want to make sure you are making the right choice. Have you been wondering if it is worth it to take the leap? Are you overwhelmed by all the information out there? While there are many benefits of owning a home versus renting one, here are some of the top ones you’ll want to consider!

#1 – It’s a Great Way to Build Equity

First off, what does equity mean? Equity refers to the probable market value of your property against any liens (such as a mortgage). The longer you own a home and pay towards the balance of any liens, the liens will gradually decrease as the property value and your equity in the home increase. The larger the home equity you have, the more borrowing and purchasing power you earn towards loans for home improvements, funding your children’s education, or other consumer goods such as a car.

While you build your equity as a homeowner with regular payments, your credit score will also receive a nice boost!

#2 – Your Investment Gets Better With Time

 Investing in buying a house provides a better return than most other investments, such as a car. Depreciation begins as soon as you drive the car off the lot, where owning a home behaves in the opposite, appreciating in value over time (depending on market conditions).

Though even an experienced local REALTOR® cannot predict precisely what will happen with your home value in the coming years, they can provide past values for the neighbourhood. Looking towards the trends on values on homes in the area will help gain some understanding of what you can expect.

#3 – Less Expensive Than Renting in the Long Run

Yes, really! When buying a home, there are, of course, many upfront costs—down payment, appraisal fees, homeowner insurance, etc. And, similarly, you are paying a certain amount per month. However, as stated in the first point, you are paying to own the home, and your personal net worth increases. Whereas, with rental properties, you are paying to use the landlord’s property to live.

Check out Renting vs. Buying: Which is Better For You for a more in-depth comparison!

#4 – Plant Your Roots

Options for rental properties are often limited in terms of location. Buying and owning your home means you get to CHOOSE where you want to live; the neighborhood and proximity to schools, parks, your employer, and other amenities. By this choice, you can be sure you will have pride in ownership, not only in your property but your community, by forming relationships with fellow neighbors, local services & politicians and taking part in community events.

#5 – Freedom to Customize Your Space

This might be the last on the list, but it is certainly not the least. Actually, this might be the best reason of them all! While renting, you are at the mercy of your landlord in terms of colour and style choices made and cannot alter them. Ownership offers you the freedom to make changes. Paint the walls, rip up that carpet, install a secret door—the choice is yours! To make the deal even sweeter, not only will these changes make the house feel more like home, but they can elevate your property’s value as well.

Of course, there are countless other benefits and considerations for purchasing a house. However, the best way to ensure you are finding the perfect home for you and your family is to work with your very own REALTOR®.

Don’t have one? I’d be happy to help—contact me today!