There are many reasons a person should buy a home, but the most common is it’s a great investment. With the steady increase in real estate and the limited amount of rental properties in our cities, it is smart to get into the market as soon as you can. Chances are you will not be able to start out by buying your dream home, but it is the first step in advancing to that dream and to build some equity to put towards your next home.
You also don’t have to worry about getting kicked out or having your monthly payments increased suddenly and permanently. You lock in your monthly payments for several years and your house will generally get more valuable over that time. And, don’t forget the pride and comfort that comes with owning your own home. You can customize it however you want and can do what you want inside your own home!
Here are our top 9 reasons to buy a home.
1. To Quit Renting
Why contribute to someone’s mortgage payments when you could be paying off your own? With the current market increase in rent it can sometimes be cheaper to own than it is to rent and there is no fear of your mortgage payments suddenly increasing.
2. Security
You don’t have to worry about your house being sold out from under you to out-of-province investors. If you’re renting and encounter this scenario, you could find yourself faced with an unreasonable increase to your rent, thereby leaving you potentially homeless or too poor to eat. These increases could continue indefinitely so the investors can make more money or so that you will feel forced to leave and they can turn your building into a condominium.
3. Investment
The price of real estate continues to increase every year, therefore purchasing real estate is one of the safest long-term investments a person can make. If you had the choice between putting money towards a new car or a new house, a house should win every time as it will appreciate in value over the years whereas a car does the opposite. Once you own one house and build some equity you may also be in a financial position to buy another and rent one out.
4. Low Interest Rates
Right now we have some great interest rates which will help you get your foot on the first rung of home ownership. It is a great time to get into the market and lock into a good interest rate and build equity.
5. Pride of Ownership
One of the biggest reasons people buy properties is the pride of saying they own something. Even if it is a little starter home or apartment style condo, it is yours and you can do with it as you please, and for that, a person should be proud, as ownership is an accomplishment.
6. Privacy
If you own your own house, you don’t ever have to worry about the owners checking up on you, since you are the owner! You will gain much more independence and privacy when you have your own property.
7. Equity
One of the best things about owning a home is that you are building equity, which gives you more freedom financially as you can access a home equity loan. You may then borrow against the equity you have built in your home for a wide variety of reasons including home improvements, paying for school for your children, medical reasons, or even starting your own business. Check with your lender, as these vary from one to the next.
8. Freedom
You are free to do what you want in your own home, whether you want to paint the walls in pink and black zebra or put carpet on the ceiling (not recommended of course!) You have the freedom to express yourself and your personal tastes and change the house to suit your needs. You can hang as many pictures as you want and do renovations as you please. Just keep in mind that when you are ready to sell your home, not everyone may like what you do.
9. Sense of Community
Owning a house gives you a feeling of belonging in that neighborhood and gives you the sense of putting down roots and getting established. There are also many neighborhood groups that you can become involved in, and if you have children it may be of benefit for schools and friends.