Buying is better than renting: 5 benefits only homeowners enjoy

Aug 11, 2020 6:00:33 PM / by George Blezard posted in Mortgage, homebuyers, home ownership, payments, buying a home, rent

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You don't throw away money on rent

As you make payments on your mortgage, you generate equity from your home. Equity is the value of the house that you truly "own." The more money you spend on your home, the more money you accumulate through equity. The equity you have is considered capital or a financial asset. As the value of your home increases, so does your capital.

For example, if you purchase a home for $150,000, you could put a $20,000 down payment on the house. This means that you will get a $130,000 loan and have $20,000 equity in the home. Once you reach 20% equity in your home, you can apply for a home equity loan or refinance your mortgage to seek a lower interest rate. A lower interest rate means you will pay less in the long run. When renting, you don't see these same financial benefits because you don't own the property. You simply pay the monthly fees that the landlord requires. 

You can have a fixed mortgage cost

When renting, landlords have the power to increase renting costs every year by large or unexpected amounts. With a fixed-rate mortgage, you can be sure that your payments won't increase year to year. Even a 3% increase in rent over 10 years will significantly increase your fees. You can be confident that your mortgage will stay the same if you decide to buy a home instead.

It can be scary to commit to making a payment for 15-to-30 years. A fixed-mortgage can take some of the stress away by ensuring your payment won't change even if your income does. Buying a home can actually take away some of the uncertainty that you might see when renting. Remember when we talked about equity? A fixed-mortgage rate pays off principal and interest at the same time. So, as you pay off the principal, you are increasing your equity (or capital). 

It's your property!

It's a great feeling when you buy a home. To call a property your own is a great accomplishment. When you buy a house, you don't have to worry about what rules the landlord might want you to follow. You have the right to create a home that fits your lifestyle, and the only person you have to answer to is yourself!

As a homeowner, your property becomes a clean slate. You can turn your property into anything you want! Anything from painting walls, landscaping, and renovations are fair-game when you own a house. You have the freedom to turn a house into a "home," and it can be exactly how you want it. When renting, you don't have the same luxuries and freedoms that come with owning a home. Typically, you have to gain permission from your landlord to make any changes and are often shot down. Being a homeowner allows you to make the property into anything YOU want.

Potential tax benefits

Homeownership is so good for the economy that the federal and state governments reward individuals who own properties and pay interest on a mortgage. Some homeowners can deduct the interest they pay on their mortgage from their taxes. This is unique to homeowners because renters don't pay a mortgage; therefore, they don't get any tax benefits.

Sometimes you have the option to deduct property taxes up to a certain amount as well. These benefits vary depending on your location and personal situation. Still, you definitely won't have these options if you rent. 

You get the community experience

Buying a home helps connect you to a specific neighborhood and community. Renters tend to live in different houses or apartments after a year or two. Also, if you live in a rental area, you may see different neighbors moving in and out all the time. As a homeowner, you can put down roots in your community and build relationships with people in your neighborhood. You can get involved in your local community by volunteering, throwing block parties, or helping at the local school. Buying a home can help create more vibrant, fuller relationships with your community and a gives a stronger sense of home.

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We know the idea of owning a home can be stressful. It’s always important to consider the factors unique to you and your needs. If you feel like you’re ready to make the jump to buying a house, HomeTraq can help you find your dream home!

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How to be a Professional Home-Owner

Feb 12, 2020 12:12:57 PM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in Mortgage, foreclosure, payments, mortgage payments, maintenance, emergency funds

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It's right around the corner; The paperwork is done, the insurance is paid, you are moved into your new home. The power is turned on and the movers just set down the last piece of furniture. Finally, you have time to rest right?

You're almost there!

By following the expert's check-list provided by HomeTraq, you can guarantee that you manage your new home or property like a professional!

 

 

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4 reasons why buying a home with cash may be a mistake...

Oct 8, 2019 4:49:14 PM / by Mark Gorman posted in Mortgage, Pre-Approval, Pre-Qual, Lending, Home Loan, Pre-Qualification, Approval, professional, home purchase, financing contigency, FHA, closing costs, homebuyers, home ownership, PITIA, financing, capital, payments, mortgage payments, emergency funds, boosting credit, income, asset, myths, credit bureaus

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There’s a common misconception out there that buying a home with cash is always a faster and easier option than financing. If you have the funds to buy a home in cash (congrats on that saving, by the way), financing might actually be a better option. Financing your purchase with a qualified lender offers homebuyers a host of unique advantages that cash buyers just can’t enjoy. If you’re weighing your cash vs. financing options, consider the following:

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Cellphone & utility payments can now "boost" your credit score

Jul 12, 2019 8:32:00 PM / by Mark Gorman posted in Mortgage, Credit, Credit Score, home ownership, credit profile, payments, mortgage payments, boosting credit, credit bureaus, experian, cell phone, utilities, bills

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Know the Benefits of Owning a Home Before Starting Your Home Search

Jun 27, 2019 7:54:00 PM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in earnest money, closing costs, taxes, insurance, homebuyers, housing market, step-by-step, Credit, homeownership, home ownership, financing, payments, maintenance, emergency funds, before you buy, homebuying

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Home ownership has always been part of the American Dream. Because of that, many people start their home search without considering the benefits or risks. If you are contemplating buying a home, you should know and review the advantages & challenges of the investment decision you are about to make and all that comes with it before signing on the dotted line.

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Master your move with this eight-week moving checklist

Jun 24, 2019 8:33:00 AM / by Jeffrey Che posted in home ownership, capital, payments, movers, moving, moving checklist

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While making the big move might seem like a massive undertaking, it doesn't have to be. All you need to succeed is a little planning.

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