1).  YOURS ALONE

The freedom of owning your own home can’t begin to compare to the restrictions that renters experience. You can paint the walls the color you like, hammer a nail where you want, all without the hassles from a landlord.

2).  LIFESTYLE

Homeowners are a different breed. When you live in a neighborhood or building that is owner-occupied, your neighbors, like you, are more willing to invest their time, money, and effort to improve their property value and community.

3).  EQUITY BUILD UP

Rental payments are gone once you have made them. But with each mortgage payment, you are “buying” something tangible, you are building equity. The longer you own your home, the larger equity.

4).  KEEP UP WITH INFLATION

A home is an investment that helps you keep up with inflation. Although not all homes appreciate at the same rate and some years are better than others, real estate has historically kept pace with and usually appreciates faster than the rate of inflation.

5).  INCOME BENEFITS

All interest paid on a mortgage is deductible for income tax purposes. In the early years of a mortgage, most of your payments are interest.  Also, remember too that property taxes are deductible and that other special tax deductions such as Energy Credits are also available to homeowners.

6).  PAYBACK ON IMPROVEMENTS

A renter who makes property improvements does not receive financial benefits from them if they relocate. As a homeowner, you can realize appreciation costs you sell your home.

7).  TRADE-UP VALUE

Even if your first home isn’t your "dream home", you are working your way up to it. With appreciation and possibly some improvements, it may provide you with enough equity to make a down payment on your "dream home" later.

8).  SECURITY FOR RETIREMENT

Unlike rent, which goes on forever, mortgage payments are temporary, providing you with “rent free” living for retirement.

9).  INVESTMENT PROPERTY

For some, investments in single family homes or condominiums are proving to be good tax shelters.

10).  DON’T LET THE MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES FOOL YOU

You pay much less in interest than the mortgage rate of your loan because the interest you pay becomes tax deductible.