Homeownership Still The American Dream

                                                               Ken ratcliff ~ FLICKR.COM

                                                   Homeownership… Still The American Dream

 70 Percent of Americans View Homeownership as Part of Personal American Dream, According to Trulia | RISMedia

7 Reasons To Own Your Home

Sharing this post from Realtor Magazine – Realtor.org

7 Reasons to Own Your Home

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

Online resources: To calculate whether buying is the best financial option for you, use the “Buy vs. Rent” calculator at www.GinnieMae.gov.

Relaxing at Home

                                             ikkoskinen – Flickr.com

As I sit here in my den by the fireplace, writing another post for my Blog – which is turning out to be one of my favorite daily routines! I can’t help but think about all the comforts of a HOME.  Being able to relax and enjoy homeownership is FABULOUS!

                                                      *clairity* – Flickr.com

During the winter especially, a HOME gives you warmth – and invites your family and friends during the Holidays. 

A HOME is where memories are made and never forgotten.  I still dream of my childhood HOME – over and over.  I have friends and family that say the same – many of their dreams are also of their HOME, where they lived when they were a child.

                                                          alicepopkorn – Flickr.com

If taking steps toward HOMEOWNERSHIP is one of your NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS – talking to a mortgage broker is an important first step!  I highly recommend Anthony Frascone  – cell: 203-648-6713.  He is licensed in New York and Connecticut and has similar family and work ethics as I do.  GOOD LUCK and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Find a Home on TRULIA Real Estate Search

The other day I was asked by a client, where could he search on line for ALL currently listed homes for sale.  One of the Real Estate sites I mentioned was TRULIA Real Estate Search (click). 

You input what state, town and price of home your interested in – and VOILA!  Oogles and oodles of HOMES!  You can search from the comfort of your own home – during a break at work – or even on your phone!

Then, when you find a few potential listings – call a REALTOR for more information, set up an appointment to view some of these properties and your on your way to purchasing a home! 

If you need assistance in Westchester, Putnam or Dutchess Counties in New York – or – Fairfield and parts of Litchfield Counties in Connecticut – feel free to contact me – I’d be happy to walk you down the path of HOMEOWNERSHIP! 

Diana Santos – call or text: 203-648-2619 – E-Mail: Diana.Santos@Century21.com or visit me on Trulia.com

mannequin – Flickr.com