Love Home Ownership
Love Home Ownership – Part 1 of the LOVE SERIES
When it comes to renting a home or owning a home, which is better? At Holiday Builders, we believe in the advantages of home ownership. In fact, we love home ownership. Since February is the month of love, we’re kicking things off with LOVE HOME OWNERSHIP, a case for home ownership.
Homeownership has many advantages over renting. The first is obvious – when you make a monthly mortgage payment, you are supporting your biggest investment – your home. If you’re paying rent, you are keeping a roof over your head, while paying someone else’s mortgage. Love yourself, not your landlord.
Owning a home has tax advantages. Lower your taxable income by deducting the interest you pay on your mortgage. If you have a dedicated home office, you can deduct some of the expenses of maintaining that space. Florida’s Homestead Exemption is a huge benefit for Florida homeowners. It decreases the taxable value of a primary residence by as much as $50,000 which translates to lower real estate taxes. These are just some of the tax breaks rewarding home ownership. Who doesn’t love a tax break?
If you’re fond of personalizing your home, ownership certainly has its perks. What it comes down to is control. Who’s in charge here? You are. You don’t have to ask the landlord if you can paint the laundry room purple. Want to knock down a wall to expand a room? You have the power as a homeowner to make those bold moves without getting a permission slip. Pet lovers can transform their owned home into a pet resort where many landlords either charge pet fees, restrict animal types and breeds, or don’t allow pets at all. There’s freedom in home ownership. Did we mention we LOVE home ownership?
Lastly, stability is priceless. Imagine if you will, you rent a home and you love it. You have children enrolled in local schools and your job is right down the street. Then, your landlord notifies you that your lease will not be renewed. The choice of staying in your home is no longer yours. Owning offers a much greater sense of security and stability. Short of a major catastrophe or a default on your mortgage, you have a home you can count on. There truly is pride of ownership. But more importantly, home is where the heart is.
So why rent? Renting can be a great way to get to know an area. If you have a transient career, renting may be easier than owning. Lastly, home ownership offers great benefits, but it comes with financial responsibilities. For example, when the air conditioner dies, the homeowner must handle the replacement costs. If you’re renting, you can tell the landlord and they will take care of all repairs.
Renters who have never owned a home may be fearful of the upfront costs of buying a home – for example, saving for a down payment. However, there are a plethora of programs available for first-time homebuyers. Be sure to speak to a Coastal Loans representative to learn what options are available in your area. Visit HolidayBuilders.com for floorplans, locations, and pricing on to-be-built and move-in ready homes. Because there’s “No place like the home you own.”
