Benefits of Home Ownership
Buying a home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. Homeownership has
great benefits. Homeownership also comes with certain responsibilites.
Are you ready for homeownership? Look at your current situation and determine if:
- You have a continuing and reliable source of income prior to applying for the loan.
- You have a credit history that shows you're ready for homeownership.
- Your total debt is manageable and you can afford to take on the costs associated with homeownership.
- You have money saved for a down payment and closing costs.
Once you fully understand your current situation, it's important to look at the pros and cons of homeownership
to make the best decision for you and your family.
Homeownership has many advantages - both financial and personal. But buying a home is an important
decision. Look at the benefits and the differences between homeownership and renting to better
understand if owning a home is right for you.
What are the benefits of homeownership?
- Tax savings.
You may earn significant tax savings because you can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from
your federal income tax and many states' income tax if you itemize your deductions.
- A more stable monthly housing expense.
Your monthly housing loan or mortgage expense can remain the same for the life of your mortgage, depending
on the type of loan you choose.
- Equity.
You may build equity in your home over the life of your loan, which allows you to plan for future goals like your
child's education or your retirement.
Homeownership is not right for everyone. It may not be the right time in your life or you may not like the commitment
associated with owning a home. Here are some differences between renting and homeownership:
- Renters are typically free from maintenance obligations such as repairs or lawn care.
- Homeowners often have more freedom in decorating, landscaping, etc.
- Renters can move more easily and more quickly than homeowners and there are higher costs associated with
buying and selling a home.
- Homeowners have a financial investment and may build equity in their home.
What Are the Risks?
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| Check For Properly Working Appliances/Fixtures: |
- Bathroom
- Sinks
- Showers/tubs
- Toilets
- Vent fan
- Heating fan
- Appliances
- Dishwasher
- Stove
- Oven
- Ice maker
- Garbage disposal
- Range hood
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Microwave
- Trash compactor
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- Kitchen
- Kitchen cabinet doors
- Drawers
- Sinks
- General
- Lights (interior & exterior)
- Windows
- Heating system
- Ceiling fans
- Hot water system
- Air conditioning system
- Electrical outlets
- Door bells
- Doors
- Water purifier
- Fireplace damper
- Garage door
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| Ensure House Is Well-Built & Systems Are In Working Condition: |
- Exterior
- Brick bulging or cracking
- Shingles missing or broken
- Siding rotted or missing
- Gutters damaged or need to be cleaned
- Concrete cracked in sidewalks/driveway
- Basement
- Water seepage in basement
- Cracks in foundation
- Poor ventilation
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- Interior
- Sub-flooring damaged or loose
- Cracked walls or ceiling
- Cracked tiles
- Loose plaster
- Flooring damaged
- Soft, springy floors
- Water stains near windows
- Water stains on ceiling below bathroom
- Water stains in attic
- Pipe insulation missing
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Myths About Homeownership
Lenders evaluate mortgage applications a lot differently today than they did even 10 years ago. And even more has
changed in the last 20 years. What used to close the door to homeownership may not be a factor today.
Here are some common homeownership myths:
Myth: You need great credit to become a homeowner.
Fact: You may still be able to buy a home with less-than-perfect credit. And remember, you can improve your credit
over time.
Myth: You need to put 20% down to buy a home.
Fact: There are many types of mortgage products and programs that allow low and no down payments. But remember
to factor in other costs such as closing costs, property taxes, moving expenses, and repairs.
Myth: You can't buy a home in the U.S. if you're not a citizen.
Fact: If you're a legal resident, you can purchase a home in the U.S.
Myth: If you don't have a bank account or credit cards, you can't qualify for a mortgage.
Fact: Having a bank account is always a good idea and helps you establish credit. However, lenders can approve you
for a mortgage even if you don't have a bank account or credit cards. You'll likely need to keep records showing a history
of payments you've made for items such as rent, utilities, and car payments.
Myth: Lenders share your personal financial information with other companies.
Fact: By law, banks and other financial institutions are restricted in their uses and disclosures of information about you.
In some situations, you may choose to restrict the disclosure of your information if you don't want it to be shared.
Myth: If you're late on your monthly mortgage payments, you'll lose your house.
Fact: If you have a financial hardship, like the death of your spouse or a medical emergency and fall behind, it's possible
to keep your home and get back on track if you contact your lender early.
Myth: You can't get a mortgage if you've changed jobs several times in the last few years.
Fact: Not true. You can change jobs several times and still get a loan to buy a home. Lenders understand that people
change jobs. The important thing is to show that you've had a stable income.
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