Homeownership is a major milestone for most people, as it represents a sense of security and financial stability. The emotional attachment to a home induces a profound sense of accomplishment and pride. While homeownership isn’t cheap and can be challenging, it comes with multiple perks. Discussed below are four benefits of owning a home.

1. Homeownership is a long-term investment

Owning a home is a form of long-term investment, meaning if you buy a house as a primary residence and don’t intend to move every few years, it can start rising in value over time. This is because property values don’t increase radically in the short term. Staying in your house long enough boosts the possibility of yielding a higher return on investment. Although the real estate market may experience short-term price fluctuations, property values will likely appreciate over the long term.

Statistics suggest that home prices in the United States have increased for eleven consecutive years, rising by more than 18% in 2021. Homes are expensive, which can make homeownership seem unattainable. However, reliable mortgage loan providers, such as Associates Home Loan, offer a wide range of loan options you can leverage to finance your dream home.

2. Tax advantages

Owning a home comes with the benefit of enjoying tax breaks, which minimize your tax bill and make investment more cost-effective in the long run. Some of the tax deductions you can leverage for being a homeowner include:

• Mortgage interest: Homeowners can deduct the interest they pay on up to $750,000 of mortgage debt when filing jointly and $375,000 if filing separately
• Real estate taxes: Local and state property taxes can be deducted on the year they’re paid
• Home office deductions: You can only claim this deduction if you’re a small business owner using your home exclusively and regularly as your primary area of business, not as an employee working from home

Private mortgage insurance, discount points, and tax credits are other tax breaks you can enjoy as a homeowner.

3. Build equity

Home equity (the difference between your home’s market value and the mortgage amount you owe) represents the part of your home that is truly yours. Homeownership lets you convert a mortgage into equity. As you pay your mortgage, the amount you owe gradually reduces, raising your equity. In addition, as your home’s value appreciates, your equity also rises.

In addition, building equity on your home boosts your net worth over time. Home equity also acts as a safety net in the event of sudden financial difficulties because you can tap into it when needed. Building equity takes time. However, the following steps can help accelerate things:

• Making a larger down payment
• Making large mortgage payments
• Refinancing for a shorter-term loan
• Making home improvements

4. Freedom to customize and more control

Unlike renting, owning a home gives you the freedom to personalize and adjust your property to match your needs and preferences. You can make simple modifications like repainting walls or major renovations like building an extra room. The freedom to customize your house allows you to create a space that resonates with your style.

It also increases your home value while meeting your unique needs. Homeownership doesn’t come with restrictions on gardening, pets, or other things, giving complete control over what you wish to do around your home.

Endnote

Homeownership creates a sense of security and financial stability and comes with many perks. Understand the above benefits of owning a home to determine if it’s worth investing in.