5 Benefits to Home Ownership

An Englishman’s home is his castle, they say, but so is an American’s. We love our homes… to decorate, to create a warm loving environment for the family and to show off… er… entertain friends. And whether our thumbs are green or brown, whether our allergies are seasonal or year-long, we love to putter in the yard and struggle to grow organic tomatoes, a gigantic pumpkin, the perfect weed-free lawn. Yup! That’s pride of ownership?

Then there tax advantages – nothing to sneeze about. And finally, there is that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – appreciation of real estate so that when we are ready to sell, we can make a hefty profit.

Wait... there's more. Put on your 3D glasses and look at the larger picture, the 70 mm 3D version. There are more substantial benefits for families, communities and in fact, the whole country.

1.      Higher Academic Achievement: It has been proven, say experts, that home owners are more involved in their children’s lives and that makes for better grades. Plus, home owners don’t move around like renters, so children have a more stable environment.

2.      More Cohesive Communities: Home owners take care of their homes and a wholesome interest in their neighborhoods. That nosy neighbor is really your big ally. Here are some stats:
- 28% are more likely to repair or improve their homes

            -        28% are more likely to vote
             -        11% are more likely to know who their Congressman is
             -        9% are more likely to know who is on their school board

3.      Better Connected Families: Home ownership builds stronger families.
- They volunteer at schools, coach athletic teams or become scout/troop leaders

            -        16% are more likely to attend PTA meetings, book clubs, etc.
            -        10% are more likely to attend church or other religious institutions
            -        Less likely to have alcohol or substance-abuse problems

4.      Improved Health & Safety:

           -        Home owners enjoyed better physical and emotional health.
           -        Since they have a financial stake in their homes, they are motivated to deter crime in    
their neighborhoods by forming community watch groups, leading to safe and stable communities.
          -        Children of home owners are 20% less likely to become teenage mothers.

5.      Stronger Economy: Experts opine that each home purchase generates as much as $60,000 of economic activity in the surrounding area – think of remodeling, landscaping, furniture and home appliances… it’s a long list.

Convinced? Now… call me (M 803-348-9922) to help you buy a home!

Source: NAR’s Field Guide to the Benefits of Home Ownership

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