Monday, October 24, 2011

Top 10 Reasons to Own rather than Rent






1. You own the property outright: With no landlord, you make the decisions.

2. You can deduct it: Mortgage interest, property taxes and some costs involved with buying a home can be deducted from federal income taxes.

3. Interest rates: The cost to borrow mortgage money is at an all-time low. If you’re going to buy, this is the time to jump into the market.

4. You invest in it: Rent money is gone forever. Mortgage payments build home equity ownership interests.

5. You save for the future: Home equity is a ready-made savings plan. Sell it and you can make up to $250,000 cash without owing any federal income tax on the profit.

6. You can predict expenses: Unlike rent, a fixed-mortgage payment doesn’t get more expensive over time.

7. You pick it: Choose from different neighborhoods, styles and price ranges.

8. You create it: Decorate, renovate, get a pet or paint the walls whatever color you want – it belongs to you.

9. You live in a neighborhood: You and your neighbors take pride in the local schools, roads and more – and you work together to build a friendly community.

10. You spend money on yourself: When you buy a chandelier or hardwood floor or kitchen cabinet, you’re spending hard-earned money on yourself and building your equity at the same time.


Ownership has emotional rewards, too!

The Met Warner Center (CA) compiled the above list.
This article is a reprint © 2011 Florida Realtors®
Link HERE to read the original article

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Good News for Florida Home Owners/Buyers


A recent article in the St. Petersburg Times claims that Tampa Bay's existing home sales skyrocketed to levels not seen in nearly five years and average sale prices also rose in several area counties. This news would indicate that the housing market is healing from the faltering economy and an increase in foreclosed properties. "It's good news," said Mark Vitner, a senior economist with Wells Fargo. "It's a further indicator that the worst may be over. The (Tampa) bay area economy is modestly improving."

Read the "good news" of the entire article HERE