3 Times When it’s Smarter to Buy a Home Instead of Renting

When you purchase a home — particularly if you invest a down-payment of 20 percent or more — you start to build equity in the home. Equity is the difference in the amount of money that your home is worth versus how much money you still owe on it. Therefore, the money you spend on a mortgage payment is similar to a savings account in that you will recoup some of this investment once you sell your home. If you intend to live in the home for at least 5, 10 years or more, chances are good that you will sell the home for a greater amount than you owe. Thus, you can use that extra money for a down payment on another home or another expense. To build equity faster each year you can make one or two additional payment on the principal, instead of having the money divided between the principal and interest you owe.

Once a renter moves, he gets none of the money back.

Buying a home provides you with excellent tax write-offs. This is because your accountant can deduct the interest you paid on your mortgage and any repairs or remodeling costs that you spent during the past year. Mortgage points and loan origination fees are also tax deductible. You will pay less in taxes or get a tax refund. If you don’t pay at least 20 percent down when you purchase a home, you’ll have to get private mortgage insurance to protect the lender. This type of insurance is also tax deductible. If you don’t have an accountant, invest in one of the best online tax services when doing your taxes. That can help you claim the right mortgage deductions.

It’s easier to purchase a home than to rent one if your credit score isn’t very high. Most rental properties require you to have a very good or even excellent credit score. Rental property managers don’t want to waste time on renters who aren’t financially responsible. If you don’t pay your rent, they will have to go to the time and expense of finding someone else to rent the property..

If you’re interested in raising your credit score, you may wish to research the best online loans as part of your path to debt consolidation or other assistance.