things, particularly if they know their lease is up in a year and they might move. There’s an intangible pleasant feeling attached to owning your own house — a sense of freedom and independence. The home you live in belongs to you, and you can do what you want with it. You aren’t daunted about increases in rent or losing the lease. You’re free to make improvements and changes. Also, owning your home gives your children the guarantee of attending the schools in the area on a more permanent basis; you never need to worry about a notice from the landlord to vacate your rented house or apartment for a variety of reasons over which you have no control.
DISADVANTAGES OF RENTING
No equity building. The monthly rent you pay goes to the landlord. It represents the fee you pay for using the property. You gain no ownership in the property, no matter how long you live there. You are actually feathering the owner's nest egg by helping them pay off their loan. No tax benefits. While homeowners can deduct property taxes and mortgage interest on their tax returns (again, please check with your CPA - times, they are a-changin'), renters aren’t eligible for housing-related federal tax credits or deductions. Home improvements go to the landlord. Any structural and decorative home improvements that renters make belong to the building owner and will have to stay behind when you move to a different place. Additionally, approval for desired major redecoration will be necessary. After all is said and done, the decision to buy or rent depends on the prospective home buyer’s circumstances. There’s no denying that a home of your own is a good financial and a great emotional investment. An investment in a home can also mean an
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