You already know about the tax benefits of buying a home and the long-term financial advantages created by rising home values and bankable equity. But some of the associated benefits of homeownership might surprise you.
1. Pride of ownership
You understand the idea of pride of ownership, but maybe you've never actually felt it. You will once you put those keys in the door for the first time. And this doesn't just apply to first-time homebuyers. If you've worked hard, saved well, spent smart, and are able to now move up to the home of your dreams, you'll undoubtedly feel it, too.
"America has a long tradition of homeownership," said the New Jersey Association of REALTORS®. "This country was founded by settlers who braved the wilds, faced the unknown, and claimed a bit of the American countryside for their own. Having a stake in the land upon which we live is rooted in the fabric of the American psyche."
2. It's a do-over
So your old house deteriorated into an outdated mess. Or maybe you earned a reputation for being the grumpy neighbor because you threw one too many fits over dog poop on your lawn. Now you've got a clean slate. Your house can be anything you want it to be, and you can be anyone you want to be—even the friendly, helpful neighbor who sets out poop bags, just in case.
3. Social benefits
Any move brings new opportunities to make new friends and increase your social interaction. But homeownership can also provoke deeper social benefits.
A report from the National Association of REALTORS® found that homeownership positively impacts educational achievement, with homeowners having "a significant effect on their children's success. The decision to stay in school by teenage students is higher for those raised by home-owning parents compared to those in renter households," they said. asking a girl out "Furthermore, daughters of homeowners have a much lower incidence of teenage pregnancy."
An additional study shows that "homeownership has positive effects on the academic achievement of children (with) significant effects of home environment, neighborhood quality, and residential stability on the reading and math performance of children between the ages of three and twelve."
4. Coupons galore
Chances are you've got a laundry list of things you want to do to your new pad. Buying a new house will unleash a cavalcade of junk mail, but in that mess of unwanted refinance offers and insurance information and other nonsense will be all kinds of coupons you can use from big box companies, home décor outlets, window treatment businesses and the like. Go through them carefully and you can fix up your place without spending the equivalent of your down payment.
There are also hundreds of dollars worth of coupons from companies like Best Buy, Lowes, and Bed Bath & Beyond available in the change of address form you fill out at the post office or online.
5. Credit offers
Once you close escrow, your credit score will get a bump and the credit offers will start rolling in. This is great if you're looking to get a new car, do some home improvement projects on credit, or buy some new furniture. By taking advantage of special offers from Home Depot, Best Buy, or furniture stores like Rooms To Go, you can do some updates and spread out your payments over time without accruing interest—if you qualify. Just make sure to keep track of how much you need to pay monthly to take full advantage of the program.
Naciri, Jaymi. "5 Unexpected Side Benefits of Homeownership." Realty Times. 27 May 2015. Web. 27 May 2015.
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