Are you considering buying a home?

It’s a big decision…

Interest rates are only one factor when it comes to buying a house now…

The benefits are worth considering. Here are a few reasons why buying a home can be a great investment in your future…

First and foremost, owning a home gives you a sense of stability and security. No more worrying about rent increases or having to move every year. When you own your own home, you have the freedom to make it your own and put down roots in a community.

Another benefit of buying a home is the potential for financial gain. Over time, homes generally appreciate in value, meaning that your investment can grow. Plus, when you make mortgage payments, you’re building equity in your home rather than just paying someone else’s mortgage.

Homeownership also comes with potential tax benefits. In many cases, you can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from your income, which can result in significant savings come tax time.  Tax Savings, Believe it or not, savings and taxes can play together nicely. Equity is savings, and when you sell a primary residence, you don’t typically pay taxes on the gain. You can take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) without owing taxes. So all that appreciation goes with you on your next adventure.

Deduction of Property Costs
If you itemize, you also can deduct some of your property costs from your federal taxes. Those include the annual interest you pay on your mortgage, your state and local property taxes up to $10,000, and in the year you buy, some of the fees you paid to close on the home. Only itemize if it means you can claim more than the standard deduction, which for tax year 2022 is $12,950 for single filers and $25,900 for married couples.

To see, you need to know what’s tax deductible when buying or owning a house. Here’s the list of possible deductions:

Closing Costs

The one-time home purchase costs that are tax-deductible as closing costs are real estate taxes charged to you when you closed, mortgage interest paid when you settled, and some loan origination fees (a.k.a. points) applicable to a mortgage of $750,000 or less.

But you’ll only be able to benefit from them if all your deductions total more than the standard deduction.

Costs of closing on a home that isn’t tax deductible include:

• Real estate commissions
• Appraisals
• Home inspections
• Attorney fees
• Title fees
• Transfer taxes
• Mortgage refi fees

Mortgage interest and property taxes are annual expenses of owning a home that may or may not be deductible. Continue reading to learn more about those.  The tax law caps the mortgage interest you can write off at loan amounts of no more than $750,000. However, if your loan was in place by Dec. 15, 2017, the loan is grandfathered, and the old $1 million maximum amount still applies. Since most people don’t have a mortgage larger than $750,000, they won’t be affected by the limit.

When you own a home, you have the freedom to make it your own. Want to paint the walls a bold color or renovate the kitchen? Go for it! When you rent, you’re often limited in how you can personalize your living space, but as a homeowner, the possibilities are endless.

Finally, there’s the pride of homeownership. There’s something special about knowing that you own the place you call home. It’s a feeling of accomplishment and independence that can’t be matched.

Of course, buying a home isn’t without its challenges. You’ll need to have a down payment saved up, be prepared for ongoing maintenance costs, and be ready to take on the responsibilities of homeownership. But for many people, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

If you’re considering buying a home, take the time to weigh the pros and cons and consider your long-term goals. Owning a home can be a great investment in your future and provide you with a sense of stability and security that renting simply can’t match. So if you’re ready to put down roots and invest in your future, buying a home could be the right choice for you.