Owning your own home is part of the American Dream. It is a status symbol as well as a security. It is an investment into your future as well as a comfort. There are several reasons that you should consider for making your home purchase now.

1. Interest rates are low and that may not last forever. Many expect interest rates to increase so the window of low interest rates and low home prices won’t here forever. This could be the perfect opportunity for a home buyer. Real estate prices could be at an all time low with low interest rates makes home ownership very affordable. Depending on your area some homes are selling for a third or a half of what they used to sell for.

2. Home Prices. While it is awful that so many people have lost their homes, it has created an abundance of home inventories. Homes are being sold for a third of their past values. All around the country you can find terrific deals on homes you may have not been able to afford in the past. With prices so low, you will be able to purchase more home for your money. This includes new homes or recently built homes. Many developers have found that their plans were stopped when the economy halted. Large homes in new subdivisions have incredibly low price tags attached to them. It is a buyers market.

3. Do you really want to be a renter forever. Forget all of the financial aspects of owning a home for a minute. Isn’t it just nice to live in a home or condo that you own? You can decide what colors to pain the walls. You can decide if you want to change out the carpet. You get to decide if you want to remodel the bathroom. None of these things requires the approval of your landlord. Doesn’t that just feel good?

4. Build equity. If you can afford the home you live in and your time horizon is long enough you will create wealth through home ownership. If we are at the bottom then prices will eventually start heading up again. It has happened in the past and should happen in the future. Imagine buying five rental properties worth a total of $500,000. Let’s assume you get a 15 year mortgage on all of these properties. In 15 years when the mortgages are paid off and a 4% increase in home prices these five rental properties will be worth $900,471. Not too shabby.

5. Credit Score. When you obtain a mortgage your credit score automatically improves. People that own a home are considered a lower risk by the credit reporting agencies and are given a higher score. Your higher score translates into the ability to obtain other credit at a lower interest rate. Owning your home creates many opportunities to establish credit and do so at a fair price. The equity that is built in your home is an incentive for creditors to offer you credit.

There will probably never be another time that home prices are so low in comparison to their true value. With low mortgage rates and a large variety of homes to select from on the market, there is not a better time than now to purchase your dream home.

Marc Rasmussen sells Sarasota FL Homes For Sale