Download Case Study: Building Wealth Through Homeownership

Posted On January 05, 2017

Home values, like other economic measures, are cyclical.  It is widely accepted that buying a home is an investment in the future.  Even in periods of recession, homes can increase in value.  The government puts forth affordability initiatives to close the homeownership gap, emphasizing its fundamental role in providing financial security.  When construction slows and available inventory lessens, sellers of existing homes have an advantage as their homes’ value goes up. To download the full case study, please click here to access resource.

The difference in average net worth between homeowners and renters is staggering.  As of October 2015, the Federal Reserve reported that a typical homeowner’s net worth was $195,400 while a renter’s was only $5,400, and projected the 2016 figure to be in the range of $225,000 - $230,000 for homeowners and approximately $5,000 for renters.  Homes almost always appreciate in value, even with market fluctuations.  In periods of a recession, home value may decline temporarily, but will rebound to appreciate at a slower rate. 

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The creation of wealth through Homeownership depends on five factors:

1. Home Ownership Results in Forced Savings – through saving for the initial down payment and budgeting for monthly mortgage payments.
2. Homes Tend to Appreciate in Value Over Time – from 1975 to 2012, the compound annual growth rate in home prices exceeded inflation by 0.8%.  Based on those numbers, over a period of thirty years a homeowner will experience a real gain of about 26% in the overall house value
3. Federal Income Tax Benefits* – homeowners may qualify for federal income tax benefits by deducting mortgage and property taxes.  Additionally, may will benefit from tax breaks when they sell their home
4. Increased ROI with Mortgage Financing – each monthly payment builds equity. 
5. Not Subject to Rent Inflation – rents nationwide have increased 20% over the past five years.

*Please consult a tax advisor for specific details.