“Take a look at the financial benefits of owning a home.”
A Fannie Mae survey recently revealed some of the most highly-rated benefits of homeownership, which continue to be key drivers in today’s power-packed housing market. Here are the top four financial benefits of owning a home according to consumer respondents:
- 88% – a better chance of saving for retirement
- 87% – the best investment plan
- 85% – the chance to be better off financially
- 85% – the chance to build up wealth
Additional financial advantages of homeownership included in the survey are having the best overall tax situation and being able to live within your budget.
Does homeownership actually give you a better chance to build wealth?
No one can question a person’s unique feelings about the importance of homeownership. However, it’s fair to ask if the numbers justify homeownership as a financial asset.
Last fall, the Federal Reserve released the Survey of Consumer Finances, a report done every three years, with the latest edition covering through 2019. Their findings confirmed that homeownership is a clear financial benefit. The survey found that homeowners have forty times higher net worth than renters ($255,000 for homeowners compared to $6,300 for renters).
The difference in net worth between homeowners and renters has continued to grow. Here’s a graph showing the results of the last four Fed surveys:The above graph only includes data through 2019, but according to CoreLogic, the equity held by homeowners grew by $26,300 over the last twelve months alone. That means the gap between the net worth of homeowners and renters has probably widened even further over the last year.
Some might argue the difference in net worth may be due to homeowners normally having larger incomes than renters and therefore the ability to save more money. However, a study by First American shows homeowners have greater net worth than renters regardless of their income level. Here are the findings:Others may think homeowners are older and that’s why they have a greater net worth. However, a Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University report on homeowners and renters over the age of 65 reveals:
“The ability to build equity puts homeowners far ahead of renters in terms of household wealth…the median owner age 65 and over had home equity of $143,500 and net wealth of $319,200. By comparison, the net wealth of the same-age renter was just $6,700.”
Homeowners 65 and older have 47.6 times greater net worth than renters.
Bottom Line
The idea of homeownership as a direct way to build your net worth has met the test of time. Let’s connect if you’re ready to take steps toward becoming a homeowner.
To view original article, visit Keeping Current Matters.
Homeownership Is Still at the Heart of the American Dream
Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream.
Why Pre-Approval Is Your Homebuying Game Changer
If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you definitely don’t want to skip.
3 Keys To Hitting Your Homeownership Goals in 2024
The key to making a good decision in this challenging housing market is to be laser focused on what you need now and in the years ahead.
What You Need To Know About Saving for a Home in 2024
It’s important to work with a real estate professional to understand what’s best for your situation in your local area.
Retiring Soon? Why Moving Might Be the Perfect Next Step
Whether you’re looking to downsize or simply be closer to loved ones, your home equity can be a key to realizing your homeownership goals.
Sell Smarter: Why Working with a Real Estate Agent May Beat Going Solo
A real estate agent can help you price your home correctly and guide you through the paperwork.