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There is no doubt that deciding to buy a home is one of the biggest decisions a person is going to make in their life. For first time home buyers the thought of carrying such a large debt as a mortgage can be very intimidating. Why pay all the money upfront when you can simply go out and rent? Well honestly there are several GREAT reasons as to why everyone should at least consider buying a home over renting.

1.       The Chance to build equity – Never mind the fact that you “OWN” the property that you are living in, but you also obtain one of the best way to build wealth and that is through equity in the home. Each monthly mortgage payment you make helps you to build equity and brings you closer to owning your home outright. Home improvements that increase the value of your property may also add to your equity. And, if property values in your area rise, your equity will rise too!

2.       Possible Appreciation - Unlike many of your other large purchases, i.e. cars, boats, motorcycles homes appreciate in value while these items depreciate. What’s even better is a well maintained home can substantially increase in value. With the right care and maintenance when you are ready to move, you will be able to profit from its higher resale price.

3.       Preferential Credit Options – Once you build up equity in your home, you will be exposed to new avenues of credit and borrowing power through home equity loans and lines of credit, and of course there is always the cash-out refinancing.  Home equity loans typically offer better interest rates than conventional unsecured loans because they are leveraged against the value of the home and provide a lower risk to the lender. Managed correctly and wisely home equity loans are valuable sources of income for major purchases like cars, vacation properties, emergencies, and home renovations. It is important to remember that these loans are secured to your home and you should never borrower more than you can comfortably handle in payment because a default on payment can lead to the lender taking possession of your home.

4.       Tax Break Benefits – You have to pay home taxes on your property and interest on your mortgage, that’s the bad news, the good news about both are they are tax deductible.  You can even borrow against your home with a home equity loan up to $100,000 and usually have it tax deducted as well.  Another great tax break you get comes when you sell you can exclude $250,000 ($500,000 if you file jointly) in capital gains. (disclaimer: check with your financial advisor for advise on your personal tax situation)

5.       Personal Control – As a home owner you have greater control of your home expenses than you do when you are renting. One example of this is being in control of your utilities, you can take steps to lower the cost of them by making your home more energy efficient. Another a nice benefit of owning is you don’t have limitations or restrictions on renovations / upgrades that you may want to do, not to mention that doing this upgrades ultimately leads to more money for you.

6.       Pride of Ownership – One of the best benefits is a non-financial one, that is when you own a home, it’s yours, you can do whatever you want to it, decorate it to your liking. Remember you own the house and the land so you can say you own a piece of this world!

So now the question is what are you waiting for? Take steps today to get your piece of the world call us now 1-888-210-6134. We have the perfect home for you and we have many ways to get you into your home today! Don’t wait while everyone else watches their dreams come true call 1-888-210-6134 or email us at Info@asginvestments.com

I must confess I have an absolute passion for shoes.  Even my tagline suggest this … “Successfully making deals in heels”.  I wear heels everywhere, and I do mean everywhere.  To the grocery store, to football games to walk the dogs — you get my drift.  I was watching a TV show the other night and the topic was, “Are you spending less money than you make?”  This thought had me pondering and re-evaluating my passion for hours after the show ended.  Indeed I have over 100 pair of shoes, but would I say I spend more than I make just for this desire.  I quickly answered “no” and the wheels starting turning.  Although I have indulgence, I have to admit I have never (and I mean never) spent money that I never had.  The show showcased individuals and couples whose spending habits were out of control; consumer debt has risen astronomically over the past few decades, and it has contributed to weakened marriages, rising bankruptcies, and foreclosures.

Paying cash for a car, real estate, or even furniture is considered to be not normal. After a self-check, it started me to thinking about how others struggle with the principle of spending less money than you make.  One hundred years ago it was very hard to spend more money than you made, because credit was unbelievably hard to get, and it was considered shameful to borrow from someone else. Today, borrowing is a way of life. You are actually considered not normal if you don’t borrow money. So many people speak of it being easier to receive credit has made our lives better and given us more opportunities. I think that’s a boat load of crap. All it has done is given people the appearance that they are able to live a better lifestyle, but the added pressure paying numerous bills, living paycheck to paycheck, and fluctuating interest rates has most likely diminished the quality of life of so many people.

When it comes down to it, what makes you happy? Does having stuff make you a happier as a person? Being able to finance anything gives you the ability to have more stuff, but it does not make you happy. What makes us happy is maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends, being physically healthy, and working with a purpose in life. The size of your house, the brand of your car, and the technology of your television do not define who you are. Your personality, morals, and passions define who you are.

This may sound like I am getting overly philosophical about the topic on a TV show, but spending less than you make affects all aspects of your life. If you can sit down tonight and say to yourself, “I am going to take more personal responsibility with my finances”, you will immediately begin to see a change in the way you live, your attitude towards life, and the way you treat your loved ones. The problem is that most want to blame everyone else about why they’re struggling with money when all they have to do is look at themselves in the mirror to find the problem.

Are you ready to take responsibility of your finances? Let today be the day that you start taking control of your money and tell it how to behave.

By: Shonda Grier
ASG Investments, LLC