There are many people thinking about buying a home, but with everything affecting the economy, some persons are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it out. If you’re in that position, remember that it’s important to consider not just what’s happening today but also what benefits such as sense of security and increased equity you may gain in the long run.
There’s a lot of information out there about how homeownership helps build a homeowner’s net worth over time. But even today, many people think first about things like their pension plan before they think of owning a home as a wealth-building tool. It’s especially important if you’re a young prospective homebuyer to understand how homeownership is another key way to invest in your future.
An article from Bloomberg notes:
“Millennials (born 1981-1996) have higher average 401(k) balances than Generation X (born 1965 – 1980) did when they were the same age, but they're not any better off financially. . . . A lot of that has to do with being less likely to own a home.”
To help you understand just how much owning a home can have a positive impact on your life over the years, take a look at what the data shows. The same Bloomberg article helps show the gap in wealth between renters and homeowners who are 65 years and older (see graph below). The difference is substantial, even when incomes are similar.
While the data is American based, the principle holds true for us here in Cayman as well.
So, if you want to create wealth to help set you up for success in your future, it may be time to prioritize homeownership. That’s because, whether you decide to rent or buy a home, you’ll have a monthly housing expense either way. The question is: are you going to invest in yourself and your future, or will you help someone else (your landlord) increase their wealth?
The Bottom Line
Before putting your homeownership plans on hold, let’s connect to go over your options. That way, you’ll have expert advice on how to make the best decision right now and the best investment in your future. I'd be happy to help.
Juliet
Tel: 1-345-916-0500
IG: @julietosbourne_