10 Reasons to Buy a HomeTime magazine is being overly pessimistic in its recent cover piece that called into question the benefits of home ownership. In fact, now is a great time to buy. And, what's more, tomorrow will be a great time to own, because the fundamental strength of home ownership hasn't changed.Why is now a great time to buy?   Here are 10 reasons:

• You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average. They're at a level that makes sense for people's income.
• Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two years ago.
• You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a comparable place.
• It'll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you do that?
• You can get a better home. In some markets, it's simply the case that the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.
• It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over time outpaces inflation.
• It's risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from that, even if you're goal is just to have a nice place to live.
• It's forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to equity.
• There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes available today, about a year's supply. Now's the time to find something you like and get it.
• Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere. Demand will eventually outpace supply.

Source: Wall Street Journal Pro-Property Search We will setup a customized search for you by our professional REALTOR® Team. Sit back relax and shop at home! We will make changes to your Pro-Property Search any time you like, just let us know.County Properties, 24 years of brokerage experience, trust and a Member of the local Better Business Bureau! We offer free counseling in real estate regarding; home values and information on options of selling vs. Foreclosure.By the way…if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service in real estate we provide, please call me or have them go to www.CountyProperties.net and I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.