Reasons Homeownership Trumps Renting

The seemingly endless run of bad housing news is discouraging some potential home buyers from considering a purchase. But the truth is that the advantages of homeownership have very little to do with investment gains. The best things about owning a home have a lot more to do with personal comfort and satisfaction.

Here are five of them:

· Be your own landlord. The bank can only kick you out if you don’t pay; a landlord can be much less dependable – deciding to sell the property or choosing to live there themselves.
· Paying the principal is forced savings. Yes, it’s possible that home prices will fall further. It is also possible that your 401(k) will lose value. But over the long haul, both are likely to enjoy modest gains in value.
· Fixed-rate mortgages never rise – and eventually you pay them off. With mortgage rates at record lows, people who buy now are locking in real bargains.
· Good schools. Family-sized rentals are harder to come by in areas with excellent public schools.
· Spacious properties in pleasant neighborhoods. Sizable homes in attractive communities are almost always owned – not rented.

Source: The New York Times, Ron Lieber (08/27/2010)

We are a United Way of Southwest Colorado supporter. We wanted to let you know that United Way is just starting their annual drive for our community. There are two United Way fundraising events coming up next weekend.

Friday September 10 is the 14^th annual Radiothon. United Way has over $75,000 worth of goods and services to bid on during their all day broadcast. To preview items up for bid, go to www.uwradiothon.org and click on Auction Items. On Friday September 10, TUNE IN to KIQX 101.3 FM, KRSJ 100.5 FM or KIUP 930 AM from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. LOG ON to the website to find more information on the items up for bid each hour. Then CALL US at 382-UWAY to make your bid.

Saturday September 11 is the 12^th annual San Juan Brewfest. The Brewfest is sponsored by Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, planned by CookManFood.com and benefits United Way. This year’s event will be held in downtown Durango on Main Ave. between 12^th and 13^th Streets. 25 breweries from all over the nation are coming with two or three of their best beers for you to taste. General admission tickets are only $20 and get you entry to the event from 1 to 6 p.m. VIP tickets are available for $40 and include entry to the event one hour early at noon, a reserved area at the event with free food, and an invite to the brewer’s only party Friday night at Ska from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Purchase tickets at the gate or online at http://shop.CookManFood.com 

Contact United Way at 247-9444 or info@unitedway-swco.org to learn more.