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Is It Safe To Buy Your First House Now?

The "right" time to buy a house has a lot more to do with your personal situation than market factors.

Market conditions and rising rents in areas across the country caused Trulia's Rent Vs. Buy Report to lean strongly in favor of buying for a large segment of the population. Of course, your decision should be based on your personal financial situation (and your ability to stay in your new home for a while), but there are a few key reasons why you may want to sign mortgage paperwork instead of a lease.

Whether you're looking at a home for sale in Taos or Angel Fire, NM, here's the latest info on what you should consider.

1. Rates are still offsetting higher prices

Even with home prices inching up from last year, they don't wash away the huge cost savings lower mortgage rates offer. In fact, according to Trulia's report, for households putting down 20%, with plans to stay at least seven years, buying is on average 37.7% cheaper than renting. This is only a 0.5% increase from 2015. Rates would need to increase well over 100% to wipe out the cost savings of buying. Such an aggressive rate hike is highly unlikely.

2. Buying trumps renting in more than 100 metro areas

If you think buying is cheaper only in smaller, less densely populated cities and towns, reality says otherwise. In fact, it's cheaper to buy than rent in more than 100 U.S. metros.

3. There's no guarantee of stable rental rates

Nationwide, rents have increased 3.5%, which is a slower pace than real estate prices, but it's not insignificant -- and the amount can vary drastically depending on a variety of factors, making rising rental prices an unpredictable part of your financial picture. On the other hand, once rates are locked and paperwork is signed, you can expect to pay the same amount over the course of your mortgage. The only changes could be due to property taxes, insurance rates, or if you opt for an adjustable-rate mortgage over a fixed-rate mortgage.

4. You can build equity over time

This tried-and-true reason to choose homeownership doesn't depend on market conditions. One of the biggest benefits to buying a home is the ability to build equity over time -- equity that can be tapped into later. A monthly rent payment will disappear into the hands of a landlord, but a mortgage payment builds equity that can be used to purchase another home later or provide additional funds in retirement.

5. Tax breaks favor homeowners

Another financial benefit extended to homeowners comes in the form of tax deductions. The early years of paying a mortgage consist in large part of paying down interest, but this expense is tax-deductible.

Property tax is also deductible, as are as mortgage points and private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Another big tax benefit occurs upon the sale of a home. If you profit on the sale of other types of investments, you are required to pay a 15% capital gains tax.

But if you lived in your home two of the last five years before selling, the amount you earn on the sale isn't taxable.

When looking for the best Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate let us help you find your dream home. With amazing homes for sale in Angel Fire and Taos, you are sure to find that perfect home. Maybe land for sale in Taos and Angel Fire might be what you are looking for to build your dream home or live off the grid in our stunning Earthship homes for sale in Taos. How about a fabulous condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes? Whatever you fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire or 575-758-5852 in Taos our dedicated knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you require. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.

Information obtained from Trulia

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