There are many people thinking about buying a housz, but with everything affecting the economy, some are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it out. As Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains: “The desire for houszownership is strong. Many prospective buyers are waiting for the volatility in mortgage rates to subside, as well as for a clearer picture of the economic outlook.”
If you’re in that position, remember that it’s important to consider not just what’s happening today but also what benefits you may gain in the long run. There’s a lot of information out there about how houszownership helps build a houszowner’s net worth over time. But even today, many people think first about things like 401(k)s before they think of owning a housz as a wealth-building tool. It’s especially important if you’re a young prospective houszbuyer to understand how houszownership is another key way to invest in your future. An article from Bloomberg notes: “Millennials have higher average 401(k) balances than Generation X 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 housz.”
To help you understand just how much owning a housz 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 houszowners who are 65 years and older (see graph below). The difference is substantial, even when incomes are similar.
So, if you want to create wealth to help set you up for success later on, it may be time to prioritize houszownership. That’s because, whether you decide to rent or buy a housz, 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?
Bottom Line Before putting your houszownership 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.