If you're renting and wondering if you should buy a home, consider what beHome Ownership Pays
No question about it, home ownership is a big investment, maybe the largest you'll ever make. But over time, it's an investment that pays for itself many times over. Here's how:

Tax Advantages
• Mortgage interest is tax deductible.
• Real estate taxes are tax deductible.
• Local tax benefits are available in many areas.
• You can enjoy tax-free gains up to $500,000 from the sale of a primary residence that you have occupied for two of the last five years if you are married and filing jointly. If you are single or married and filing separately, you can enjoy tax-free gains up to $250,000. Moreover, you can use the exclusion as often as you meet the qualifications.

Investment Benefits
• You build equity over time, which you take out in cash when you sell your home.
• The profits from home investment are often greater than from many other investments.
• Because you can borrow against it in most states, home equity can be a source of emergency funding.
• Land appreciation adds to the value of your home.
• For many, home ownership is an important part of retirement planning.

Personal Satisfaction
• You gain more living space.
• You enjoy the satisfaction and pride of home ownership.
• Home ownership, for many people, is a sign of independence and achievement.

If you're renting and wondering if you should buy a home, consider what bestselling author, David Bach, says, "The average homeowner is worth 35 times more than the average renter."

He advises renters to take action immediately and start saving part of their paycheck every month to help accumulate a down payment. He also encourages renters to borrow 10-20 percent less than what the bank is willing to lend; that way they're only buying as much home as they can afford.

The longer you rent, the longer it may take you to eventually get into homeownership. If the market conditions have scared you, perhaps you're not looking at the other side of the coin. Owning a home becomes part of your investment portfolio, provides tax benefits, allows you to build equity (it still exists), and, if you buy now, you may get an excellent deal.

According to a MarketWatch news article, buying a home now can provide some real negotiating power to request improvements, price reductions, help with closing costs, and more. "People can get a lot of what they need and almost all of what they want today," said Jay Papasan, one of the authors of "Your First Home".

While poor market conditions have created a troubling situation for some homeowners, the downturn has made the buying market ripe for others. The affordability of homes is better than ever.

The National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index concluded that homes in December of 2008 were more affordable than at any other point since 1970 (the start of the index). And with numerous foreclosures on the market and prices dropping in many areas, now is a good time to buy. But in order to make your purchase profitable, here are some things you should consider.

How long will you be in the home? Some experts advise that if you are planning to move within a year, buying may not be the best option because of the expenses associated with moving. However, if you're searching for a place to live for, at least, several years, buying now could be a good choice for you.

How much you can afford. Don't let tighter lending regulations scare you off from making a purchase. Instead, understand what you truly can afford. Don't get caught up in buying too much home. In fact, these days, the trend is moving toward smaller homes -- simpler living.

Mortgage rates drop to historical low. How much home you can afford is affected by mortgage interest rates that, right now, are highly appealing. Good credit, documenting your income, and a substantial down payment will make you a better candidate for the better mortgage rates.