Net Worth = Rent vs. Buy…
Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect net worth data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey data, covering 2013-2016 was released two weeks ago.
The study revealed that the 2016 median net worth of homeowners was $231,400 – a 15% increase since 2013. At the same time, the median net worth of renters decreased by 5% ($5,200 today compared to $5,500 in 2013).
These numbers reveal that the net worth of a homeowner is over 44 times greater than that of a renter.
Owning a home is a great way to build family wealth
As we’ve said before, simply put, homeownership is a form of ‘forced savings.’ Every time you pay your mortgage, you are contributing to your net worth by increasing the equity in your home.
That is why, for the fourth year in a row, Gallup reported that Americans picked real estate as the best long-term investment. This year’s results showed that 34% of Americans chose real estate, followed by stocks at 26% and then gold, savings accounts/CDs, or bonds.
Greater equity in your home gives you options
If you want to find out how you can use the increased equity in your home to move to a home that better fits your current lifestyle, let’s get together to discuss the process.
Bottom Line
Think of your home as a savings account that you are building your net worth for the future. If you don’t yet own a home, go buy one. The best time to start increasing your net worth is no.
Have questions about real estate you want answered? Even if you aren’t planning to buy or sell for years, I hope you’ll feel comfortable calling me to talk about your unique real estate situation. I’d love the opportunity to become your agent long before you actually need one. ~ Lynda Van Wie
(www.vanwierealestategroup.com)
(702) 523-1667
