Buying your first home can be a nerve-wracking experience, and for good reason.  It is probably the most important purchase that you will make in your life time.  Your first home purchase sets into motion a chain of events that will alter the course of your social, economic and cultural lifestyles.  There are many questions to consider when you get ready to take the plunge and purchase a home. However, there are also some compelling reasons to purchase a home as soon as you have the financial ability to do so..

1) You have to live somewhere anyway!

One of the most intriguing and compelling reasons to purchase a home is that you have to live somewhere anyway, and home ownership is one of the best ways to invest money that you would have wasted on rent!  Instead of paying a landlord rent, who in turn pays a mortgage on his or her investment, you are committing funds your own future!

2) You may have tax incentives!

Unlike rent, interest and property taxes on your primary residence are, for the most part, tax deductible.  If you exceed the amount of the standard deduction, this can become a real source of actual tax savings and can lead to a larger refund or more take-home pay each period.  You should talk to a CPA or tax professional to get complete details, but most homeowners benefit from this deduction!

3) Real property is an investment!

In most cases, real property appreciates with both inflation and other market forces.  Even if the property you purchase does not appreciate, your mortgage will eventually be paid off and you will own your property "free and clear!"  That means that you can live out the remainder of your days without making mortgage payments, or you can sell your property or even will it to your heirs. 

4) It is possible to buy with no down payment!

One of the most exciting developments for first-time homebuyers in the ability to obtain a mortgage with no down payment.  There are even cases  where all of you prepaid items can be worked into your loan so that you will not need any cash up front.  So if you have good credit, you don't have to wait until you can save enough for a down payment.  Your dream of home ownership can start becoming a reality today!

5) There are new programs that assist purchasers with credit history problems!

There was a time when a poor credit history would absolutely prevent you from getting a home loan.  That is no longer the case.  There are many new loan products that enable individuals to purchase a home without outlandish rates or co-borrowers.  There may be a small interest premium or some other concessions, but you will be on your way to financial security by buying your own home, and you'll stop making your landlord rich.

6) There is a pride in ownership!

There is a sense of pride and accomplishment that you attain when you own your home.  You have the satisfaction of  knowing that any improvements, upgrades and repairs that you make will enhance the value and desirability of your property.  You are no longer "making the landlord rich," rather, you are setting off on a mission of financial independence.