For Millennials, is homeownership really beyond their reach; and is renting really a better option? According to world statistics, Millennials (those born in early 1980’s) make up nearly 40% of the workforce, but their homeownership rates are at least 8% lower than Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. Some say this is because homeownership seems like a very tough decision for millennials as salaries remain stagnant and real estate prices continue to go up. Millennials themselves have cited reasons such as not being able to afford the down payment or qualify for a mortgage, or renting being more convenient and cheaper. In this installment, we seek to show you six benefits to owning a home that can never be met by renting.

1. Renting really is not cheaper or convenient. When you consider the ever-increasing rent costs as compared to a fixed monthly mortgage payment, mortgage payments will usually be lower. If you measure what you are likely to pay in rent versus mortgage over a two-year period, you will actually discover that you can save if you own your home. To help you, we have worked out some of the important questions you need to ask when considering a mortgage.
2. Paying rent is not an investment especially if you are looking to secure your future. With cost of living and inflation on the rise, rents will always rise, but mortgage payments for the most part will remain steady. At TTMB our rates are stable and transparent.
3. The benefits to homeownership are numerous. Financial security and tax deductions as a first-time homeowner rank among the most powerful incentives. As a guide, you can check out our blog on Tax Deductions for First time Homeowners.
4. Owning your home is always a good long-term investment. Property prices tend to go up so that as the value in your home grows, so will your home equity which you can turn into cash to support refinancing, emergency relief and other financial goals. The challenge for most homeowner hopefuls is accumulating enough cash for the down payment. However, with today’s attractive mortgage options at TTMF for first-time home buyers, that may be less of an obstacle than you think. We also have some good tips on saving for your down payment and saving during the pandemic and beyond.
5. Mortgage payments may actually be about the same amount as (or less than) what you may be paying in monthly rent. Take a good hard look at your finances and you may discover this. So in fact you will actually get more for your money as a homeowner, because each mortgage payment actually is a step closer to ownership and ultimately a growing investment. You can use our online mortgage calculator to get started on understanding where you stand. We can also help you figure out your potential homeownership costs or discuss the mortgage financing options and coverage that we can provide for you.
6. The younger you are when you buy a home, the more equity you will accumulate over the years. TTMF can help you navigate the mortgage process and develop a plan to you purchasing your first property.