Proud to be an owner

The Real Value of ‘Home’ Homeownership isn’t for everyone, but for those ready to take on the responsibility the desire to purchase a house goes much deeper than a dollars-and-cents analysis.

Understandably, job security is top-of-mind for many Americans and renting provides relocation flexibility, but most people don’t want to uproot their families and disrupt established friendships by leaving the community they call home. In fact, the typical recent home buyer moved only 19 miles from his or her previous home. According to the 2009 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers survey, buyers most often cite the desire to own a home as the primary reason for their recent purchase.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau reports that owners do not move as frequently as renters. In turn, involvement in community quality-of-life issues helps prevent crime, improve childhood education and support neighborhood upkeep.

Interview a Prudential Waterfront Properties Realtor about the common reasons families decide to purchase a home. Talk to them about the emotional components that factor into such an important decision. Ask current homeowners why they decided to buy and what the experience taught them.