A new home is one of the smartest purchases you can ever make. If you're like most people, you spend half of your time at home -- enjoying your leisure, raising a family, working in a garden or entertaining friends.
But beyond the basic pleasure and security that a home provides, it can also enhance the quality of your life immeasurable. New homes typically increase value, provide considerable tax advantages and -- most important -- are designed to offer you comfort and convenience.
One of the best things about owning a home is that each monthly payment buys you more and more of that home, while its value typically continues to increase. That increase in value belongs to you. You can borrow against it or use it to increase your own net worth.
New home ownership also brings you income tax savings each year because you can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes.
And today's new homes are more comfortable and convenient than ever before. Today's home builders use smart design and the latest amenities to bring buyers homes with maximum style and convenience.
In addition, today's new homes are much more energy efficient than homes built 10 or 20 years ago. Extra insulation, double-glazed windows, tighter construction, and more energy efficient appliances are just a few of the features that will save you money in heating and cooling bills. And because everything in the house is new, maintenance costs will be low.
Now is also a great time to buy a new home. There are a few new homes on the market, interest rates, although they have gone up recently, still aren't that bad, and according to the Feds, have probably leveled off.
Another reason to build now is Pensacola NAS construction project just started and the largest ever at the Station. Although I don't expect the project to have much effect on the residential building industry, future housing costs could go slightly up because of a potential increase of labor costs.
So invest you money wisely and get ready for moving day. Each year hundreds of thousands of Americans buy new homes. Now it's your turn.
May not be used without written permission from The Home Builders Association of Northwest Florida.