I could NOT resist - this was TOO funny.

Many people are asking me if now is really a good time to buy a home or if they should wait. Times are uncertain in the economy, so the answer is in the questions. Sit down with a qualified mortgage professional, a realtor and possibly your CPA to go over your financial situation and your goals.

Do you have the down payment? Gone are the days of ZERO down. You should have enough cash for your down payment and you should not clean out your bank account by making the down payment. You should still have a comfortable reserve.

What items do you need to purchase once you move into your new home? Many new home builders are offering incentives that may appear to be a zero down payment and/or zero closing cost offer. Remember, if you are buying a new build, you will need to purchase window coverings, put in landscaping, buy a refrigerator/washer/dryer, or paint. Although, you may have to come up with money for closing costs on a pre-owned home, you have window coverings, can often get all appliances included and the landscaping is done.

Where do you want to be in 5 years? Does buying a home support these goals (tax benefits, relocating, etc..)? This market is a good time to buy real estate because homes are ‘On Sale’ (talk about a blue light sale!) IF it makes sense with your personal finances. Housing prices are not going up for awhile, so if you need to save for 6 or 12 months -it’ll still be a great time to catch a sale!

Remember Norman Rockwell. Hundreds of his paintings centered around the American dream of family and the essence of home ownership. The home wasn’t just an asset to be flipped and bartered. Don’t forget the American dream.

The most forgotten aspect of this beast called the ‘housing market’ is that these houses are our homes. They are shelter for our families, a refuge to come HOME to at the end of a day. A shelter that comes with tax benefits and leveraged appreciation. The home where memories are made with family and friends. Let us not forget that owning a home in this country is quite a privilege.