Creating Wealth as a First Time Home Buyer

by Liz Nitz

Over the weekend, I taught a first time home buyer seminar.  I love helping first time homebuyers get into their first home because it means so much not only emotionally but also financially. It is the start of a secure financial future that can help you all the way through your retirement.  Now is a particularly good time to purchase a home as interest rates are at multi year lows, inventory is better than it has been in a while, prices are still increasing but at a less rapid rate and there are plenty of low downpayment programs and down payment assistance options.

I want to focus today’s blog though on exactly how and why you are creating wealth as a first time home buyer and is an important building block of your portfolio and financial future.

The example that I used in the seminar is pictured on this white board photo and I will bullet point it out so it makes sense.

 

Case #1 – Rent

First assumption is that a person rents an apartment for $1000 a month.

The $1000 goes to the landlord.

The benefit received by the renter is a place to live.  The renter is not paying off a larger debt to eventually own the home outright. ( Unless this a very rare lease to own situation)

There are no tax benefits associated with paying rent.

 

Case #2 – Purchase home with financing , usually from a financial institution.

This person has purchased a home with lender financing and pays $1000 a month to the lender.

 

What happens to that money is the interesting part

Part of it (I am using $500 a month in my example below) goes to the bank as interest to pay the bank for using their money.  But the other part of the $1000 payment goes to pay principal on your loan.  Principal is the part of the purchase price that you borrowed to purchase that house. Every principal payment increases your ownership in the house as you owe the bank less with each payment you make.
In my example, $500 a month goes to principal which turns into $6000 a year.  In the space of one year, you have will have reduced your debt by $6000 and that continues for as long as you have that loan.

So that’s a bit of wealth creation right there as you own more and more of a valuable asset.  The money that you pay off is considered your equity in your home.

 

But that’s not all…you will also be able to take advantage of an appreciating real estate market.

I know we all like to complain about rising home prices but did you think that the flip side is that if you actually own a home with the help of a lender, the rising home prices increase the value of your home too!  And guess what, the bank doesn’t get any of that, its all yours!

 

You may not touch that equity and wealth for many years but you may want to consider what it can do for you.

Some examples :

  • The equity that you earn simply by paying your mortgage and letting your home appreciate may provide a large down payment for your next home, say if you needed another for a growing family.
  • It can help pay for a second home or an investment property
  • The equity from the first home may help pay for kids schooling
  • It can serve as nice retirement nest egg

 

To recap the benefits that one gains from paying a mortgage over rent:

  • The interest portion of your payment is tax deductible
  • The principal portion of your payment pays off debt (good for the credit score), increases your ownership in that house and creates wealth as your equity builds
  • The value appreciation which increases your equity in that home belongs only to you, not the bank.
  • You have a solid financial wealth tool that can be used later for when you need it.

 

 

That first home with very little down can be a springboard to financial security down the road.  Purchasing a home is really one of the best leveraged investments you can make.  Now is a great time to take advantage of this just because of the all of the positive market conditions and available money at low rates.

Please reach out and let’s talk more about more about creating wealth as a first time home buyer!

 

Check out my website and blog https://movemetomontana.com

For more on mortgage rates, check here  http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter

 

 

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The following homes listed below were just listed in the last 7 days. This seller’s market is hot so we keep a close eye on the latest inventory. Subscribe below for instant updates of your ideal criteria.

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2238 Baxter Lane 8, Bozeman, Montana 59718

2238 Baxter Lane 8, Bozeman, Montana 59718

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
970Sqft
This cozy, well-maintained, and bright second level 2 Bed, 2 Bath condo boasts it all from new LVP flooring throughout the kitchen and living room to its convenient proximity to shopping, parks, and schools. Enjoy the mountain view from the covered balcony before heading to the nearby walking trails. Easy access to the detached single car garage and private parking space.
$375,000

1755 Windrow Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59718

1755 Windrow Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.02Acre
2,100Sqft
Modern, single level living in Flanders Mill! This like-new home boasts soaring ceilings, an entertainer’s kitchen with quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances coupled with a thoughtful and open floor plan.
$1,099,000

5408 May Fly Street, Bozeman, Montana 59718

5408 May Fly Street, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.14Acre
1,796Sqft
Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own a single family home in Bozeman listed under $700,000 with mountain views! This well laid out, 1796 sq ft Norton Ranch home features 3 generously sized bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, large closets, and an open floor plan on the ground floor. The fenced back yard gives plenty of privacy while still getting plenty of sun year round.
$695,000

2400 W Durston Road 40, Bozeman, Montana 59715

2400 W Durston Road 40, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,820Sqft
Appealing Willowbrook condo with updated luxury vinyl plank flooring in kitchen, dining area and living room. Full kitchen appliance package plus a washer and dryer. Gas fireplace serves dining and living room areas. Large east facing patio for enjoyment in the summer. First floor master with double closets. The two bedrooms on the second floor share a full bath. Two car garage.
$539,000

743 Loxley Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59718

743 Loxley Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59718

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.19Acre
2,348Sqft
Location, main level master and a 3 car tandem garage are just a few of the reasons you have to tour this property for yourself! Vaulted ceilings, five bedrooms, two and half bath with over 2,000 sq ft. this floor plan allows for a variety of options to suit your needs. Directly out the backdoor leads you to a patio with a pergola great for entertaining in the backyard.
$829,900

2526 Maiden Star Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59715

2526 Maiden Star Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.20Acre
2,455Sqft
The Legends home you have been waiting for! 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath, high end custom built by DK Homes. Fantastic location close to neighborhood trails that link to the M/town trail and Story Mill Park. Minutes to Main Street and Bridger Bowl. This home features an open floor plan showcasing rock fireplace with soaring vaulted ceilings.
$997,000

3801 Renova Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3801 Renova Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.14Acre
1,242Sqft
Currently the ONLY single family home in Bozeman city limits under $600,000! This single level three bedroom, two bath home is situated in Oak Springs subdivision, directly across from the neighborhood park and within close proximity to the Gallatin County Regional Park.
$590,000

114 Michael Grove, Bozeman, Montana 59718

114 Michael Grove, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.08Acre
1,354Sqft
Looking for a great investment, home for your college students or just a great deal in an increasingly competitive market??? Well, look no further. This townhome is 3 beds, 2 full baths, great back yard ready for your personal touch. Located conveniently to all things Bozeman, this centrally located home gives you access to wherever you need to go.
$449,900

4616 Danube Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4616 Danube Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.42Acre
3,834Sqft
Highly sought after Baxter Meadows West location! If you're looking to be in the heart of Bozeman's energy, look no farther! Conveniently located just blocks from Bozeman schools, the neighborhood park, Bozeman Sports Park, Gallatin Regional Park, Dog Park, pump track & Dinosaur Park...it's a rare find! Situated on just over 0.
$1,359,800
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