In the past month, I've traveled to Oregon and Utah. While there, I found myself house-hunting with a daughter and a sister. Both are married. Both see the benefits of home ownership and want to jump into the market, given the extremely cheap money offered by lenders (interest rates dipping into the 3s!) and strong appreciation potential.
Being with them and their spouses led me to contemplate, from the 10,000-foot view, a few principles inherent to successful home ownership. Here are several ways to think about money so that you can become a homeowner, prosper as a homeowner, and ultimately, sell your home at a profit.
Needs, Wants and Savings
Spending can be divided into three categories – needs, wants, and savings. Allocate 50 percent of your aftertax income for needs such as food, rent, trans...
It's no secret that the majority of the younger generations are renting for longer than their elder counterparts. With an abundance of student loan debt and soaring home prices, it's no wonder why most people are turning to renting. However, as rent prices steadily increase, is it better to bite the bullet and invest in a home? The decades-long debate about renting versus buying is far from over, but here are a few things to consider to help you make the best decision for you.

One of the first decisions you have to make when buying a home is if you should buy new construction or an existing home with fixer-upper potential. Unfortunately, there is no right or wrong answer – it all depends on your individual situation and personal preferences. To help you in your decision-making process, we've outlined some key pros and cons to each option.
