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Why Owning a Home Pays Off Big Time: The Simple Truth About Home Prices

Owning a home isn't just about having a roof over your head; it's also one of the smartest ways to build wealth.

Over the years, most homes gain value, which means you could earn big equity just by holding onto your property.

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But how much can you expect your home to grow in value, and why does this matter?

Let's break it down in a way that makes sense for anyone thinking about buying or holding onto a home.

Happy couple buying a home with sold sign

Whats the Deal With Home Price Gains?

Did you know that the average single-family home in the U.S. has increased in value over the past few decades?

If you held onto a home for seven years, your homes value likely increased by about 29%. If you kept it for 10 years, the value went up by an average of 39%.

That's huge!

Lets put it in simple numbers. Say you bought a home for $200,000. After seven years, it might be worth around $258,000. Hold on for 10 years, and it could grow to $278,000.

That's like earning $58,000 without lifting a finger.

Of course, these gains depend on where you live. Home prices in the West tend to grow faster. In some cities, like Sherman-Denison, TX, homes doubled in value over 10 years.

But even in places where prices dropped during the 2008 crash, values have bounced back stronger than ever.

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Why Do Home Prices Increase?

There are a few big reasons why home prices go up:

- **The economy:** When jobs are stable and people are earning good money, they're more likely to buy homes, which pushes prices higher.

- **Supply and demand:** If there are more buyers than homes for sale, prices rise. It's that simple.

- **Inflation:** Over time, money loses a bit of its value. That's why things cost more today than they did 10 years ago. Homes are no different.

- **Lifestyle trends:** More people working from home or moving to specific cities can also drive prices up in those areas.

These trends help explain why homes in Florida, Texas, and California have seen massive price increases in the past decade.

What About Housing Crashes?

You might remember the housing crash of 2008. Prices dropped, and many homeowners lost money.

But here's the good news: since 2011, home prices have bounced back in a big way. In fact, they've grown 65% since then.

So even if the market has its ups and downs, owning a home long-term is usually a win.

For example, homes in Miami saw values dip during the crash but have since skyrocketed by 75%. That means homeowners who stuck it out gained more equity than they lost.

How Long Should You Stay in Your Home?

Here's a tip: the longer you stay in your home, the more likely you are to see price gains.

Most people who hold their homes for seven to 10 years end up with significant equity.

Selling too early could mean missing out on those big gains.

Think of it like planting a tree. The longer it grows, the more shade it provides.

A home's value works the same way it grows more with time.

Why This Matters for You

If you're thinking about buying a home, this data shows why it's a great idea.

Not only do you get a place to live, but you're also setting yourself up for future financial gains.

And if you're a current homeowner, staying in your home longer can help you build even more equity.

Remember, every year you hold onto your home, you're investing in your future.

That's why homeownership isn't just about where you live; it's about creating wealth for you and your family.

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Take the Next Step

Ready to see how much home you can afford and start building equity?

Owning a home can be one of the smartest financial moves you'll ever make.

Don't wait start your journey today.

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With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.

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