1. You can get a really good deal.

California median home prices

have fallen more than 40% since

2008, and affordability is at its

best in 20 years.

2. Interest rates are low.

You can find a 30-year fixed rate loan at

right around 4%; two years ago,

rates were above 6%.

3. Tax deductions.

You may be able to deduct mortgage interest

and real estate taxes from your

income if you itemize.

4. It’s all yours.

You can paint, tile, remodel and customize it to your heart’s content.

5. You’ll get a nicer place to live.

In general, a home where the

owner lived is in better shape

than a rental property.

6. It offers some inflation protection.

Over the long term,

housing beats inflation. Again,

over the long term.

7. You’ll get equity.

Real estate prices will most probably head

upward eventually, and you’ll be

building equity.

8. It forces you to save.

The part of your mortgage that goes to

paying down the principal is

actually a payment to yourself.

9. There’s a lot to choose from.

In California, there are tens of

thousands of homes for sale, from

fixer-uppers to just-built.

10. You can’t avoid economics.

California’s population is

expected to grow to 40.5 million

by 2014. Even though there’s an

excess of housing now, eventually

demand will catch up to supply.

10 Reasons to Buy a Home