The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth

Home>>Mortgage News>> The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth

The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth

If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here’s a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision.

Every three years, the Federal Reserve releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which compares the net worth of homeowners and renters. The latest report shows the average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s (see graph below):

One reason a wealth gap exists between renters and homeowners is because when you’re a homeowner, your equity grows as your home appreciates in value and you make your mortgage payment each month. When you own a home, your monthly mortgage payment acts like a form of forced savings, which eventually pays off when you decide to sell. As a renter, you’ll never see a financial return on the money you pay out in rent every month. Ksenia Potapov, Economist at First Americanexplains it like this:

“Renters don’t capture the wealth generated by house price appreciation, nor do they benefit from the equity gains generated by monthly mortgage payments . . .”

The Largest Part of Most Homeowner Net Worth Is Their Equity

Home equity does more to build the average household’s wealth than anything else. According to data from First American and the Federal Reserve, this holds true across different income levels (see graph below):

The green segment in each bar represents how much of a homeowner’s net worth comes from their home equity. Based on this data, it’s clear no matter what your income level is, owning a home can boost your wealth. Nicole Bachaud, Senior Economist at Zillowshares:

“The biggest asset most people are ever going to own is a home. Homeownership is really that financial key that helps unlock stability and wealth preservation across generations.”

If you’re ready to start building your net worth, the current real estate market offers several opportunities you should consider. For example, with mortgage rates trending lower lately, your purchasing power may be higher now than it has been in months. And, with more inventory coming to the market, there are more options for you to consider. A licensed mortgage professional can walk you through the opportunities you have today and guide you through the process of finding your ideal home.

Bottom Line

If you’re unsure about whether to rent or buy a home, keep in mind that owning a home can increase your overall wealth in the long run, no matter your income. To discover more about this and the many other benefits of homeownership, connect with a licensed mortgage professional today.

Curious to see what your loan payment could look like? Try our interactive mortgage calculator below:

House Payment Calculator:

GET A RATE QUOTE

FIND A LICENSED MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER

Conventional Loans

Refinance

FHA Loans

USDA Loans

VA Loans

Jumbo Loans

Reverse Mortgage

Homes for Heroes & First Responder Mortgages

Doctor Loans

First-Time Homebuyers

Down Payment Assistance

FHA Condo

Renovation Loans

Arizona Programs

Rachel Caple

Rachel Caple has more than 18 years of experience in mortgage banking industry. Residing in Castle Rock, CO. Rachel spends her spare time with her husband, Sean and 4 boys. She also enjoys traveling, attending hockey games, and playing golf (or attempting to).

Quick Rate Quote

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like a second option on your existing mortgage.