Although buying a home sounds appealing, it is equally as terrifying at the same time. You might wonder if your credit is good enough, if you have enough money for a down payment, where to find a broker, or how to get a loan. Say goodbye to the former Debbie Downer you’ve been and stress no more! There are so many benefits to purchasing a home you will wonder why you’ve been renting for so long.

One of the main benefits is pride of ownership. Owning your own home makes you and your family feel stable and secure. Not to mention you can make any home modifications you like, or crank up the volume on your stereo as loud as you want. Your home can be your own creative outlet and you can do whatever you like.

Another benefit is the fact that you’ll save money. Although mortgage payments are steeper than rent payments at first, in the long run the house will be paid off and you’ll no longer have to make monthly payments on the house. This sort of savings justifies buying those shoes you’ve been eyeing.

Not only will buying a house save you money, but the house will appreciate in value. Although the housing market goes up and down each year, over the course of decades the housing industry is steadily on an incline. Now that’s something to appreciate!

But wait, there’s more! If you purchase a home, there are mortgage interest deductions. This means that you will receive tax breaks, solely for owning a home. Just make sure your mortgage interest is deductible on your tax return, and voilà!

One more reason you should buy a house is because of mortgage reduction equity. When you pay off your home loan, a portion of the payment goes towards the principle balance, and another part goes towards the interest (this reduces your obligation). Essentially, for every $100,000 of your mortgage, your principle balance will go down $500 each year.

What are you waiting for? Your first home is out there and waiting for you.