Reasons to buy a house

Any first time home buyer will probably have different reasons for wanting to make their first home purchase.  Here are my main reasons:

1. We need a bigger space. With Jeff and I going to work at the same time, one bathroom just isn’t cutting it.  We also could use some more storage space and a basement for Jeff to keep his drums.
2. Neighbors. Our upstairs neighbors in the duplex aren’t bad, but it’s a little annoying when you have to hear them fighting constantly!  I like my piece and quiet and I like my privacy.
3. We’ve rented long enough. As of June, Jeff and I will have rented for four years.  We know how much utilities cost and how to keep a place clean and nice.  We know how much we can afford for a mortgage and we are ready to get a house!
4. We can decorate however we want. In a rental you either have to complain to your landlord to fix/change something or just live with it.  I can’t wait to be able to paint the walls any color I want, get new appliances, and make the place how we like.
5. Pets! Many landlords are restrictive of how many pets or what type of pets you can have.  The owner of our current duplex had a “no pets” policy but when we told him we had a bunny, he just laughed and said it was fine.  But we are only allowed one.  When we get a house, I want to get another bunny and maybe a cat!
6. Now is a great time to buy. You cannot deny that fact!  Interest rates are very low, and with houses staying on the market for a longer time, we should be able to get a good deal!  Not to mention the first time home buyer tax credit that is available.

Those are my top reasons to buy a house.  What are your reasons?  I’m very excited about the whole process and I am hopeful that we will find a house we love.