Susan Southerland-Luta

About one month ago, I was asked to do a presentation on the benefits of home ownership. So, I did some research and found alot of beneficial information that I thought would be helpful for those who are thinking about purchasing a home.

You will love the feeling of a home that's all yours. But there's a much better reason to own a home of your own. It's also just about the best investment you can make. Over the past 30 years, the median price of existing homes has increased an average more than 6% every year in Florida (according to NAR's existing home sales). The appreciation will vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and region to region. But as a general rule, you can pretty much count on a 6% per year increase in value over the long run.

AT first glance, 6% per year may not seem like all that much. After all, stocks (in good times) appreciate more than that. Over the long run, stocks have averaged an annual appreciation of closer to 7%-9% and you earn as much as 6% per year with the safest investment of all a U.S treasury bond. So why buy a home?

Take a second look. Normallly, when you buy a $200,000 house, you don't pay cash for it. You get a mortgage. Let's assume that you use a down payment of as much as 20%. That would be an investment of $40,000 of your own money. All the rest of your home's purchase price is "the banks money." That's right! You bought a $200,000 asset by committing only $40,000 of your own money.

At an annual appreciation rate of 6%, your $200,000 home will increase in value by $12,000 on an investment of $40,000. Your annual "return on investment" is a whopping 30%.

Of course, you are making mortgage payments, property taxes and other maintenance costs. But remember that Uncle Sam allows you to deduct all of the interest expenses and property taxes on your home against your income taxes. So the US goverment is essentially subsidizing your home purchase. Why because the goverment wants you to own your peace of the pie so it gives you an incentive to do so. Remember also that living in an apartment or rented home isn't cheap either and all you're collecting there are ent receipts.

What's this all mean? Simply that over time, the rate of return (or return on investment) on buying a home is higher than almost any other investment you could make. Not to mention that there's a lot of motivated sellers, inventory is high and properties are at an all time low. But even better than that, you get to participate in the "American Dream" owning a home of your own! Susan Southerland Century 21 Sundance Realty

Priced to sell! Pelican Bay Lakefront 2, bedroom 2 bath, open and bright floor plan first floor end unit with formal dining room plus eat in kitchen, inside laundry and enclosed Florida room.

Just steps to the Country Club. Master Assoc. dues $575 annually. Centrally located close to schools and shopping. Easy to show! $99,900 Susan Southerland Century 21 Sundance Realty (386)547-1600

To view all MLS listings view my website www.sellingdaytonabeach.com

Recently remodeled brick home with 3 bedrooms/2 baths, new kitchen and appliances, new flooring, crown molding, fireplace, large eat in kitchen with 8X13 dinette area and a 11x19 enclosed Florida room.

Over 1 1/2 acres with two large work sheds w/electric.

Behind the home you can separate into 3 seperate parcels. Mature fruit trees and lush landscaping located in a private setting at end of cul de sac in the heart of South Daytona. Centrally located close to shopping and schools.

Susan Southerland Luta Century 21 Sundance Realty (386) 547-1600.

To view all MLS listings visit my website www.sellingdaytonabeach.com

Serenity awaits you as you enter this impeccably maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bath custom built brick home,

located on the 12^th hole of Pelican Bay's North Golf Course. Open, bright floor plan, over 3,000 sq. ft of luxurious living area, heated pool (resurfaced in 2008), large master suite with sitting room, volume ceilings, gas fireplace, central vacuum, alarm system, large eat-in-kitchen, spectacular water views from every room in home. Many upgrades!

Close to shopping, schools and airport. Pelican Bay master association is $575 annually. Susan Southerland-Luta Century 21 Sundance Realty (386)547-1600 $369,900

Lovely 3 bedroom, 21/2 bath, 2-car garage with spectacular golf course and waterviews!

Open & bright floor plan, master bedroom downstairs, beautiful berber carpeting and tile thru-out, fire place, glass enclosed patio, eat-in-kitchen, family room and den! Move in ready! Call Susan Southerland-Luta for more information on this great home! Century 21 Sundance Realty (386)547-1600. $179,900

Pelican Bay 18-Hole Championship Golf Course in Daytona Beach, Florida

Pelican Bay Country Club is located in Daytona's Premier Gated Community, featuring 2 championship golf courses that wind around sparkling waterways and lush foliage.

• 2 18-hole championship golf courses
• Large Driving Area
• Putting Area and short game practice area
• Pro Shop
• PGA-Certified Golf Professional Available
• Experienced and Professional Staff
• Golf and Social Activities