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Still renting? You must have a good reason. Although, we’re not really sure what it is. With rents continuing to rise across the country, interest rates staying around historic levels, and new loans lowering down payment requirements, it just makes sense to take the leap to homeownership. Maybe you’ve got terrible credit and don’t want to take the time to improve it (or don’t know about loans that accept lower scores)? Or, maybe you just like giving your money away. If you’re still not on board, these 7 reasons might change your mind.

Because owning a home is still less expensive than renting across the country

GOBankingRates‘ annual survey of “the cost of renting versus owning a home in all 50 states and the District of Columbia” just came out, and, while they “found that the number of places where it’s more expensive to own than rent has increased,” the number went from 9 to 11. That means that, in 39 states, it still makes more financial sense to buy.

Rates are near historic lows

We’re spoiled. Seriously. Anyone who has been paying attention to the market over the last few years and has seen interest rates with a 3 or 4 before that decimal point may just think it’ll always be that way. But history has a way of repeating itself, and while we may not see rates in the teens again anytime soon, most industry experts have been predicting rates moving into the 5s sometime this year, with a pattern of rising rates beyond. Buying a home while money is cheap is a smart move.

“A difference of even 1 percent can have a major impact on your total payments over time,” said ZACKS. “For instance, a $200,000 mortgage for 30 years at an interest rate of 5 percent would require a monthly payment of $1,073.64. By comparison, the same mortgage at 4 percent interest would result in a payment of $954.83.” That might not seem like a big deal every month, but, consider the long-term potential: “Over 30 years, the total difference between the two would be $42,771.60.”

FHA loans and the like make it easier to qualify

Don’t have an 800 credit score? You don’t need to today. FHA requirements are lower than conventional loans, and you may already be where you need to be to qualify. “The average FICO score for buyers who finance FHA loans is 683, according to Ellie Mae. That’s considerably lower than the average score of 753 for conventional, non-FHA financing,” said Interest.com. “Most lenders have a…minimum of 600.”

A little thing called equity

Rising rents may or may not equate to rising property values in your area, but either way, you’re not going see any financial benefit from it. When you own your home and your equity rises, that equity is yours. And so is the choice of what to do with it. Whether you decide to let it sit and continue to grow or tap your equity for home improvement projects, the money is yours to decide how to use.

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