I saw a great summary of one of the reasons for renters to BUY instead of continuing to pay their landlord's mortgage at Inman News written by Bernice Ross:

How much longer do you want to continue paying your landlord's mortgage?

This is a great question for first-time buyers. The Department of Commerce reports that between 1995 and 2004, the average renter accumulated a little over $4,000 in net worth. The average homeowner accumulated $184,400. That translates into $180,000 more, or $1,500 per month. In other words, each month that the average first-time buyer continues to rent, it costs them $1,500 in lost wealth accumulation. Furthermore, renters are subject to rent increases as well as higher tax rates because they cannot take a mortgage deduction. Pointing out the cost of waiting to purchase is one of the classic ways to persuade reluctant buyers to take action.

Today's shifting real estate market and news in the media make it tough for a Buyer consumer to really understand what their choices are and whether it's time to buy.  To understand what the choices are, sit down with your Accredited Real Estate Consultant® and work together to complete a Buyer's analysis.  Then, talk with your mortgage banker.  You'd be amazed at some of the current offerings and your mortgage professional will also be able to guide you down the right path.

Is it time to buy?  Well, here in metro Atlanta, Clark Howard says YES!  Buying activity appears to have picked up, interest rates are low and new construction homes in particular are offering tremendous Buyer incentives.  Why wait for additional price reductions when it is possible that it will actually cost you more to finance?

Help the economy, buy a home!