SD -- Agreed. In other words, there is one value for ownership and there is a second value for occupancy. For instance, let's say the house did not appreciate at all and there were no tax breaks. Let's also say that there is an $800 monthly cost to occupy and that the cost to rent an alternative residence of equal value was $1,000 a month. Over 5 years, the owner would gain $200 x 60 months or $12,000. This is more money would could see as an ownership benefit. (The cost to rent a comparable property is higher than the cost to own because the investment property owner needs to make a profit.) We can dispute the numbers, differ on the value of tax benefits (I have used the most conservative levels and ignored state benefits), and talk about the impact of inflation, but generally there is a strong case to be made that houses are good things to own. All the best. Peter G. Miller OurBroker(r)

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