Now is a great time for you to take advantage of this excellent buying climate. When you purchase a home you'll find that it is the best investment you can make.

• It allows your family to build financial security as the equity in your home increases.
  
  


• As you repay your mortgages, the debt declines, while equity in the home grows.
  
  


• Although local housing markets periodically adjust according to overall economic conditions, over the long term real estate has consistently appreciated.
  
  


• Five percent may not seem like much at first, but take a look at the numbers. If you bought a $200,000 house and put 10 percent down, that would be an investment of $20,000.
  
  


• At an appreciation rate of five percent annually, a $200,000 home would increase in value $10,000 during the first year. That means you earned $10,000 with an investment of $20,000. Your annual "return on investment" would be a whopping 50 percent.
  
  


• If you're thinking about moving up to a larger home, then the time is right. The profit from selling a "starter" house will enable you to afford a bigger home in the future for your growing family.