If you've ever thought about buying a home, but decided that it was too big a financial gamble, think again. It's possible you haven't considered the risk of not buying a home. For the majority of working people, home ownership is the single most reliable way to achieve financial security. Without it, you may find it almost impossible to gain access to the kind of capital you'll need to support yourself in your old age, pay for your children's education or start a new business. But, like many people, you may continue to think of home ownership as something beyond your reach. Here's why that thinking could be a big mistake.

1. Do not anticipate dropping rates. Many people may be waiting to see rates drop again, but some of you may be waiting a long while. In fact, prices and mortgage rates could rise to much higher rates; one never knows.  The exact same home could end up costing more later with higher interest rates to boot.

2. Renting deprives you of big tax breaks. Home ownership is one of the last remaining tax shelters. Tax savings could come to thousands of dollars a year or almost an additional $250 in take - home pay each month. Meanwhile, renters get no tax breaks whatsoever.

3. The best plan is to start small and trade up! You'll be able to use the profit you'll make by selling your "starter" house to pay for the home you'll want in the future.

4. Planning for the future. Financial experts generally suggest that to retire, you'll need to build up enough in savings and investments to generate yearly income of 70 % of your pre-retirement income. That's a great reason to start acquiring some serious capital soon.

If you are a thinking of purchasing a home and would like to be referred to an agent in your area you can go to http://www.livinglaketahoe.com/.