Homeownership is one of the most significant financial investments households make. It also provides a unique opportunity to build wealth by leveraging the federal tax treatment of owner-occupied housing.
Government policies can help ensure that homeownership remains a viable investment for all Americans. Below are five important ones to watch for heading into 2023.
1. Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance offers financial protection in the event of property damage or loss and liability coverage in the case of an accident that occurs on your property. Mortgage lenders typically require homeowners to have a policy in place.
The $800 billion US homeowner’s insurance market is being challenged by three significant market conditions. Companies that are able to respond to these challenges most effectively will be able to offer the greatest benefits to customers and win their trust, while traditional insurance agencies that fail to adapt run the risk of becoming obsolete in a relatively short period of time.
Rising costs are driving premiums up nationwide. These cost increases are due to the fact that insurers base their premiums on average claim costs, and when those claims go up, so do rates. This is further compounded by inflation and supply chain disruptions that have driven up building materials prices. In addition, severe weather events like wildfires and hurricanes are leading to higher losses and forcing some insurers to leave high-risk markets altogether.
2. Home Warranties
A home warranty is a service contract that offers protection from unexpected repair costs for certain appliances and home systems. This type of protection can bring peace of mind for owners, especially those with older homes or limited funds set aside for emergencies.
Home warranties are different from homeowners insurance, which covers sudden damage or loss of property. However, some types of damage to home systems and appliances can be covered by both types of policies, such as severe weather or property crimes.
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the cost of repairing or replacing certain systems and appliances in your home. Typically, a home warranty covers major kitchen appliances as well as the heating and cooling system. It doesn’t cover things like windows, doors or floors and it doesn’t protect your home from damage caused by natural disasters. Look at https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/faq-library/-/faq/what-does-a-home-warranty-cover and sites alike for more information.
3. Home Security Systems
Home security systems are essentially networks of sensors and equipment that work together to protect a house. They can be as simple or complex as you want, from door and window sensors to a base station, security cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, and more.
A major benefit is that they can help deter crime, especially burglaries, by making a property look less enticing to criminals. These systems also have the ability to immediately alert homeowners when break-ins occur, allowing police to respond quicker and reduce the chance of property damage or loss of life.
Additionally, many security systems can be upgraded with features that help make homeowner’s lives easier and more secure. For example, some have the ability to monitor electricity usage to prevent overcharging and conserve energy, as well as to detect leaks so that water and humidity issues can be addressed before they become major problems. These features can make a system more appealing to homeowners looking for peace of mind, as well as add value to the home when it’s time to sell.
4. Mortgages
Mortgages are a crucial tool for people buying homes. They offer the stability of fixed monthly payments versus the risky volatility that comes with renting a home, which can lead to unexpected rent increases. Mortgages can also give borrowers more control over their homes and provide the opportunity to become involved in local community organizations like homeowners associations and school boards.
Mortgage rates climbed higher this year due to concerns over inflation, and they’re likely to remain above 7% through 2023. But if inflation falls closer to the Federal Reserve’s target, mortgage rates may stabilize or even decline somewhat.
If mortgage rates drop, it will make it easier for prospective buyers to afford a home. However, declining interest rates alone won’t help many people buy a home if their wages haven’t kept pace with housing costs. This data includes all mortgaged properties with a public record, current value or mortgage and only covers properties that have a mortgage.