I and my bank also own a house (it's more theirs than mine at the moment, but they let me inhabit it for now), but I think financial benefits are not as lopsided for homeowners. You typically incur a host of new payments:
- property taxes (1.15% in Santa Clara county), adds up if you own for more than 5 years
- HOA fees if any, typically responsibility of a landlord in rent environment
- one needs to buy/install/maintain appliances
- overall maintenance cost that will vary widely depending on the age and location of the house
While I don't disagree with you, home ownership is not for everybody and definitely limits one's options as far as job location, etc.
- property taxes (1.15% in Santa Clara county), adds up if you own for more than 5 years
- HOA fees if any, typically responsibility of a landlord in rent environment
- one needs to buy/install/maintain appliances
- overall maintenance cost that will vary widely depending on the age and location of the house
While I don't disagree with you, home ownership is not for everybody and definitely limits one's options as far as job location, etc.