Owning my own house

Next week I become a homeowner. Which means the closest vacation to a tropical paradise I will get is to our local water park.

Here are just some of the financial/tax advantages of home ownership:

• Owning versus renting is an investment in your family's future
• Seeing the break-even point on an adjustable rate mortgage
• Deduction of qualified interest & property taxes from the income on a first or second home
• Avoiding the payment of capital gains tax if selling your home (must have lived 2 out of the last 5 years in your home to qualify)
• Investing in real estate is still one of the best proven growth investments