A new survey, this week, reports nearly half the participants no longer believe home ownership is a realistic way to build wealth. Wow!! I know the last few years have been unkind, to say the least, on home ownership. I know many, if not all homeowners, have lost some value in their home. Even this loss simply takes them back to where they were in the early to mid '90's. Think about it, what other "investment" gives you a roof over you head, a place to sleep, raise your kids and enjoy, yet still has a very good chance of actually increasing in value. What alternative is there? Renting is certainly not going to increase your wealth, living in a cave or with mom & dad is not going to help you retire. People invested in the stock market did no better, and probably worse, over the last few years. For the life of me, I cannot think of a better place to put your money. The main reason homes have increased in value has not changed. Our population continues to grow and they are not making any more land, so what land exist is all there is ever going to be. If you own even a small, less than 1/3 acre of land, under your home, I believe the value will go no where but up as time goes on. More and more people are looking for something that cannot be created so where can prices go but up?? Home prices will return to past levels and go up from there, supply and demand will make sure of that. That's my word!