That from 1972 until 2008 it probably made more financial sense to rent than to own your own home in the US. Since 2008 it has been more financially beneficial to own. A real estate property in 2012 is worth 11% more than in 1981 AND you can own it for 63% less than in 1981. (Using average home price. Source: HUD Historical Data)
In 2011, 30% of all houses purchased didn’t utilize mortgage financing? They were purchased with cash. (Source: NAR 2012 Investment & Vacation Home Buyers)
