Not Everyone Should by a house.

The home's changing role in family finances

We'd all like to live the american dream by purchasing a home.  The simple fact is, not everyone should be buying a home.

Here are some factors to consider when making a move. Reasons to rent: 

• Staying five years or less.

• Low upkeep costs.

• A way to try a neighborhood before buying.

• Security deposit and upfront rental fees are much lower than a mortgage down payment and closing costs.

• No risk of foreclosure.

• No property taxes. And no home insurance, although you need personal property insurance.

Reasons to buy: 

• Mortgage rates are still low, and in many cities home prices are a bargain. (It now is more affordable to buy than rent a two-bedroom home in 72% of the nation's 50 largest cities, says Trulia.com, a real estate search engine.)

• Tax benefit in the mortgage interest deduction.

• Equity will start building when the market rebounds.

• Intangible benefits, such as a place to raise a family. The ability to paint and make other changes unless bound by home association rules.