Is owning a house actually a good investment? Which site is best for buying house?

Unlike the money you invest in stocks or bonds and monitor from time to time, your real estate investments may require more time and attention.

Is owning a house actually a good investment?

Here are some considerations:

• Long-Term Appreciation: Historically, real estate has shown appreciation over the long term, as evidenced by the increase in median home sales prices over the years. This appreciation can potentially provide homeowners with equity and wealth accumulation.
• Mortgage Payoff: As you pay off your mortgage, you build equity in your home, which can serve as a form of forced savings and contribute to your overall financial stability.
• Inflation Hedge: Real estate is often considered a hedge against inflation, as property values tend to rise with inflation. This can help preserve the value of your investment over time.
• Diversification: Owning a home can diversify your investment portfolio, providing a tangible asset alongside other investments like stocks and bonds.
• Rental Income: In addition to potential appreciation, homeowners can generate rental income if they choose to rent out their property, adding another revenue stream to their finances.

However, there are also drawbacks to consider:

• Liquidity: Real estate is less liquid than other investments like stocks, as it can take time to sell a property and convert it into cash.
• Maintenance Costs: Homeownership comes with ongoing maintenance and repair costs, which can add up over time and impact the overall return on investment.
• Market Risk: Like any investment, real estate is subject to market fluctuations and economic conditions, which can affect property values and rental income.
• Initial Costs: Buying a home typically requires a significant upfront investment, including a down payment, closing costs, and ongoing expenses like property taxes and insurance.

Which site is best for buying house?

If you're looking for the best website for buying a house in the US, it would depend on your specific needs and preferences:

• Best Overall: Zillow - Zillow offers a comprehensive platform with a wide range of listings and tools for buyers.
• Most Accurate: Realtor.com - Realtor.com is known for its accuracy in listing information, providing reliable data for buyers.
• Best Mobile App: Trulia - Trulia's mobile app offers a user-friendly interface and helpful features for house hunting on the go.
• Best for Foreclosures: Foreclosure.com - If you're interested in purchasing foreclosure properties, Foreclosure.com specializes in providing foreclosure listings.
• Best for Renting: Apartments.com - While Apartments.com focuses on rental properties, it can also be useful for buyers looking for investment properties or temporary housing.
• Best for For Sale By Owner: FSBO.com - For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties can be found on FSBO.com, catering to buyers interested in purchasing directly from sellers without involving real estate agents.
• Best for Heroes: Homes for Heroes - Homes for Heroes may offer special benefits and discounts for military personnel, first responders, healthcare professionals, and educators.

As for buying a house online in the US, the entire process can indeed be done remotely by both sellers and buyers. However, finding the right real estate agent who has experience with remote sales is crucial for a smooth transaction.

To find the history of a house, you can use resources like RootsWeb, which offers free online access to historical records. Additionally, you can consult with local historical societies, archives, or property record offices for more information about the history of a specific property.

When determining the listing price of a house, it's typically done with the assistance of a real estate agent or realtor, taking into account factors such as the value of the home, comparable sales in the area, and the current real estate market conditions.

The correct way to buy a house involves several steps, including ensuring you're financially ready, determining your budget, getting preapproved for a mortgage, finding a real estate agent, house hunting, making an offer, and completing inspections and appraisals before closing on the purchase. Working with experienced professionals throughout the process can help ensure a successful home buying experience.