Home ownership is an important financial goal for many people. Pride of ownership is the number one reason why people want to own their own home. Home ownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security and allows you to make an investment in your future. A home is often the largest investment, and sometimes the only investment, that some people make. However, you may wonder if buying a home is the right thing to do. Relax. The more you know about buying a home, the less scary the entire process will be. Real estate can appreciate or depreciate in value over time, so there is some risk involved. Knowing these risks and planning ahead can help you to make the housing decisions that are right for you and your family.