Lincoln, Nebraska is the capital of one of the most economically stable states in our nation. With a population of over 272,000 and a cost of living below that of the national average, choosing Lincoln as a place you call home is a logical choice. In fact Forbes ranked Lincoln as the 17th 'Best Places for Business and Careers' in 2015. Lincoln has a reputation for being a friendly community with as much to offer for education and jobs as it does for arts and entertainment, shopping, and recreational activities. Whether you have grown up in Nebraska your whole life, or are new to the heartland atmosphere, you'll find reasonable home prices and dozens of unique neighborhoods and styles of houses to choose from. As the states 2nd largest city, another impressive quality is Lincoln's low crime rate. In fact many other cities throughout the country try to model after the Lincoln Police Department and their great community policing. If you're looking for a city that values education, Lincoln offers many school options as well, both public and private, and many colleges. In fact, many new public schools are being built as we speak and many are being upgraded as student enrollment rises each year. With all that Lincoln has to offer I'm sure you'll find your next home in Lincoln. Give Shawn and Angela Miller with Berkshire Hathaway HomeService Ambassador Real Estate a call today and let us help you find your next home in Lincoln.

• 1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

• 2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

• 3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

• 4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

• 5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

• 6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

• 7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

• Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine (RealtorMag.Realtor.org) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.