It'll be yours

When you own, you can have the kitchen and bathrooms you want. You can move the walls, build an extension -- zoning permitted -- or paint everything bright orange. Few landlords are so indulgent; for renters, these types of changes are often impossible.

Also, you'll feel better about your Home if you own it. Many years ago, when I was working for a political campaign in England, I toured a working-class northern town. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had just begun selling off public housing to the tenants.

"You can tell the ones that have been bought," said my local guide. "They've painted the front door. It's the first thing people do when they buy."

It was a small sign that said something big.