In many areas you can make more
money by investing it rather than paying off a home. If I pay 5%
interest, and my home gains 3% per year I'm far better off letting
that money work at 12 to 14% return, or more

This is true, sort of. In any case, those who would make that decision
(rather than fall into it) are savvy enough to figure it out. Most
people are not, and owning their own home is the most security they will
get.

Owning also gives one a stake in the neighborhood that renting does not,
and this is (seen as) a societal good which should be encouraged (to the
extent that any should). So I'm not opposed to tax incentives to
encourage home ownership here. However, I am aware of (though have not
analysed) the other (governmental) things which work against it.

Jose
--
Get high on gasoline: fly an airplane.
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