Should you buy a house now, later or never? That is the question.

Let's tackle the last one first: Never.

Most people think that buying a house is a financial investment. It can be, however, it usually is not. When you start to adding up the costs of buying, financing, and maintaining a house, renting will usually win. The exceptions are few and far between, but the reality is that buying a house is usually not a financial investment, but rather a life-style investment.

It is an investment in the life of your family and maybe in your own well-being. Sit down and right out the pros and cons of buying a house before you jump at the chance. The answer to your question may be "never."

Now or Later?