10 Reasons Why Homeowners Have an Edge on Renters  businesswoman
holding a mini... ShutterstockThe homeownership rate remains
relatively low. By Kimberly Palmer  Homebuying has earned a bad
rap in recent years: The subprime mortgage crisis and ensuing
economic meltdown left many homeowners underwater, unable to pay
their mortgage and even facing foreclosure. Homeownership rates
fell throughout the recession and got down to about 65 percent,
compared with almost 70 percent before the recession, according
to the Census Bureau. While record low interest rates helped
entice homebuyers, the bureau reports that the homeownership
rate remains relatively low, at 65.2 percent in the fourth
quarter of 2013.  If you're among those struggling to decide
whether to buy versus rent, consider these 10 reasons to take
the plunge into homeownership:  1. You can ramp up energy
efficiency. Energy-efficient improvements, from adding
insulation to upgrading your air-conditioning unit, can reduce
your monthly utility bill, says Jan