If you are qualified to buy a home I would suggest buying verses renting a home. The Fayetteville and Harnett County area are still going strong. With the BRAC reassignment there will be a lot of military personal coming into the area for several years to come. And the bonus would be if you are a first time home buyer and can qualify for the tax credit. You can have owned a home in the past to qualify. If you need any further assistance you may e-mail me at twolf@c21cornerstone.com.
Good luck,
Teresa Wolf

If you are able buy, then buying is the most logical answer. Not only will you receive the $8000 tax credit if you are a first time home buyer or haven't owned a home in the past 3 years, but you also will be eligible for other tax benefits as well.
When you pay rent you don't get to claim it on your taxes at the end of the year. However, if you own a home and are paying a mortgage on it you get a Tax deduction! The Tax Deduction is based on the interest that you pay on your mortage.  You also get a tax deduction based on the property taxes that pay on your home. This means that even if your mortage is the same amount as your current rent you still come out ahead financially!
I will be holding a Home Buyer Seminar on June 13th from 10:00 to 11:00am at the Fuquay Varina Community center. You will definately benefit from attending, I will be answering questions like yours and many more! There will be a lender, insurance agent and an attorney there as well. If you think you may attend please call and let me know so that I can reserve you a seat.
Often buyers who work in Fayetteville choose to find homes up this way and we often help the military personnel find homes locally. Our company is located in Fuquay Varina and has been in serving the Wake, Harnett and Johnston county for over 28 years!
Feel free to call or email with further questions.

Krista Abshure,
Century 21 Becky Medlin Realty
Mobile: (919)753-6518

Is this your first home? If so, it is a no-brainer that you should buy and get the $8000 tax credit. I don't know about you, but $8000 is a lot to me, especially if it can go toward the down payment, though not until after you close. In general, if you are living in 1 location for 3-4 years, it almost always makes more sense to buy than to rent, if your finances will allow it. Once the market readjusts, reaches the bottom, the only place for it to go is up. It will allow you to buy more easily when you move from Fayetteville. In the meantime, you have a home you'll enjoy, you'll be building equity and getting tax benefits.