Now is a prime time to invest in a house because interest rates are low, according to an area real estate agent.

Living in a house allows students to decorate or paint and have the pet of their choice without paying extra fees, said realtor Judy Garmon.

For many people, though, the greatest advantage is financial.

Investing in a house can offer tax breaks and a chance to build equity, which is the amount paid on the money owed plus the market value of the property, according to real estate textbook “Principals of Real Estate.”

Buying a home is a rather secure investment, Garmon said. She said the average rate of return in Athens for the last three years has been 5 percent.

David Titshaw, a senior from Cumming, transferred to the University last summer. He said his parents decided to invest in a house instead of renting him an apartment.

Titshaw said his parents thought it would be a good decision because he had another year and his younger brothers are considering attending the University.

He said he likes the advantages of having his own house.

“I have more freedom,” Titshaw said. “I can have people over whenever I want. Plus, I have a yard to do stuff in.”

Many students said owning a house has advantages over renting, like providing more privacy and freedom.

One student said he was reluctant to fix-up his apartment because of property value.

“There are lots of things I would like to fix up around my apartment,” said Patrick Evans, a senior from Winder who is renting from Joiner management. “But I would just be increasing the value of my landlord’s property.”

There are some disadvantages to owning a home that students and their parents should examine before making their decisions, Garmon said.

The real estate market is not completely risk-free. The rate of return depends on the location of the house and the financial climate of the time, she said.

Also, in certain zones of Athens, no more than two unrelated people are allowed to live together. Location and affordability may greatly affect whether students and their parents want to invest in a property, Garmon said.

Buying a house doesn’t allow residents to pick up and move with as much ease as renting. It may take longer to sell a house and get one’s money out of it, depending on the market at the time, according to the textbook.

Many parents and students sell their houses after graduation, but Titshaw said he has a different plan. He said he and his girlfriend might buy the house from his parents after they get married.