[Go Gordon]

we own our three bedroom two bath house...This payment is roughly $64.00 less than what we pay for our mortgage each month

Just one point of clarification - you don't own your home if you still have a mortgage.

[jurroppi1]

you never own your home, the government in one way shape or form always has the last say through taxation and regulation...

[itsahoot]

Just one point of clarification - you don't own your home if you still have a mortgage.

Actually you don't own it ever as long as it can be taxed. There used to be real homestead exemption in some states, but I think that has largely disappeared, or the amount allowed has shrunk because of inflation.