Home ownership is a financial goal for many people. A home is often the largest investment, and sometimes the only investment, that many people make. Given the low appreciation rate of real estate in some areas, it is probably better to think of purchasing a home as buying shelter, not as an investment that you expect to rapidly appreciate (increase in value). Home equity, the dollar value of a home in excess of the mortgage owed on it, is considered an asset against which you can borrow. This strategy must be used with extreme caution, however; you could lose your home if you do not repay the amount borrowed.