
Many people aspire to own a home one day, and the Roanoke Valley and Smith Mountain Lake markets are full of good choices! If you're considering whether to purchase your first home, you may wonder if the investment is worth it. After all, a home is one of the largest and most important financial commitments you will ever take on. Fortunately, owning a home provides a number of advantages.
Mortgage interest is still deductible
While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act modified the mortgage interest deduction, mortgage interest is still deductible within certain limits.

1/2 lb ziti
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 med onion chopped/grated fine
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (canned) crushed tomatoes
1/4 tsp salt
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
1 C ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan + more for the top
1/4 cup pesto
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 8x8 pan or 4 individual serving size. Cook pasta as directed. Saute onions in oil (1 1/2 Tbsp). Add garlic, cook about 10 mins until onions are tender (translucent). Add tomatoes, salt and bay leaf. Simmer until thick, about 10 min. Stir in 1/4 tsp pepper & remove bay leaf.
In a small bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, the parmesan, the pesto and the remaining 1/4 pepper. Put 1/2 pasta on bottom, top with 1/3 sauce, spread with ricotta mixture, cover w/remaining pasta, and remaining sauce. Top with remaining...