[kristinecfp]

There can be tax advantages to having a mortgage but you shouldn't let the tax tail wag the dog. The real question should be would the person be better off investing that money or using it to pay for the house outright? Other questions to consider, does the person have an emergency fund? Do they have adequate retirement savings? Do they have the discipline to invest the money they would have spent on the house if they get a mortgage? What kind of credit does the person have - will they get a good mortgage rate?

We don't have enough information to give an informed decision, but hopefully I've given you some questions to consider to help your friend make the best decision.