Rent vs Buy: The Definitive Guide

Rent vs Buy: The Definitive Guide

Purchasing a home is a significant decision; however, are you ready for it? As you would expect, there is no single correct answer without considering the advantages and disadvantages of both renting and purchasing. As a major life decision, buying a home all comes down to your current or expected finances, which makes renting an affordable option. 

Renting a home requires taking into consideration your lifestyle choices, flexibility, as well as your career goals. If you are on the fence on whether to rent or buy, read this definitive guide and find out what you should consider before you make the final decision. 

Intended Length of Stay

In short, do you plan to stay in the neighborhood, or are you looking for something that offers flexibility? If you intend to stay in a property for a minimum of five years, purchasing a home is a great decision. This is because it offers you the right mix of emotional and financial benefits, and you can personalize your home to become really yours.

On the other hand, renting is a far better option for the individual that prefers a change of scenery. For instance, if you are hoping to get that job that will take you across the nation. The last thing you want to deal with is the pains that come with selling your home in a hurry. 

While buying a home and selling it within a couple of years sounds good, the overall costs do not justify the decision. Apart from the closing and moving costs, you must pay more on closing costs in addition to added expenses like renovations and repairs if you want to earn top dollar from the sale. 

The Costs

Renting is a cheaper option in many cases when compared to a home purchase, especially when you consider the upfront costs. These upfront costs include moving, closing, renovations, home maintenance and down payments. Affording a mortgage payment doesn’t mean you should buy a home; the expenses eventually add up. 

Apart from the principal and interest monthly payments, you have to deal with homeowners’ insurance, and property taxes — factor in other costs such as mortgage insurance and homeowners’ association fees. 

Conversely, purchasing a home may become cheaper in the future as it offers an excellent opportunity to build on equity. Besides, there are tax benefits to owning a home, especially in the amount you pay for local property taxes and mortgage interest.

Permanency

It is hard to predict the future, and you may want to stay in one place and have the financial prowess to do so. However, you must examine your current life position and see whether it will change in a couple of years from now. If it will, you should expect your housing requirements to change too – which may mean holding off purchasing a home. 

Renting an apartment, check out here as an example, affords you time to figure out what you would have in your home. Also, it offers you a chance to evaluate your budgeting requirements as well as the kind of home that augers well with your lifestyle.

Weigh the Risks

Renting or buying a home comes with unique risks. While homebuying helps build equity, it comes with a couple of financial risks. For instance, you may lose money in case of a local real estate market downturn. 

Do not forget the maintenance costs that are required to keep your home in good condition. Think of fire alarms testing, inspecting air filters, fixing plumbing problems, landscaping, among many others. If your career requires traveling or you have multiple young kids, home maintenance costs may not be a welcome item. 

On the other side, renting does not offer an opportunity for building equity, and your rent may go up at any moment. Further, you are at the landlord’s mercy, like being asked to move or having your maintenance requests deferred. 

Deciding whether you should rent or buy a home can be challenging, but our rent vs buy guide will help you make this decision a lot easier. #realestate Click to Tweet

Conclusion

There is no right or wrong answer on whether you should buy or rent. The decision depends on your current finances and life situation, something that may change in the future. No matter the choice you make, it is critical that make an informed one based on your individual requirements and needs. 

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About the Author

Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “Rent vs Buy: The Definitive Guide”

Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.

Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres and more.