Buy or Rent

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Buy or Rent

Renting

Pros:

Flexibility: Renting a home offers flexibility, as tenants can easily move to a new location when their lease is up without worrying about selling a home.
Lower upfront costs: Renting a home typically requires a smaller upfront investment, as tenants are not required to provide a down payment, closing costs, or other fees associated with buying a home.
Fewer maintenance and repair responsibilities: Renters do not have to worry about maintenance and repair issues, as these are usually the responsibility of the landlord or property manager.

Cons:

Limited control: Renters have less control over their living space than homeowners. They may not be able to make changes to the property, such as painting or renovating, without the landlord’s permission.
No equity building: Renters do not build equity in the property they are renting, which means they are not building wealth through homeownership.
Rental increases: Renters may be subject to rent increases each year when they renew their lease, which can be challenging for budgeting.

Buying

Pros:

Building equity: Homeowners can build equity in their property over time, which means that they are building wealth through homeownership.
Pride of ownership: Homeowners take pride in owning their home and can make changes and improvements to the property to make it their own.
Tax benefits: Homeowners may be eligible for tax deductions, such as property taxes and mortgage interest.

Cons:

Higher upfront costs: Buying a home requires a larger upfront investment, including a down payment, closing costs, and other fees.
Maintenance and repair responsibilities: Homeowners are responsible for all maintenance and repair issues, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Less flexibility: Homeowners have less flexibility than renters because they cannot easily move without selling their home, which can take time and effort.

Top Considerations

Budget

Be realistic about your financial situation and what you can afford. Expenses add up quick. There are various upfront costs like a down payment, closing costs, moving costs, and even buying new furniture. You’ll also need to factor in monthly expenses like property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, and possible homeowner’s association fees. Use our helpful Rent vs. Buy Calculator to help assess the costs of both options.

Life Goals and Plans

If you feel certain that you will stay in your home for at least 5 years, buying a home could be a great option for you. Be sure to consider your future when choosing your new home. For example, if you and your spouse are ready to start building a family, you’re going to want to consider school districts and find a home that can accommodate a growing family. However, if you're at a stage in your life where you want the ability to move around with ease, renting might be a better option. For example, you may be aiming for a promotion in a couple years, but the job is in another state. Take the time to assess your goals and whether you're ready to commit to homeownership.