Rent or buy is a choice that many face there are things to consider before you decide. When you are caught up in the conversation it seems like a wild ride of different opinions. There are arguments to consider on both sides, but ultimately buying or renting is a personal decision that should make good financial sense for the long term. Advocates for renting believe that the flexibility of renting outweighs the benefits higher costs of buying property and maintenance costs. They also believe that buying is not a good way to invest money and the buying one large asset like a home creates lost investment opportunity in higher yield investments like the stock market. Home buying boosters believe that buying is a forced savings plan that you can live in and enjoy unlike a stock fund. They also point to the tax benefits and the growth of tax free equity over time. People that advocate buying a home also cite the intangibles of decorating your house, choosing home improvements and no rent increases.
Some people who buy a house expect equity to jump like a stock. Usually, things don't work that way. Houses increase incrementally over time in desirable neighborhoods. There are historical charts available by area where you can judge the strength or weakness of your market. House prices that are much higher than a comparable rental may signal a good time for investment since pressure from the market is likely to cause more drops. You have time to make the right choice. Get your credit and all financials in order so you will be ready to buy if you choose to buy at all. You may buy now, later or never, but any way you slice it, you will be a prepared informed buyer that is ready to make a good decision. If you do buy, look for a house that has a combined payment of mortgage, taxes and insurance (PITI) that is the same or less than rent if possible. If the cost of ownership is more than that, make sure that the difference between rent and your PITI are as close as possible for the maximum flexibility. Having a PITI close to rent is not perfect protection form a dropping market, but it will mean that you will not be forced to sell in a down market and mean that you can relocate for work without having a high house payment choking you.
Many markets still favor the renter. In the past, house appreciation was slow, but predictable. Buy well, pay a little at a time and when you went to sell, you were up even after the cost of ownership. Homeownership was a slow steady way to get protected growth over time. Now some of that stability is out the window with shuddering markets drowning in REO's and short sales, so renters can benefit by waiting until the numbers make sense. Renters have always benefitted where rents are cheaper than ownership costs. In many areas, the cost of rent vs own is still cheaper than a mortgage without other costs involved. I won't lie. Personally, I hate renting. It was problematic for me on my levels, but financially it can be an advantage in a market like this. It is a solid, valid choice with the main benefit of flexibility both personal and financial. Renters are not second class citizens who cannot afford to buy. Some of the smartest people chose to rent during the bubble and are just now looking to buy as the market is more reasonably priced.
There are many arguments to be made, but no matter what your opinion one thing holds true over time that buyers need to remember. There are reasons to rent and there are reasons to buy. Buying a house is like getting married. If you need someone to talk you into it, you should wait until it makes sense to you before jumping in or you will face bigger issues down the line. Keep your goals in mind, get your finances in order and keep your options open until buying makes good sense to you based on a larger financial plan.
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