Rent vs. Buy - That's the Big Question?

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions that you will make in your lifetime.  It used to be that one would buy a house as soon as possible.  This attitude has changed over the past few years when many homeowners became upside down.  However, data shows that owning a home is still a good investment.  Housing appreciation since 1975 averaged 4.5 percent a year.  Housing is still a good investment, especially if you plan to live in your new home for over 4 or 5 years.

When you rent, you don't have to worry about taxes, insurance and maintenance.  When you own, that all becomes your responsibility.  Of course you're going to consider your rent payment versus your house payment but with this consideration keep in mind that part of that paymnet is going to interest not principal.  Of course, there is little flexibility when you rent, you can't do what you want with the place, the maintenance is done how the landlord chooses, rent can be raised at the end of a lease, and if he decides to sell, you'll be looking for a new home.

When you own, it goes without saying, the home is yours and decisions around the place are yours.  You can decorate as you see fit, replace appliances and flooring with what you prefer, add carpet, take carpet out, etc.

In the end, there are mathematical factors to consider, but also emotional factors.
Questions to ask yourself when thinking of buying a home versus renting:

• How long will you live at your next address?
• How important is it that you are able to move as soon as you want to?
• Which option will cost you more each month?
• How much will you be able to spend on maintenance and repairs?

Check out the Rent vs. Buy Calculator at  https://www.masettlement.com/RentBuyCalculator.aspx


Nakia M. Evans, GRI, REALTOR.

Nakia Evans, GRI, REALTOR

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Office phone: 410.252.2111 

Direct phone: 443-864-1358

Email: nakiaevans@cbintouch.com

www.NakiaEvans.CBintouch.com

	Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.