Rental Referal Services

Differences between renting vs. buying

Renting vs. buying a home isn’t a matter of ownership. Here are other key differences between the two options.

• Buying a house can build equity

Homebuyers can capitalize on the equity of their home accumulates over time. That means if the home’s value goes up, you’ll cash in on the higher value when you sell. Plus, with a fixed-rate mortgage, you won’t have to worry about rising rents.

“Interest rates are so low now,” That means borrowing money is very inexpensive today. In some cities, where rents are high, it can almost be as affordable to purchase as to rent in many parts of the city. If you can qualify for a home and build some equity, that ultimately makes more sense than renting.

• Tax implications

Another factor for buyers to consider is whether you will be able to deduct the mortgage interest at tax time. Tax laws allow those who itemize their taxes to write off their mortgage interest payments. However, not everyone is eligible to itemize deductions, and changes to the tax laws mean that more people won’t be able to deduct as much of their mortgage interest and property taxes as they used to.

• Home maintenance costs

Homes need repairs and maintenance over time, and when you’re renting, those costs are generally the landlord’s responsibility. For instance, in an apartment, if the HVAC system or refrigerator breaks, the landlord has to fix it. On the other hand, as a homeowner, you’ll be on the hook for those repairs and ongoing seasonal maintenance, and they can add up fast.

• Want flexibility? Rent

If you’re moving to an unfamiliar city, have an unstable job situation or don’t know what neighborhood will feel like home, renting for a period of time can be a great option.

During that rental period, people really get a sense of what they like or don’t like, and we can also start exploring different purchasing options during that time,

Consider your life stage and goals

While no one has a crystal ball, it’s important to evaluate your current life situation and how much it’s likely to change in the immediate future.

I recommend clients who are going through life changes, like divorce or downsizing, to rent as a way to decompress before making a large purchase that may not be right for their new lifestyle.

For clients who have a changing personal situation, such as getting married or planning to have a child soon, I encourage them to look at properties they’re not going to outgrow quickly. Another consideration: Can you afford a home that will fit your lifestyle in the next few years, or will a tight budget limit your options?

It may be better to wait or rent for a little while until they can afford the home they can live in for some time or grow into with their family.

Bottom line: Choose what’s right for you

It may be helpful to talk with a trusted real estate agent to help you think through the decision to rent vs. buy a home. Here’s a list of pros and cons to help you on your way.

Renting vs. buying a home: A comparison

Buying

Advantages

• May build equity and credit
• No landlord to answer to
• More stability (especially with schools)
• Possible tax benefits
• Can improve or upgrade home to your taste

Disadvantages

• Requires substantial money, paperwork upfront
• Could lose money if home values decline
• Extra expenses beyond mortgage payments
• Rising home prices and low inventory in many markets
• Responsible for repairs, remodeling

Renting

Advantages

• Fewer upfront costs and paperwork
• Freedom to be more mobile
• Not responsible for maintenance, repairs
• No need to worry about falling home values
• Build credit (if your landlord reports rent payments to the credit bureaus)
• No property tax bills

Disadvantages

• The landlord can raise the rent or sell the property
• Choices may be limited depending on vacancies
• Might have to move multiple times
• Don’t build equity
• No tax benefits

Contact us regarding renting a property!

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