To Rent or Not To Rent...That is the Question!

Are you throwing around the idea of renting instead of owning your own home? Or maybe, you're tired of "throwing your money away" with renting and are ready to plant some roots? Well...today's blog post is about the advantages and disadvantages of renting vs buying a home. Both options come with their own set of pro's and con's of course, so let's have a look at both for each situation. This will help you make a well-rounded decision that will best suit you and your needs.

RENTING a home

~~PROS~~

• You can move as many times as you'd like before settling down. There is no long term commitment when renting. This is the best option if you don't plan on staying in one place for too long.

• The landlord is responsible to pay the property taxes. He will also keep up with the maintenance as well as any repairs needed. That's right - you don't need to worry about any of those things when renting a property.

• Renting allows you to establish your credit or repair any damaged credit you may have.

• Renting can be cheaper than a mortgage payment. This may allow you to live in a more upscale neighbourhood. Not to mention, in a fancier home which otherwise, you may not be able to afford.

• In some cases, utility costs are sometimes covered in the rent.

~~CONS~~

• A tenant is bound to the lease agreement where barriers are in place. The tenant cannot make changes to the home or landscaping without the owner's consent.

• When renting, the tenant has no return on investment as the property will never belong to them. The tenant is paying the homeowner's mortgage.

• The tenant will have no control over increases in rent.

• There is also no guarantee a lease will be renewed when it expires.

BUYING a home

~~PROS~~

• Owning your own home offers security and equity along with growth in personal wealth.

• The value of the home will increase over time which you can profit from, if and when, you choose to sell.

• It's YOUR home. You have the freedom to use it without restrictions.

• You have full creative control of your property. You can change the decor, landscape and renovate to suit your own personal style.

• You have the option to refinance if you choose to due to unforeseen circumstances or if you want to make a large purchase (such as building a garage).

• It is also possible to save money when you're a homeowner. If you operate a business out of your home, you can save money in tax deductions.

~~CONS~~

• Owning your own home comes with huge financial responsibilities. This includes regular, monthly mortgage payments and house maintenance.

• There are extra costs such as taxes, insurance, maintenance and other rates.

• There is also a risk of not making a profit when selling your home. This can be due to a recession in the economy. Interest rates may fluctuate or the neighbourhood is no longer as sought after as it once was.

Renting is great for the new graduate going off to college looking for a temporary home. Someone who isn't quite ready to settle down yet. Where as buying a home may be better for the college graduate. Someone who has landed a secure job and is ready to plant roots and call some place "home". Either way, owning your own home is one of the best investments you will ever make in your life.

If you want a stress free, maintenance free lifestyle...then maybe renting is the option for you. Yet, maybe you fall into the "BUY" category and would love to own your own home. If this is the case, I'd love to help with your current or future real estate needs. No pressure either way. 

I hope you found some value in this post and I thank you for taking the time to read.

Until next time....Keep it "REAL"

Below are a few of my blog posts that can and will help you if buying or selling is something you're looking into.
https://youaremytoppriority.blogspot.com/2019/01/hello-my-name-is.html
https://youaremytoppriority.blogspot.com/2019/05/why-i-work-by-referrals.html
https://youaremytoppriority.blogspot.com/2019/06/demand-and-supply-real-estate.html
https://youaremytoppriority.blogspot.com/2019/02/why-do-you-need-real-estate.html
https://youaremytoppriority.blogspot.com/2019/01/accepted-offernow-what.html