Buying or renting? The age-old question! Making that important decision is challenging in the best of times. Yet when the country is recovering from an economic downturn, people can lack confidence and be more uncertain about the right choice.
Does Buying A Home Make Financial Sense?
According to a recent National Association of Realtors survey, 85% of home buyers between June 2009 and July 2010 believed that they were making a sound financial decision. Almost 50% of the buyers and sellers in the survey considered their home to be a better investment than stocks. Nearly one third of the group believed their home to be an investment ranking at least on par with stocks. The findings were similar among all categories of buyers (first-time buyers or existing home owners, couples or individuals, male or female).
Will Home Ownership Be A 'Get Rich Quick' Investment?
In earlier decades, many buyers viewed home ownership in that light. That perception is changing in the current market. The median expected length that today's home owners will stay in a residence is 10 years. Generally, repeat buyers plan to remain in the same residence for 15 years. Of course, these long-time home owners can still turn a profit further down the road.
Should I Rent Or Should I Buy A Home?
There is no simple answer to this question. Reaching a final decision means that individuals have to examine their own situation from every angle. They must consider their goals, circumstances, and even one's personality.
Certain people prefer to be renters. They do not want to take on the responsibility of home ownership. If there is a problem as a renter, they can call the landlord. Renters without signed leases are able to move at a moment's notice. Some people enjoy that sense of freedom.
Yet other renters (especially with families) long for home ownership. Renters must have certain specifics in place if they are planning to buy a home. They should have a down payment and closing costs.
Potential home buyers will need to qualify for a mortgage. As well, they must be able to afford the cost of buying a home. Home ownership costs include more than the purchase price. Homeowners must be able to pay the monthly mortgage costs, property taxes and insurance, as well as maintenance costs.
Making The Final Decision
People have to examine their personal circumstances before they decide to rent a residence or buy a home. They must consider the pros and cons of each option. There is help out there to assist individuals with this process. It is possible to find classes in different locations that are focused on exploring the "buy or not to buy decision."
Various real estate professionals have written e-courses or organized classes about renting versus home buying. In addition, there are similar programs created and run by groups or businesses with no vested interest in trying to sell homes. People can get expert help to guide them in making the right decision.
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