Your friends are buying homes. And you are wondering if you should stop renting and buy a house too. Your dog wants a yard, your kids want a playground, and you wouldn’t mind a garage and an office. There is only one problem: You aren’t sure you can afford it.
Hold up! Deciding whether to rent or buy always comes down to what you can afford. Are you financially ready to buy a house? Or is renting still the smarter option? Let’s compare renting vs. buying and determine which is best for you.
So where should you begin? Start with a budget by tracking your spending, reducing unnecessary purchases, and create a plan with a timeline. Are you out of debt? We are talking no student loans or consumer debt. Have you set aside monies in case of an emergency? Experts recommend three to six months of savings in case you lose your job.
The next step? You need to contact a local mortgage lender. They can prepare a pre-approval for you which will give you a better understanding of what you can afford. While a down payment of 20% is not necessary in today’s market, it can keep you from paying PMI (private mortgage insurance). Your lender will make sure the payment isn’t a huge percentage of your income and therefore allowing you to pay utilities, taxes, insurance and other fees associated with your mortgage.
The advantages of owning your own home include building equity and tax benefits. With each payment you are one step closer to home ownership. You also have the freedom to renovate your house. From the interior to the exterior, it’s a blank slate. Some disadvantages include an increase in expenses like home maintenance. You are responsible for all the plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Make sure you set aside savings for these potential repairs.
Maybe you aren’t ready to buy just yet and that is fine. Renting a place with a lower payment allows you to save money and pay off some debt. If your job requires you to move around a lot, then renting makes sense for you until you settle down. Renting takes away the worry of maintenance. If the furnace stops working, your landlord is responsible for the repair not you. However, most owners will not allow their tenants to make changes to the unit, for example painting, to best fit your taste.
Buying a home is a long-term commitment and you should think through your decision and weigh all options. Deciding whether to buy a house is not an easy choice. That is why it is smart to partner with a pro who can help you navigate your options. Shop local. Find a mortgage lender in the area in which you are going to purchase and interview several REALTORS® before choosing one that best fits your needs.
Whether you buy or rent, do it because it makes financial sense for you and not what your friends and family are doing. Stay warm. We have six more weeks of this white stuff. Remember to do good things!
Stephanie Lemley, 2021 MBOR President
