To Buy or to Rent: Weigh the Pros & Cons Before Buying Your First Home

Owning vs. renting a home is an important decision. It's not just about picking the perfect residence. You also need to understand how choosing between renting and buying will impact your budget and your way of life. Buying your first home is an exciting milestone and one of the most important investments in your life. Weigh the pros and cons of buying vs renting so you can avoid homebuying mistakes and purchase the perfect property at the perfect time.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Advantages of Owning a Home

Building Equity

Owning a home has many advantages, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle down and build wealth. The most important financial benefit is the opportunity to build equity.

When you take out a loan, your monthly mortgage payments increase your ownership of the home. You can calculate your equity by removing the amount of the mortgage you've paid off from the amount you owe. Paying monthly rent, on the other hand, does not increase your equity or your credit score.

Tax Advantages

Owning a home offers several tax advantages that can contribute to significant financial savings, a benefit not available to renters. First and foremost, homeowners can deduct mortgage interest from their taxable income, effectively reducing their overall tax liability. These deductions are subject to a loan limit of up to $750,000.

Property taxes are one of the main monthly expenses associated with owning a house. However, people have the option to include property taxes in the $10,000 total for itemized deductions.

Furthermore, homeowners may be eligible for the capital gains exclusion when they sell their property. This allows them to exclude up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly) of the profit made on the sale from their taxable income, provided they meet certain residency and ownership requirements. Collectively, these tax benefits can make owning a home more financially viable.

Stability & Control

Owning a home within a reasonable budget offers long-term stability that many people prefer to renting. By securing a mortgage with favorable rates, homeowners can ensure consistent monthly payments, providing predictability and protection against rising rent costs. This stability allows for better financial planning and creates a sense of security in knowing that one's housing situation is under control for the long haul.

Moreover, homeownership grants individuals the freedom to renovate and update their property as they see fit, ultimately tailoring their living space to their personal preferences and needs. This freedom enhances the enjoyment of the property and adds value to the home, potentially yielding a higher return on investment in the future. On the other hand, renters are often restricted in their ability to make significant alterations or improvements to their living spaces, which can limit their satisfaction with their homes.

Disadvantages of Owning a Home

Expenses

When you buy a home, expect to pay more than the listing price. Closing costs and related fees are an essential consideration when buying a home, as they can significantly impact the overall affordability of the purchase. The final amount varies for every home purchase, depending on the type of mortgage and any unique negotiations and seller concessions. You'll also be responsible for paying property taxes with your mortgage.

Owning a home is responsible for covering all maintenance costs, ranging from routine tasks such as lawn mowing and air filter replacement to more substantial repairs like roof and plumbing fixes. The cost of upkeep can accumulate rapidly and may be hard to plan for if unexpected difficulties occur.

Additional expenses associated with buying and owning a home may include:

• Agent commission
• Attorney fees
• Escrow funds
• Appraisal
• HOA dues
• Homeowners insurance
• Private mortgage insurance

Knowing what to expect when buying your first house gives you a complete picture of your financial commitment and helps you make a better real estate investment.

Limited Financial Liquidity

Owning a home can impact an individual's financial liquidity, as a significant portion of their wealth becomes tied up in an illiquid asset. Unlike liquid investments such as stocks or bonds, which can be easily converted to cash in a relatively short period, real estate transactions can be time-consuming and subject to market fluctuations.

Failing to make payments on your mortgage loan could result in the loss of both your house and any equity built up over time and potentially damage your credit score. To help avoid this situation, it's important to have an emergency fund set aside to keep your finances liquid in the event of unexpected circumstances.

Advantages of Renting a Home

Flexibility & Mobility

Renting provides flexibility and mobility that buying does not offer because tenants can move without selling. This makes it easier for tenants to relocate if their job or family situation changes unexpectedly.

Renting can come with a lesser financial burden than buying a property, including deposits, moving costs, and closing fees. Unlike when purchasing a house, renters don't need to provide a down payment or property taxes.

Instead of the tenant having to pay out-of-pocket expenses, landlords generally handle maintenance and repairs when renting. In addition, some landlords may cover certain utilities such as water or electricity in the rental agreement, which can save tenants money over time compared to paying these bills separately as homeowners must do each month.

Renting also helps you have more flexibility with your finances. Renters can free up more income to put towards other financial goals, such as saving for a down payment. People who wait to buy a home can also optimize debt-to-income ratio for home buying.

Disadvantages of Renting a Home

Renting a home has the downside of not allowing you to accrue any equity in the property. Though you may save money by not having to pay a mortgage or down payment, the downside is that you never gain true ownership of the property.

Renters also have limited control over their living space and amenities due to restrictions imposed by landlords. Renters may not be permitted to customize their space or add amenities without authorization. Additionally, tenants may be subject to limitations regarding the number of occupants and types of pets allowed in a single unit.

FAQs on Owning vs Renting

Are mortgage payments cheaper or more expensive than rent?

In some cases, mortgage payments can be cheaper than rent, particularly in areas where living costs are relatively low, and property values are more affordable. In other cases, however, the opposite may be true, with mortgage payments exceeding the cost of rent due to high property values or interest rates. However, the financial advantages of owning a home may help recoup the price difference long term.

How do you know when it's the right time to buy a house?

The right time to stop renting and buy a house will vary for everyone. The following milestones can help you assess your financial decision and help you know when the time is right for you.

• You have little to no debt
• You can save for a down payment
• You've increased your credit score
• You have a few months' of living expenses in savings
• You have a steady income and a favorable debt-to-income ratio

Buying Your First Home vs Renting: What's Right For You?

Buying your first home can provide various benefits, such as accruing equity and having more autonomy over a home. However, there's no need to rush into it. Leasing is an affordable alternative that can help you prepare for buying your first house. Ultimately, deciding between owning and renting is an individual decision that should take into account both financial considerations and personal preferences.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.