Are you wrestling with the almost Shakespearean question: To rent or not to rent? ...well, or "To Buy or not to Buy"?
There are a lot of things that factor into your decision i.e. how long will you be staying in your home? Statistics show that if you stay at least 4 years then buying a home will make more financial sense.
Renting means more flexibility -you move in and move out when you want -provided that you have structured your lease in such a way that will allow for this. You have less upkeep in and around your home - a big plus. On the down side, you are not building equity as you might when purchasing your home. Annual rent increase, could also outpace inflation. A lot of times, military personnel is plagued by hefty rent increases, incidently in the same amount as the increase of their housing allowance.
Buying on the other hand allows for tax breaks, potential tax free capital gain and the emotional satisfaction that you can do in your home and with your home as you please (in compliance with your HOA, of course). If you don't mind house maintenance and yard work and you can live with the fact, that things get a bit difficult should you have to relocate quickly then take a closer look at a home purchase.
60-75% of renters are still dreaming the American dream of owning their own home as the infographic below shows. Homeowners are more engaged in their communities,which is important for the stability of a neighborhood or even part of town.
Top four reasons for home ownership according to the 2011 National Housing Survey:
- It means having a good place to raise children and provide a good education
- You have a physical structure where you and your family feel safe
- It allows you to have more space for your family
- It gives you control over what you do with your living space (renovations & updates)
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