Is It Better to Rent Or Buy In Atlanta?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with MyMidtownMojo.com |770.713.1505 | Intown Atlanta GA Condo Living 272617

That's actually kind of a loaded question, and pretty broad, considering how BIG Atlanta really is. 

And WHAT are you calling Atlanta? If you are in John's Creek, or Alpharetta or Marietta,  you are in the METRO Atlanta area, but not ACTUALLY in the City of Atlanta! 

So, it comes down to numerous factors.

Is It Better to Rent Or Buy In Atlanta?

 

First off, there are costs associated with owning a home (or condo) that are not associated with renting. From property taxes to HOA fees to maintenance costs....all expenses YOU pay when you own vs. rent, the cost can certainly vary. BUT....how much is the RENT in the area you are looking at? 

It's no secret that rental rates in Atlanta have gone way up. Waaaaaay UP! A 1-bedroom in Midtown Atlanta can easily run $1500-$2000 per month, depending on the apartment building. And 2 bedrooms can push $3,000 a month. That's some serious money for a place you don't own, but are just borrowing!

If you think your job may have you moving soon, or other factors that could keep you in a home less than 3 years, then buying may not be the right choice for you. As much as my business is all about buying and selling homes, I'm certainly going to talk with you about your specific situation and lifestyle and help you make the right decision, even if it means NOT buying. 

I recently came across a pretty cool, interactive tool to help you consider if you should Buy or Rent. It has lots, and lots....did I say LOTS of variables you can plug in, so I do caution you in using it. The link is below.

 

Is It Better To Buy Or Rent 

 

Another great way to decide if you should rent or buy, is just meet/talk with one of our Team Lenders! They can run numbers for you (I can provide them details like HOA fees and property taxes on a certain property) and then you can make a comparison between the mortgage payment and the rent payment. 

 

And then we can talk more about what is the best option for you. 

 

Comments (4)

Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

this is a great topic for a blog post - just the title alone is sure to get you some hits!

Jul 24, 2017 04:34 AM
Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Lend Smart Mortgage, Llc. - Carlsbad, CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

This post 'speaks' to the fact that we are not only salespeople, but advisors and should be trusted to provide the 'BIG PICTURE' for prospects. Great post!

Jul 24, 2017 04:49 AM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing-Frye - Naples, FL
Golf Community Real Estate Specialist

Thom great thought provoking blog.  The challenging part always seems to be those upfront costs that have a major impact on people's decision to buy or rent.

Jul 24, 2017 06:43 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
www.iCharlotteHomes.com | The Maxwell House Group | RE/MAX Executive | (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The right Charlotte REALTOR!

Yep, those Closing costs get so many and if they only realized that if they eliminated a few 'unnecessary things' that they spend money on, save a bit each month, then they would be able to buy and SAVE EVEN MORE most of the time! Great advice, Thom!

Aug 01, 2017 07:08 PM