Is it Time to STOP Renting - and Buy a HOME?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 DRE# ER40011786

 

The question of Renting or Buying is always a decision some spend a lot of time deciding!    There are situations where maybe it is not the best idea, but most often buying a property could provide a lower payment if buying!

 

 

1.   How is your Credit?

     Call a lender and have your credit pulled, and they can tell you if there are any issues you need to take care of, or that you are good to go.   You will be required to submit many documents for them to review your credit.

 

2.  Will you Remain in the area for two years?

      If there is a chance you will only stay for a year or less in one place, maybe buying a property may not be a good decision.    If you stay in a home for two years (out of five years), you can move to another home without capital gains.  **check with an accountant for more details

 

3.  You Don't have to have 20% down to get into a home.  There are lenders that do as less as 3% of the purchase price for conventional financing or 3.5% for FHA financing.   You DO NOT need a 20% down payment, but if you do, this will eliminate the PMI.  (mortgage insurance)  There are some programs that have grants or gift funds (some need to be repaid) if you do not have a down payment and closing costs.  

 

4.   Buying a home gives the homeowner a sense of success.   You OWN a home that you can put your stamp on, change decor, remodel, landscape, to make it yours, without the approval of a landlord.   You can pay the mortgage off, and you own it free and clear.    

 

5.  Buying a home gives you equity (in most markets) and after a few years, you will have a larger down payment if you decide to up-size your home.    We have seen an average of 10% increases in value for the last 4.5 years.    

 

If you have more questions about this process - check out my page for Buyer Questions. 

 

Did I give enough reasons to at least think about a home purchase?    If it sounds good, give me a call, and let's talk about your options!

 

 

Comments (14)

Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hello Joan - your post will hopefully inspire some thoughts from renters who may be considering home ownership.  With some additional knowledge and a good plan, it's possible to turn those dreams into reality.  And if those dreams involve Denver area real estate, you are a good  choice for a real estate professional to assist prospective buyers.  

Feb 07, 2020 06:53 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Joan Cox - you have laid out all of the pertinent questions like a very good assistant buyer helping a client.

Feb 07, 2020 06:55 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Great infographic, Joan... and of course it's time to stop renting and buy a home! Being a homeowner makes people happier (see my post on that subject just yesterday! :))

Feb 07, 2020 07:02 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

In Silicon Valley it is cheaper to rent than own again. To pay $10K mortgage a month you can rent a home for about half again.  Rent has come down a lot as builders overbuilt condos near job center. Tomorrow that may be another story.

Feb 07, 2020 07:05 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Michael, if a purchase makes sense within one's goals, it is a better choice than continuing to rent!  

Feb 07, 2020 07:22 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Grant, now to get my 2 buyers off the fence and make a decision!  

Feb 07, 2020 07:22 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Nina, buyers COULD be happier owning their own home! 

Feb 07, 2020 07:23 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Sam, OH MY, had not heard that.

Feb 07, 2020 07:23 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Joan Cox - I hope renters see your post and give you a call.  I bought my first home (townhouse) at 19 and have never rented. 

The only people that it makes sense is for people who want to live in a very affluent area and can only afford rent, or you are in a short term stay and will move to a new location or you spend more time on the road than at home. Otherwise, renters need to call Joan Cox!

Feb 07, 2020 08:13 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Sheri Sperry - MCNE® You are so right!   I have one buyer that may be AFRAID of buying, but why throw over $2,000/month to a landlord.   She would be better off OWNING a home, enjoying the equity and being able to paint and make changes to her style.

Feb 07, 2020 08:15 AM
Raymond Henson, SRES, GRI
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

Great reasons to purchase a home!  Home ownership has always been a stepping stone to a more financially secure future for us, whether it was our first home purchased at a poor time or any of our rentals.  I hope you have many new clients step forward that you can help soon.

Feb 07, 2020 08:29 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Raymond, yes homeownership is what everyone should be working towards, financial freedom down the road!

Feb 07, 2020 08:41 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

 In our area people are paying more for rent than they would if the bought a similar home. You are spot on with this post...

Happy Friday Joan Cox 

Feb 07, 2020 12:18 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Paul, in most areas of Denver, your house payment would be less than renting for the same property too.  Thank you for your kind words.

Feb 07, 2020 12:42 PM

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