Around 40 million Americans move every year. If you are about to join this statistic, then you may be wondering whether you should rent a house or buy a house.
Many people don’t understand the difference between rent vs. buying, so we are here to help. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of each option.
Cost
In general, renting a home is typically cheaper than buying. When you rent a home, you sign a lease that states what you will pay each month. This number does not fluctuate for a set amount of time.
Once your lease is up, the landlord does have the right to raise the rent. Some areas, however, have rent ceilings, which put a cap on how much your rent can be raised.
As a renter, you may also be required to pay for things such as internet and utilities such as water or a washer and dryer rental.
When buying a home, you will likely have to make a large down payment in addition to your monthly mortgage payments. Your mortgage payment will include principal and interest on the loan. If you have a variable interest rate, then the amount that you pay may change over time.
As a homeowner, you may also need to pay for additional expenses such as HOA fees, maintenance, and home inspections.
Convenience
One of the biggest reasons that people choose to rent is the convenience of the whole process. Homes for rent are typically easier to acquire as you don’t have to worry about a big bidding war. You also don’t have to go through tedious inspections before moving in.
If you need to get into your home quickly, then renting may be a better option. If you are in a situation where you need to sell your old home first, then have a look at home-buying companies.
Renovations
When you rent a home, you are usually not allowed to renovate it the way you want. Many rental homes have rules against hanging things on walls or making major renovations. If you disobey these rules, you may be subject to a large fine.
When you buy a home, you have the freedom to do whatever you want with it. You can take on home renovation projects and personalize the space to meet your needs.
Responsibilities
When you rent a home, you don’t have much responsibility other than to keep the place looking nice. If something breaks or stops working, all you have to do is call your maintenance team to come to fix it for you.
Owning a home is generally a bigger responsibility than renting one. Once you buy your home, anything that goes wrong is your responsibility. You don’t have a maintenance team to handle your problems.
Rent vs. Buying: Which Is Right For You?
When it comes to rent vs. buying, the choice is up to you. Make sure you take into consideration how much time and energy you are willing to put into your home.
If the answer is a lot, then you may be ready to buy. If not, then renting may be a better choice for you.
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