The argument over renting versus buying includes advantages and disadvantages, when you think about job security and the ability to commit to anything, for a long-term. When you decide to rent, you aren’t locked into a large financial commitment, such as a mortgage loan you can’t afford. Those that are presently working may not be confident their present position will provide stable income, in the months to come. Lay-offs and cut-backs can wreck havoc on a family’s budget.
Here are some of the pros to renting that many people consider. One is that when you rent, there are many things you don’t have to deal with as opposed to buying. One of them is that any property maintenance is done by the landlord. This means you don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn, making sure the sidewalks and drives are clear of snow and debris. In addition, because your maintenance is taken care of, there is no buying expensive equipment.
If your furnace breaks down or your pipes start leaking, a home rental allows you to make a phone call and the problem becomes the responsibility of the landlord-owner. As a homeowner, you will be faced with urgent and unexpected expenditures and you may not have them in your budget. If your rental house becomes too intolerable or your lease renewal includes a rent increase, you can choose to live someplace else, with little notice or inconvenience. Maintaining your home rental will allow you to get any damage escrow money returned.
One the other hand, renting does have its disadvantages. You are not building equity, and don’t have any money to show for the years you have rented. You have to get permission from your landlord in order to make any changes, like painting or rearranging the landscape. You are also dependent on your landlord fixing things in a timely manner. They can also raise the rent, and even evict you if they want.
Buying a house also has its pros and cons. Buying a house costs more initially, but every payment you make, part of it goes to principle so you are building equity in your home. You can do whatever you want to your home, within reason, so you can repaint the walls, make additions, and change the landscape. If something breaks down, you can replace it with higher energy efficient appliances. Your home is more secure, because you are in charge.
On the other hand, buying a home can be expensive, and not just to move in. If there is a problem of some kind, you are responsible for fixing it. You have to keep you lawn maintained, as well as keep the drive and sidewalks clear in the Winter. If you are part of some kind of HOA, then you have to get permission to do anything on your property. If something happens financially, and you end up going into foreclosure, you run the risk of losing everything, including any equity, as well as your good credit rating.
One of the other things you have to consider when buying a home is that you have to buy extra things for the home. You may have to buy a lawn mower and other yard equipment. Any major problems you have to deal with and pay out of pocket expenses. This can include things like problems with plumbing and electrical.
If you are faced with the argument of whether to rent instead of buy, you just have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. In addition, your personal financial situation and your occupational future should be analyzed. It’s better to purchase a home if your job is secure and you plan to stay in your home for a few years. For those with a less-assured future in their occupation, it may be better to wait out the current economic conditions and rent a home, just in case you need to alter your lifestyle because of lay-off, demotion or relocation.
About the author: Lance Mohr is an authority on the Tampa real estate market with more than 18 years of experience as a Realtor and mortgage banker. If you have any questions or are looking for a professional Realtor give me a call. For more information on Odessa homes for sale or Northdale homes for sale go to at www.Tampa2Enjoy.com.
