There comes a time in life when everyone has to consider their living situation: Do you continue to rent, or do you take the plunge and buy a house? Or more precisely, when should you buy a house versus rent?
Most renters have heard the adage “You’re throwing money away when you rent.” True, renters will never recoup the money they pay their property owner every month. On the other hand, homeowners contribute to a valuable long-term investment every time they make a mortgage payment. While owning a home has many benefits, the decision to rent or own requires careful consideration of what it will cost.
Moving to a new home doesn’t always mean selling the old one. Homeowners could choose to keep it as a rental property. How to decide between selling a home vs. renting it out will be different for everyone. It boils down to three main topics: the homeowner’s goals, their financial situation, and whether or not they are “cut out” to be a landlord.
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It’s not news that buying a house is a big financial investment. But many first-time buyers wonder if buying a home is worth it. They wonder how long it will take before breaking even compared to renting. The St. Louis region actually has one of the shortest break-even times in the country.
Taking on a mortgage, especially as a first-time homebuyer, can be intimidating. Finding out that it can lower your credit score can be downright stressful. It’s a bit of a “Catch 22”: You need good credit to buy a house, but buying a house lowers your credit.
After the real estate bubble burst in 2008, it seemed like foreclosed houses could be found in almost every neighborhood across the country. The number of foreclosed homes reached an all-time high in 2010 but has steadily decreased each year since. Nevertheless, as long as there have been mortgages, there have been people unable to pay them. Buyers can get a bargain buying a foreclosed home. But if they’re not cautious, they can get more than they bargained for.
When you’re planning to sell a home or buy a home—it’s a big deal. Sure, you can do it on your own, but it’s a complicated process and will take up a lot of your time. There are some things that are better left to the experts, and real estate is one of them.
By Kay Bell
You’ve found the perfect house. Interest rates are still low. There’s just one thing standing between you and your dream home: a down payment.
Don’t abandon your homeownership dreams just yet. Here are nine ways to come up with the cash for your new home.
Pay Off Your Credit Cards
By Cheryl Knight
Buying a house is a life-changing process that requires lots of upfront financial planning.
When looking for a home, keep certain factors in mind, including your financial situation, types of available loans, your credit score, the price of the house and your down payment so you can navigate the process smoothly.
Your Financial Situation