Which option works for you isn’t just about money – it’s also about your security and vision for your life as much as your social and professional standing.
RENTING A HOUSE
- Flexibility
- Fixed Monthly Expenses
- Minimal Responsibility
Renting a home can offer you the flexibility of living where is convenient for you and also moving as you may need. If you are someone who gets bored of living in the same place and does not really know where you will be located in the future, this seems like a good option.
However, this may not offer stability. Here’s why; if the area you live in is rather popular, your landlord may decide to increase your rent upon renewal of your lease. This may force you to move to find a home that fits your budget.
When renting a home, you are certain of the costs you will incur every month until your lease ends. This can be very comforting for you if you are those who need to have a clean-cut monthly budget figured out.
On the contrary, there are certain expenses you may not have foreseen. For example, if you needed to move unexpectedly, there are usually costs involved to end a lease before expected and unforeseen maintenance costs.
Repairs and maintenance, mortgage loan payments, property tax and so on are just not your worry when renting! If you have an efficient landlord all these things will be looked after in a timely fashion and you can enjoy your hassle-free living!
However, as a tenant you also have certain responsibilities depending on the terms of the lease that you signed. This is why it is important to work with an experienced and qualified real estate agents like the ones we have here at Carlton Realtors who will do background checks for you and looks into the landlords’ history as well.
OWNING A HOUSE
- Investment:
- Stability
- Assurance & Tax Deductions
For many, owning a house or equity in the real estate sector serves as a long term investment plan. An investment which we can enjoy to live in while we pay off mortgage loans – sounds attractive.
However, it has become increasingly difficult to estimate when you would reap the benefits of such an investment, and the magnitude of the benefit. This is because of the fluctuating inflation rates versus mortgage rates relative to interest rates – this could mean your property may also lose value over time. This calculation seems like a tough one to crack – but that’s where Carlton Realtors’ experienced and qualified property and mortgage Valuers jump in to guide you!
When you own your home you get to enjoy the stability of living in a house that not only feels like home but you can also call home. It is more about sentiment, having your privacy, security and stability for both, you and your family.
However, this involves some varied and additional costs e.g. repairs & maintenance, property tax, insurance. This makes your initial calculated mortgage loan costs heftier. For example, your roof starts to leak, and now you have to repair the roof, and your wooden flooring. This was a cost you never budgeted to incur.
A home you own is then an asset you can use for any formal / legal backing when it comes to finances. This may help you further your vision. Home ownership is baked into the asset dream, where “money makes money for you”. Moreover, you can enjoy the benefits of tax deductions.
However, when it comes to selling a home, there are transaction costs and time lags that you will incur. This requires patience, good timing, and a great real estate agent!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Renting offers flexibility, predictable monthly expenses, and minimal responsibility. Homeownership brings intangible benefits such as a sense of stability and belonging, pride of ownership, and noticeable remunerations of tax deductions and equity. Contrary to popular belief, renting doesn’t mean you’re “throwing away money” every month, and owning doesn’t always build wealth “in the long run.” The common rule of thumb – if you do not see yourself living there for at least over 5 years, do not buy it.
The ever changing housing markets and life circumstances are too varied to make blanket statements during such a debate. I am sure we could all agree on this especially when we are faced with what may be the greatest global pandemic of the century!