4. Renting gives you flexibility
Buying a home is a big commitment, if you need to move for any reason- say, for work- your property would need to appreciate at least 10% for you to recover your sales costs. That typically takes about five years. Renting allows you the freedom and mobility you need to find the right job before you tie yourself into a massive home investment.
With the house market crashing, more owners are converting their properties into rentals or providing sweet incentives to lure prospective tenants. Many owners are offering as many as three free months of rent to attract renters. And, modern apartments offer amenities that may be unaffordable in a new home.
2. Tax deductions are overstated
Conventional wisdom claims that you save money when buying a home because mortgage interest is tax deductible. But one study points out that more than half of homeowners don't receive a break because, even with mortgage interest and property taxes, their total deductions do not exceed the standard federal tax deduction ($10,900 for couples and $5,450 for singles).
1. It can save you money.
According to popular myth, renters are just throwing money away. But when you buy a home, you're stuck with closing feeds, mortgage interest, property taxes, private homeowners' insurance and maintenance. All return nothing on your investment. You're better off banking your money or putting it into the stock market. A recent study indicates that stocks provided investors with nearly 4.6% higher average returns in the past 45 years than real estate.
Feel stuck in a renters rut and dreaming of buying your own home? With the recent mortgage crisis, that might not be the right choice for you after all. Many people don’t realize the countless unforeseen costs of owning their own home. So stop stressing and stay tuned for four great reasons to stick to renting.
