For some, committing to buying a home is an easy decision. However, some struggle rationalizing homeownership. Adding to the confusion are the attempts to persuade tenants to be home owners by flaunting its benefits and financial savvy. To be sure, there are personal and financial factors that go into deciding Rent vs Buy. However, the reality is that the Rent vs Buy question is a complicated personal puzzle.
Are you weighing the decision of Rent vs Buy? Consider that homeownership does have benefits over renting. Besides having a place to live, the consensus is that homeownership provides stability and belonging to a community. Numerous studies have associated being a home owner with increased well being and better health outcomes. Research by the Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies concluded that homeownership and growing wealth are associated (Herbert, McCue, and Sanchez-Moyano; Is Homeownership Still an Effective Means of Building Wealth for Low-income and Minority Households? Was it Ever? Joint Center for Housing Studies Harvard University, September 2013).
But frustrated home buyers are returning to their rentals because of inventory shortages, intense competition, and increased home prices can be aggravating.
The latest National Association of Realtors (nar.realtor) press release indicted a 1.5 percent decrease in home sales from the previous year. Although home sales were weak for the previous four months, home prices have increased for the 70th consecutive month! Nationwide median existing home prices increased 4.6 percent from the previous year to $264,800. The lack of home sale inventory is partly to blame for the decreased home sales, which increases the upward pressure on home prices.
The Greater Capital Association of Realtors (gcaar.com) release of August housing data for Montgomery County is not much different from the national figures. Single-family home sales in the county decreased 0.7 percent from the previous year. Inventory is 8.3 percent below last year’s available homes for sale at the end of August. But median home sale prices jumped to $443,000, which is an increase of 4.2 percent.
Those who are dissuaded from buying a home because of increasing home prices are facing rent increases. The median rent for Montgomery County is $1,647. But according to Healthy Montgomery (healthymontgomery.org), there is upward pressure on rent. This is not just a local phenomenon, it is nationwide. According to the Census Bureau (census.gov), some metropolitan areas and cities have experienced increases well over $300. Rent increases are in part due to inflation and the increasing cost of owning a rental property. However, tenants are mainly experiencing rent increases because of supply and demand. Rental inventory is just as tight as home sale inventory. The Census Bureau reported that the vacancy rate decreased year over year. Additionally, the Census Bureau reported last year that the percentage of renters who moved during 2017 was the lowest recorded since 1988.
The robust economy has prompted the Fed to increase interest rates this year. Another rate hike is expected this week. According to Freddie Mac (freddiemac.com), mortgage rates have increased in anticipation of the Fed’s rate hike. According to Freddie Mac’s Mortgage Market Survey, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage is 4.65 percent. Although mortgage rates are the highest in several years, rates continue to be historically low.
For many who continue to rent, they’re perspective may be justified by comparing housing costs. The Trulia Rent vs Buy Calculator (trulia.com/rent_vs_buy) is a tool that compares these factors. Paying rent for a long term may make sense if your rent is low. However, buying can be a better long-term decision when comparing similar size properties and housing costs.
Consulting with Realtor can help too. You can find out which is feasible Rent vs Buy. You can see if there are any homes for sale in your affordability range. You can also find out what rentals are available in your rent range. Regardless of your Rent vs Buy decision, your real estate agent can assist you with housing and the process for home buying or renting.
By Dan Krell.
Copyright © 2018.
Original located at https://dankrell.com/blog/2018/09/27/rent-vs-buy-puzzle
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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.