• No Market Risk If the housing market tanks, you’re unaffected. (Well, emotionally affected—but not financially.) Cons of Owning • You Break It, You Buy It Repairs and maintenance are on you. Plan to spend about 1% of your home’s value per year. Spoiler: things will break. • Upfront & Closing Costs Down payments, inspections, insurance… it's a financial buffet of fees. • Less Flexibility Selling a home takes time—and money. So if you get a sudden dream job across the country, it’s not a “pack your bags tonight” situation. • Risk of Market Loss Appreciation isn’t guaranteed. You could lose money. Sad but true. Cons of Renting • No Equity All that rent you pay? It’s helping your landlord buy their next house. • No Tax Breaks No deductions, no perks. Just monthly payments and the occasional maintenance guy who never shows up on time. • Limited Control Want to paint the kitchen? Better ask. Want a dog? Better ask. Want to hang a hammock from the ceiling? Definitely better ask. Final Thoughts: Rent or Buy? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s the truth: owning a 10
Powered by FlippingBook