Kathleen S. Turner, SRES®, SFR® - COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE HOMEBUYING PROCESS.pdf

accepts your purchase offer, while others are paid at closing. These include earnest money, down payment, typically ranging from 3.5% for FHA loans to more than 20% of the purchase price, home appraisal, home inspection, real estate taxes, and first year’s homeowner’s insurance. Loss of relocation flexibility. It’s much easier to break a lease and move out of town than to arrange for the sale of a residence. Selling the home from out of town involves special logistics and financial matters, such dealing with the mortgage while the home is on the market. Financial loss potential. Homeownership builds equity over time; however, equity doesn’t always equal profit. If home values in your area go down or remain stagnant during your time as a homeowner, the appraised value of your home could decrease, putting you at risk of a financial loss when you sell.

DISADVANTAGES OF RENTING

No equity building. The monthly rent you pay goes to the landlord. It represents the fee you pay for using the property. You gain no ownership in the property, no matter how long you live there. No tax benefits. While homeowners can deduct real estate taxes and mortgage interest on their tax returns, renters aren’t eligible for housing-related federal tax credits or deductions. Home improvements go to the landlord. Any structural and affixed decorative home improvements that renters make belong to the building owner and will have to stay behind when you move. Additionally, you would need approval for any desired remodeling.

After all is said and done, the decision to buy or rent depends on

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