live in an $800,000 home for 10 years, that’s $80,000 over the period, and perhaps more if you must replace a costly, long- lived mechanical item, such as a furnace. Keep in mind the usual homeowner’s chores of lawn care, snow removal, gutter cleaning, and other regular home maintenance needs. Upfront and closing costs. Buying a home entails numerous upfront costs. Some are paid out-of-pocket after the seller accepts your purchase offer, while others are paid at closing. These include the deposit, down payment (typically ranging from 5% to more than 20% of the purchase price), home appraisal, home inspection, and property taxes. 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 equate to 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. Home improvements go to the landlord. Any structural and decorative home improvements that renters make belong to the building owner and will have to stay behind when you move to a different place. Additionally, approval for desired major
21
Powered by FlippingBook