House shopping: Rent vs. buy?
Weigh the pros and cons to determine which is best for you.
Should you rent or buy? That's the big question you need to ask yourself before you go house shopping. The answer to that question depends on your priorities. Do you want to build equity or do you need to be able to relocate easily? To find out more about the benefits of owning a home versus the benefits of renting, check out our infographic. It'll help you decide.
Buying pros and cons
Pros
- Builds equity over time, and owner may borrow accumulated equity;
- Ability to customize the look, feel and layout of the home without asking permission; and
- Annual tax benefits like deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.
Cons
- Higher maintenance costs are the homeowner's responsibility, and
- Home's value may fluctuate with the economy.
Insurance needed
- Homeowners insurance may cover the repair or replacement cost in the event of loss, and
- May also cover the value of the items within the home.
Renting pros and cons
Pros
- Offers flexibility if you want to move, depending on the landlord and lease;
- Can be less expensive, compared to a down payment on a home and mortgage; and
- No maintenance hassles, because those are usually responsibility of the landlord.
Cons
- May be subject to restrictions such as pets or customizing the home, and
- Possible rent increases, compared to fixed mortgage payments.
Insurance needed
- Renters insurance may cover the value of personal item within the home in addition to legal liability, and
- Renters insurance may not cover home-business ventures or vehicles on the property.
Weigh the pros and cons to determine which is best for you.
There are benefits to owning your home or renting it -- so the decision really comes down to you. What to you want out of your home? Use this list to spot your priorities.
BUYING: PROS
Builds equity.
Increase amount of ownership or time.
May be able to borrow accumulated equity.
Ability to customize.
Change the look, feel and layout without permission.
Annual tax benefits.
Can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on itemized tax returns.
BUYING: CONS
Higher maintenance costs.
All maintenance is the homeowner's responsibility.
Maintenance may cost up to 3 percent of a home's value per year.
Home's value may fluctuate with the economy.
Insurance needed: Homeowner's insurance.
May cover: Cost to repair or replace home in event of total loss, in addition to the value of items in the home.
May not cover: Home-business ventures, flood damage or personal property with high replacement value (separate policies required).
RENTING: PROS
Offers flexibility.
Maybe be able to move with little notice, depending on your landlord and lease.
Can be less expensive.
Initial payment and monthly rent can be lower than a down payment and mortgage, depending on the area.
Landlords may cover some or all utilities.
No maintenance hassles.
Landlords are usually responsible for routine maintenance and structural repairs at no extra cost to the tenant.
RENTING: CONS
Subject to restrictions.
Pets may not be allowed.
Painting and customizing may not be permitted.
Rent increases.
Unlike fixed mortgage payments, rent may increase.
Insurance needed: Renter's insurance.
May cover: Replacement value of personal items in addition to legal liability.
May not cover: Home-business ventures or ownership and use of motor vehicles on property.
