Pros and Cons to Owning or Leasing

Trista - November 13, 2019

Photo: Semi-detached houses sit close to their neighboring houses. Pixabay

Home is where the heart is, and when it comes to finding a home, you have two options. You can either rent a place or buy a home. Both options have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. Whether or not you should rent a house or buy a home depends on a lot of factors, including financial capabilities, lifestyle, stability, and more.

When you have a clear understanding of both buying and renting, you are likely to make better decisions for yourself; you need to know about buying and renting a home. Keep reading to determine which option is right for you and your family.

Renting a Home

When you rent a home or apartment, an agreement is made to use the property that is owned by someone else temporarily. An individual can rent the property on a gross lease basis wherein the tenant pays the rental amount, and the landlord pays all the charges associated with the ownership. Renting a home allows you to live in a house without having to worry about high mortgage payments.

This idea is a viable option for people who are not financially strong enough to buy their own homes. Renting a house is also a good option for people who don’t wish to settle in the city they are living currently and planning to move to another place in the near future.

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Types of Rental Properties

There are many different rental properties available. Pixabay

The rental industry is significantly growing, and owners are extending different types of properties across the globe. No matter where you are or what your budget is, you will find a suitable rental property with a little research. There is a wide variety of features that can range from housing a single person up to an entire family.

Depending on your needs, you can choose to rent a house or apartment. There are several different apartments and homes to choose from. Here are some common types of rental properties available on the market.

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Apartment

Renting an apartment involves occupying a dwelling within a residential building. A standard apartment could have either one or more rooms, depending on your living situation. There are several apartments in a residential building; however, each one is self-contained and can be owned or rented.

A basic apartment should have a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living space. If your budget is high, you will find apartments that include more features and amenities. If you are single, then studio apartments could be ideal for you as it only has one big room that works as a bedroom, living room, and kitchen. If you are living with your partner, friend, or family, then you can opt for other types of apartments, such as loft apartments or garden apartments.

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Serviced Apartment

A serviced apartment is a high-end renting option that comprises all necessary amenities included in a standard apartment; however, the landlord also provides some additional services. These services include cleaning services, maid services, repairs, and others. If you are looking for a place that is priced well and has a better living space, privacy, and amenities, then serviced apartments are ideal for you.

Serviced apartments are designed to provide people with a luxurious and comfortable living space that makes you feel at home. You don’t have to pay for the services you use monthly, as all the costs are included in the lease contract.

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Room Rentals

Renting a room is ideal for students. Pixabay

Room rentals are smaller in size as opposed to apartments and houses because the unit includes one room. You are also entitled to use basic amenities such as water, parking space, electricity, and others. When renting a room, make sure to check all the facilities such as water connection, communal areas, storage, internet connectivity, air conditioning system to ensure that they are working smoothly.

This is similar to a studio apartment but provides you with more space and comfort than the latter option. It is also a cost-efficient renting option and ideal for students who are on a tight budget. Renting a room is ideal for people who don’t mind sharing a communal space with others.

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Detached House

Many people choose to live in detached homes. Pixabay

Detached houses are free-standing houses similar to standard family-owned dwellings that have a parking area, garden, or private patio. These types of homes can be single-story or have multiple stories. A detachable house stands side by side with other similar units.

Also known as a row house, these homes appear similar to an apartment but offer more space. Offices and shops usually occupy the ground levels. If you are living with a family, then you may want to opt for renting a house as you get more space for your family at an affordable rate.

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Villa

A villa is similar to a detached house, but the facilities offered in it are quite high-end. The villa is typically surrounded by a pool, garden, and includes access to luxurious features. You will find a parking space or garage, a well-furnished kitchen, dining area as well as multiple rooms.

Villas will often have access to excellent features like golf courses, the beach, tennis courts, and a gym. Some villas also have in-house staff, making it easy to keep everything in your home running smoothly. Properties like this are famous around the world for vacation rentals.

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Reasons to Rent a Home

The reasons for renting a home or apartment are varied. Pixabay

While owning a house comes with its share of advantages, it is not for everyone. Renting enables you to stay in a beautiful place without committing to a mortgage. There are also several other reasons to stick to renting versus buying a home.

As a tenant, you don’t have to deal with any repair or maintenance costs of the house. This is because when you rent a property, the landlord is responsible for all the improvements, repairs, and maintenance. If an appliance is not working or the roof is leaking, you call the landlord, and he will take care of the repair works. This concept makes life much easier given you have a good landlord!

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No Paying Real Estate Taxes

Renting is a way to avoid paying real estate taxes. Pixabay

One of the essential benefits associated with renting a home is that you don’t have to pay real estate taxes. These types of fees can be quite hefty as they cost thousands of dollars, depending on your country and the estimated value of your property. When you rent a property, all you have to worry about is paying your rent; the owner is responsible for paying off the taxes every year.

Many people don’t realize how much money in property taxes they will be required to pay each year. If you don’t factor those costs into the price of your home, you may end up living beyond your means. That’s why renting can be advantageous, especially for young people and college students.

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No Down Payment Hassles

Renters don’t have to pay a down payment on a property. Pixabay

Here is another area where renters get a great financial deal. Renters initially have to pay a security deposit that sums up to one month’s rent. However, when you buy a house, you need a sizeable amount to pay upfront as your down payment.

You are likely to pay 20% of the property amount. While the security cost that renters have to pay varies based on the type of house and locality, it would still be less than the price you will have to pay as a down payment. If you don’t want to wait to save up for the down payment on a house, renting is your best bet.

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Better Access to Amenities

When you rent, you get access to amenities more reasonably. This is because when you own a house, you are likely to pay more for all the amenities, making them a massive expense. Amenities such as a pool or a fitness center at a mid-level or upscale apartment comes with no additional charges.

For a homeowner, it would take thousands of dollars for the installation and maintenance of such amenities. Even when you own a condo, you have to pay monthly fees to access these features. Renting a place with access to a gym or pool can also save you money since you won’t have to pay for a separate gym membership.

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More Flexibility

Renters will have an easier time moving to another city. Pixabay

Renters have the flexibility to live anywhere; however, homeowners can only live in the areas that they can afford. While rent can be high in some prime regions, renters can get reasonable monthly payments in many places.

This is ideal for those who travel a lot or plan to move one day for their jobs. Also, for military families who change locations frequently. There are plenty of rental places that are beautiful and can be a great home without putting down permanent roots.

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Easier to Downsize

Renting a small apartment makes downsizing easier. Pixabay

The economy around the world is straining, and people are struggling to make ends meet. By renting a home, people have more flexibility to downsize into a more cost-efficient living space in case they deal with budget constraints.

This sort of flexibility is especially important for retirees who are looking for better alternatives within their budget. However, when you own a house, it can be more challenging to downsize from a luxurious dwelling because of the cost associated with buying and selling a home. Moreover, if the owners have invested in the renovation of the house, they might recover the price even after selling the house.

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Fixed Amount of Rent and Saving on Insurance

Renting allows residents to stick to a budget. Pixabay

Throughout your agreement, the rent amount remains fixed, making it easier for you to plan your finances. Moreover, even when the landlord raises the rent with prior notice, you can make necessary arrangements because you know the amount you are required to pay in advance. Mortgages, on the other hand, come with adjustable rates that can fluctuate, and property taxes can also be increased.

Homeowners have to maintain homeowner’s insurance policy, whereas renters have to keep renter’s insurance policy. However, the premium that homeowners pay as their insurance premium is significantly lesser than what homeowners pay. The insurance policy covers almost everything present in the house, including furniture, electronics, and other valuables. While the average renter’s policy premium comes up to $20, homeowners can pay up to $80 per month.

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Disadvantages of Renting a House

Renting a home has its downsides. Pixabay

Understanding the difficulties associated with renting a home can help you make a better decision. One major drawback of being a renter is the lack of stability. You and your family will be living in a rented house on a temporary basis. With prior notice of 30 days, your landlord can have you evacuated in case they want to have someone else move in or sell the property. Furthermore, during inflation, your landlord can hike up the rent, increasing your overall cost of living.

Even when you are living in affordable housing programs, changes in your income or utility analysis can increase your monthly rent. When you own a house, you become a permanent resident, and no one can force you out of your home unless your mortgage is past due.

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Lack of Flexibility and Equity

Renters don’t have the option of earning equity. Pixabay

Often renters have to deal with many regulations imposed by the landlord. Many apartment buildings don’t allow renters to do any significant decorating or renovating. For instance, you are not allowed to change the paint on the walls or the countertop in the kitchen. Some rented spaces don’t allow you to have a pet. When you own a house, you can customize it as you wish and own a pet without violating any rules.

The monthly rent you pay is not invested in any long-term security or savings. Owning a house is a long-term investment. Similar to any other investment, it has risks, but that can be mitigated by implementing the right measures. However, when you rent a home, the money you pay monthly is gone and will not provide you with any return.

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No Financial Benefits

Renting doesn’t give residents any financial benefits. Pixabay

Renting offers no financial benefits. When you become a house owner, you are guaranteed stability, able to build equity, and receive tax benefits. In the long term, the monthly payment a house owner makes will be less than what renters pay as monthly rent. Additionally, homeowners also acquire tax benefits offered by the government.

Since the landlord is the one who takes care of all repairs and maintenance around the house, you become heavily dependent on him or her. If you have a responsible landlord, then you are in luck. However, in case your landlord is not great with fixing things or very hard to reach, then you might have to take care of the repairs all by yourself. And it is often difficult to know whether or not your landlord is responsible before you sign a lease.

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What to Consider While Buying a Property

There are many factors involved in buying a home. Pixabay

With tons of options to choose from, it is challenging to rent a home or apartment. The first step towards selecting a rental property is to check the condition of the place. The idea is to identify any damage, check the flooring, light fixtures, windows — everything.

Make sure to accompany your landlord during an apartment inspection to identify any problem areas on the property. Take notes and pictures of any cracks or damaged areas. That way, you won’t lose your security deposit when you move out. Also, please take a good look at the inside of the home or apartment to make sure that it will comfortably fit you and your whole family.

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Budget, Amenities, and Safety

Sticking to a budget is essential. Pixabay

Stick to looking at rental spaces that are within your budget. Along with the rent, consider asking for any additional costs that will be added to the lease agreement. Stick to the finances that you can afford to protect yourself from experiencing financial strain. Remember to factor in moving and rental insurance costs into your budget.

Make sure that the apartment is equipped with all the necessary amenities that you need. It is also better to choose a rental home that is close to restaurants, entertainment facilities, and outdoor spaces that you enjoy going to. Additionally, assessing the safety of your rental space is paramount in making a suitable decision. Your apartment must have at least one window that works properly. Smoke detectors, outside lighting, security cameras, and crime rates are some of the aspects that you should consider to gauge the security of the area.

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Buying a Home

Many people aim to buy a home at one time in their lives. Pixabay

Many people aim to buy a home at some point in their lives. You become a homeowner when you purchase a particular residential property. Owning a home has a wide range of benefits, including equity, stability, independence, and status. With every mortgage payment, you take one step closer to owning a house outright.

Furthermore, as you continue to build equity, you reinforce your financial stability. The sooner you pay off your mortgage, the faster you lessen financial burdens in your life. However, there are many things that you should consider before buying a home to ensure you make the right decision.

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Types of Housing

Homebuyers have a wide variety of properties to choose from. Pixabay

There are different kinds of properties in the market that you can own. A kind of home that you can invest in as a detached house. A detached house, as the name suggests, stands independently.

Due to the land cost involved, it is considered an expensive housing option. When you buy a detached house, you own a home as well as the land it is built on. You are the one who is responsible for paying for all the repair and maintenance tasks. You would also need to pay for all the bills, including water, electricity, and heat. A detached house is ideal for you if you have a family.

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Semi-Detached House

Semi-detached houses are homes that are joined to one another. Owners are responsible for the maintenance of their side of the land and own their side of the area as well. They are less expensive to own as opposed to fully detached houses.

If you want to own a house and the land on it in a reasonable approach, then semi-detached houses are the ideal choice. These types of houses are great for families to invest in. If you like being close to your neighbors, then a semi-detached home is right for you.

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Condominiums

While condominiums are generally found in an apartment building, you can also have a condo ownership model in townhouses as well. In this housing program, you own the condo but not the land it is built on. Furthermore, you have to pay monthly condo fees towards the maintenance of common areas, including elevators, parking spaces, front entrances, and recreational facilities.

These monthly payments are not included in your mortgage payments. Additionally, each condominium has a set of rules that all the owners must follow. If you decide to purchase a condo, be prepared to pay a homeowner’s association fee along with your mortgage.

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Townhouses

A townhouse is a row of units that look like homes and are attached to each other. They are similar to the row houses we covered earlier. Each group shares a wall with the person living beside them. These types of homes are especially found in cities.

From big townhouses to smaller ones, you can buy different types based on your budget. When you decide to buy a townhouse, you must remember that there will be people living beside, above, and below you. Townhouses are typically 2 to 3 stories high where each level is denoted as a story.

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Duplex or Triplex

Duplexes are ideal for families who want to share a home and still have privacy. Pixabay

A duplex or triplex is a housing building that is divided into several units. Each unit has its own entrance, and the owner is responsible for taking care of their side. Typically, people buy the whole of the property and rent out a unit to cover the mortgage payments. Duplex and triplex houses can be detached or row homes.

These types of homes are great for housing two related families who want to live close to each other. It’s a great way to be close to your relatives while having your own space for privacy reasons.

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Benefits of Owning your Own Home

Being a homeowner is a great achievement. Pixabay

Owning a home means establishing the roots to a stable future and having a personal space for you and your family. Contrary to buying a car or another expensive purchase that depreciates as soon as you buy it, the value of a home only appreciates over time, especially if you keep it in excellent condition.

Even during a recession, the price of a house increases every year. Furthermore, with every mortgage payment, the debt amount reduces, and the value of your house increases. This makes buying a home a significant long-term investment. There’s never a wrong time to buy a home.

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Acquire Equity and Join a Community

Owning a home allows residents to grow their equity and make new friends. Pixabay

When you buy a house, you make an investment that provides you with equity. Part of the monthly mortgage is the interest amount and the rest of the principal amount. Equity is defined as the part of the principal balance amount that you have already paid. Paying the principal amount is similar to depositing money in your bank account because that money is ready to be reinvested in your current house or a new home.

To many homeowners, buying a house brings a sense of pride. Pride and community involvement are other great benefits associated with owning a home. Homeowners often take pride in the community and the relationship they build with other homeowners in the area. Engaging with neighbors, local community service employees, and local politicians can help you enhance your living experience.

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Obtain Tax Benefits and Gain Stability

Stability and tax benefits are excellent perks of being a homeowner. Pixabay

The United States government encourages homeownership by providing homeowners with tax incentives. One of the most significant tax benefits is to deduct interest from the mortgage while calculating tax returns, especially during the initial stages of the loan. Private mortgage insurance and certain expenses related to the home are also eligible for tax benefits.

Homeownership can also help you build a secure future for your family. Lack of stability is one of the initial setbacks associated with renters as a significant percentage of their income generally goes toward housing expenses for properties that they don’t even own. With mortgage expenses, you have the option to level your living expenses. Therefore when your income rises, you can invest in other essential things. Paying a mortgage enables you to have a long-term plan to reduce living expenses as you head towards retirement age.

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Consistent Housing Costs

When you own a home, your mortgage rarely changes. Pixabay

With a mortgage, you pay a fixed monthly amount. This means that you will have to pay the amount throughout the tenure of the loan. Rental payment, on the other hand, has no such guarantee, because landlords can raise the rent whenever they want with short notice. Even the adjustable-rate mortgages come with a fixed cap. Ownership also stabilizes other expenses as well and gives you full control to make investments in your property.

Rental spaces do not always allow you to make modifications to suit your lifestyle. Additionally, as your needs change, you may have to change up your living space. Homeownership allows you to have full control over your property, which means that you can make any modifications in your house any time you want. Furthermore, when you make renovations, it only increases the resale value of the home.

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Set Up Strong Credit

Boost your credit score by buying a home. Pixabay

The length of your credit history is one of the most critical factors that help to build your credit score. If you want to improve your credit score, purchasing a home works to enhance the length of your credit accounts. Typically mortgage tenure lasts from 15 to 30 years; this lengthened time can considerably improve your credit score.

Additionally, when you make a timely mortgage payment, you furthermore improve your credibility and increase the chances of approval of credits in the future. You may think it’s a good idea to pay extra on your mortgage, but that won’t make much of a difference in your credit report. Remember that the more money you put down on a home, the less your mortgage payment will be.

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Disadvantages of Owning a House

Keep in mind that there are downsides to buying a home. Pixabay

Along with understanding the reasons to choose homeownership, you should also know the pitfalls associated with it. One of the main problems of owning a home is the high cost. Purchasing a home means you are putting a massive strain on your finances.

You are likely to pay more in the initial years as compared to what you paid as a renter. Along with mortgage payment, you will also have to pay real estate taxes, upkeep expenses, and insurance premiums that can account for thousands of dollars. Think wisely about what your finances will look like if you choose to buy a home.

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Restricted Mobility

It’s harder for those that own their home to move quickly. Pixabay

Being a renter, you are free to move whenever you want to a change of space or wish to reduce the monthly bills. However, being a homeowner, you cannot move when you want. If you think about moving, you have to put your home for sale and wait for a suitable buyer; this whole process can take months.

If you plan to move in a couple of years, then it is not a suitable decision to buy a home. Those who want to travel, plan to join the military, or think they will have to move for a job in the near future are better off renting. You can open a savings account to start putting away money to use as a down payment for a home later in life.

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High Repair and Maintenance Costs

Homeowners are responsible for paying for all home repairs. Pixabay

One of the reasons why people avoid buying a house is because they don’t want to incur the heavy repair and maintenance costs. Regular lawn mowing, leaking pipes, air conditioning maintenance, and other repairs can cost much money.

However, when you live in rented accommodation, you don’t have to worry about such expenses as it is taken care of by the landlords. People who live in condominiums also have to pay monthly fees to take care of all the maintenance tasks. If you don’t think you will have enough cushion each month to take care of these tasks, you may be better off renting a place.

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High Risks

There are risks involved in buying a home. Pixabay

Owning a house is associated with an array of risk factors like the inability to pay the mortgage and taxes, afford repairs and maintenance works, as well as an adverse change in the neighborhood. Probabilities of increased property taxes might also create challenges for many people. If you become unable to pay your mortgage on your time, your house can be taken away from you.

When your home goes into foreclosure, it can cause much financial strain. It might also impact your credit score negatively. This action will further mean that you would not get any credit in the future from any financial institutes.

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The Location Factor

Living in certain areas can expose you to extreme weather conditions. Pixabay

Buying a house in a place that is prone to natural disasters puts you at high risk. These situations occur at unpredictable times; therefore, it is better to purchase a house that is away from the ocean in order to mitigate the catastrophic consequences. Places like Florida are hit with hurricanes every year, so if you can’t handle extreme weather conditions, avoid moving there.

If you do live in an area with intense weather, be sure to be adequately insured. If you’re in California, get earthquake or fire insurance. Those in the Midwest should get tornado insurance. Floridians should have flood insurance.

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Tips for Choosing the Perfect Home

Choosing the perfect home takes time. Pixabay

Owning a home is a dream come true for many people. However, with so many options available, the choices can be a bit overwhelming. You have to determine what area you’d like to live in, how many rooms you need, and how much land you’d like to live on.

Start by researching properties you like and seeing how they fit in with your lifestyle. Does your family want a one or two-story home? Should the house be detached or built more like a duplex? Would you like to live in the heart of the city or somewhere more remote?

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Hiring an Agent

Working with a real estate agent is essential. Pixabay

The first step in finding your dream home is to hire a real estate agent. You don’t have to hire an agent if you prefer going to open houses, but hiring a real estate agent can help you save much time.

An agent will filter out the houses that match your parameters, so you don’t have to waste time looking at homes. Furthermore, agents are well aware of upcoming listings that are not even on the market yet. Agents are great for helping you negotiate a fair price on a home.

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Settling Your Financing

Have your finances in order before buying a home. Pixabay

Once you have found the ideal home, the next big step is to apply for a home loan. It is a smart decision to get your loan pre-approved so that you can look for a house without stressing about the money. In fact, many sellers would not consider you if you don’t have a loan pre-approved.

Aim to get your credit score strong before embarking on the journey to homeownership. The better your credit score is, the better the loan you’ll get. Also, it helps to save up money for a down payment. That will incentivize loan companies to offer you a great home loan.

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Don’t Miss Out on Negotiations

Leave negotiations with your real estate agent. Pixabay

Please don’t compare the sales price of your house with other houses, because sellers can ask any amount that they want. However, it doesn’t mean that they will sell the house at that price only. Your real estate agent can negotiate price on your behalf and help you get the best possible deal on your home.

Because negotiations can be intense, it’s wise to work with a real estate agent you trust. They will do what they can to get you a great deal on your dream home. It’s much harder to try and negotiate a price with a home seller on your own.

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Home Inspection

Before buying a home, be sure to have it inspected. Pixabay

Before you fully commit to buying a home, make sure you inspect the house properly. You don’t want to buy a house that has a faulty foundation. Sellers don’t have to make any repairs if you discover any faults, but when you request, most of the sellers will comply. This inspection is primarily to give buyers peace of mind.

There you have it, clear and comprehensive differentiation between buying a house and renting one. How renting or purchasing a house benefits you really depends on your lifestyle, financial stability, nature of the work, and various other vital factors. It is essential to assess each of the elements carefully before making a final decision.

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