Is It Really Better To Rent Than To Own a Home Right Now?

Dated: March 6 2023

Views: 144

Is It Really Better To Rent Than To Own a Home Right Now?

Is It Really Better To Rent Than To Own a Home Right Now? | MyKCM

You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s better to rent right now than it is to own your home. But before you let that impact your decisions, you should understand what these claims are based on.

A lot of the time, these reports are assuming things that aren’t realistic for the average household. For example, the methodology behind one of those reports says that renting is the smarter financial option because of the opportunity to invest money elsewhere. It assumes renters take the money they’d spend on costs tied to buying a home and put it in an investment portfolio.

But here’s the thing – most people who rent aren’t making those investments. Ken Johnson, Co-Author of the BH&J National Price-to-Rent Index, explains:

“One of the difficulties with the rent and reinvest model is many people . . . simply rent and spend the difference. . . . That’s wealth destroying.”

The reason homeownership is one of the best investments you can make is the wealth it helps you build. That’s why there’s a significant difference between the net worth of the average homeowner and the average renter (see graph below):

So, before you renew your rental agreement, think about the opportunity to build wealth that homeownership provides.

Bottom Line

If you’re unsure whether to continue renting or to buy a home, let’s connect to help you make the best decision.

Blog author image

Kinney Yong

Hi there! Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in Southern California? I'm a licensed real estate sales associate and Notary Public. With many years of experience under my belt, I've he....

Latest Blog Posts

3 Things That Are Not Going To Happen in Today's Housing Market

3 Things That Are Not Going To Happen in Today's Housing MarketThere’s a lot of uncertainty right now and that’s leading to some dramatic headlines. And if you’re thinking about

Read More

Orange County: Top 3 Reasons to Buy Before the Spring Rush

Top 3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before SpringIf you’re planning to buy a home this year, you may be focused on the spring market. And hoping that when spring does hit, you’ll see:Mortgage

Read More

The Housing Market Is Turning a Corner Going into 2026

The Housing Market Is Turning a Corner Going into 2026After several years of high mortgage rates and hesitation from buyers, momentum is quietly building beneath the surface of the housing market.

Read More

Why Buyers and Sellers Face Very Different Conditions Today

Why Buyers and Sellers Face Very Different Conditions TodayThere’s a new divide in housing right now. In some states, buyers are gaining ground. In others, sellers still have the upper hand.

Read More