Renting vs. Owning

Family Economics and Financial Education Take Charge of your Finances

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© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Introduction

Housing is the largest personal expenditure.– About 1/3 of a person’s income.

Choosing where to live is based upon a person’s goals, values, needs, and wants.

Places to live include:– House, apartment, condo, mobile home,

etc.

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© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Costs of renting

Security deposit Monthly rent Utilities – electricity, water, garbage,

etc. Renter’s insurance

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© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Renting

A lease is a legal contract between the tenant and the landlord, specifying the responsibilities and rights of both parties.– Identifies the rent amount, security deposit amount

and specifications, payment for utility bills, late payment penalties, length of lease, eviction terms, etc.

– This is between the landlord and the tenant Landlord

– Owner of the rental property.– May perform management duties or hire a property

manager.

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© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Renting continued

Tenant (renter)– The person who rents the property.

Renters are generally– People who choose not to own a home.– People who cannot afford to own a home.

The tenant pays rent to the landlord which allows them to live in the rental property. – Rent

The cost of using someone else’s property.

1.9.3.G1

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Moving into a rental

Upon moving into a new place, people are usually required to pay a security deposit and sign a lease.

Security deposit– An advance payment to cover anything

beyond normal wear and tear on the unit.

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© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Advantages of renting

Low move-in costs Fixed monthly expenses Location choices (may be

close to work or school) Less maintenance and

repair work Fewer responsibilities

Typically less expensive than home ownership

May be able to save for other wants or needs if renting a less expensive apartment

Other expenses may be included in rent payment such as electricity, water, sewer, and/or garbage

1.9.3.G1

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Disadvantages of renting

Subject to terms of a lease

Rent may change with little notice

Less privacy and transient neighbors.

Restrictions on noise level, pets, etc.

Fewer opportunities to upgrade apartment such as new carpet, paint, or wallpaper.

When leaving a property, no equity is returned as it would be if selling a home.

No tax deductions May lose rental if the

property is sold.

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© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Costs of ownership

Monthly mortgage payments Down payment (one time cost) Closing costs (one time cost) Utilities – electricity, water, garbage,

etc. Homeowner’s insurance Real estate property taxes Maintenance

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© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Home ownership

Home ownership - the buyer has purchased a housing unit as property– Goal of many Americans– A large financial decision

Owning a home is an investment because if a person sells a home for more than what it was bought for, the person makes money. This is called equity.

Financial planning and savings can assist a person in planning for the benefits of home ownership later in life.

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© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Purchasing a home

90% of buyers take out a mortgage– A home loan in which the real estate is the

collateral– Collateral is an item promised to the lender if the

borrower does not pay back the loan, usually the home.

Down payment– Amount of money paid on the home at time of

purchase – Typically 10 – 20% of the purchase price of the

home Recommended purchase price amount an individual

should pay for a home– 2 ½ times their annual household income

1.9.3.G1

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Advantages of ownership

Build equity which can be borrowed against if necessary

Pride of ownership Feel more

comfortable and have more privacy

Stable mortgage payments

More room and storage

Improvement of buyer’s credit rating

Income tax deductions for property taxes and mortgage interest

Potential for property to increase in value

Free to make home improvements and have pets (items typically not allowed in rentals)

1.9.3.G1

© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised March 2009 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a HomeFunded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

Disadvantages of ownership

Large down payment Move-in costs Insurance costs Possible for property

to decrease in value Time, money, and

energy commitment Repair and

maintenance costs

Property taxes can raise substantially

Money is tied up in the home

May take several months to sell a home if trying to relocate