Chapter 6: Buying the Necessities: Housing and
Transportation
Average American Family spends ¼ of income on home
60% of housing units are owned by the people living on them
Housing Information
Town Homes: Home with individual front and back yards, but common side walls◦ Usually cheaper, but size and noise are issues
Single Family Home: House separated by neighboring homes◦ Most expensive to buy and maintain◦ Real Estate Taxes: taxes paid on land and
buildings◦ Symbolizes the American Dream
Types of Housing
Condominiums: Single unit in a complex that is individually owned◦ Monthly fees are paid for “common area” upkeep
Mobile Home: least expensive to buy and maintain◦ Suffer greater damage during storms◦ Depreciate: Decline in value
Types of Housing Cont’d
Purchase Price/Annual Income=2.0 or Less Mortgage Payment/Monthly Take-home
income=Less than 33% Loan Amount/Value of the Home=95% or less
Lender’s Buying Rules
Using rule 1: Would a person making $45,000 a year beable to afford a $100,000 single family home?
Using rule 2: Would a person taking home $1500 a month be able to afford a $600 mortgage?
Down Payment: Money Paid up front Closing Costs: Fees in buying a new home
◦ Ex. Inspections, Application fees
Other Information
Lease = long-term agreement describing the terms under which property is rented.
Clauses to avoid in leases◦ Inability to sue clause◦ Arbitrary clauses which can have you removed for
behavior not outlined in law.
Security Deposit – money a renter lets an owner hold, if the rent is not paid or an apartment is damaged, the owner may keep all or part of the deposit.
Rights and Responsibilities of a Tenant
Tenant Rights:◦ Privacy
Tenant Responsibilities:◦ Pay rent on time◦ Care for property/notification of problems◦ Follow leasing limits◦ Give notice
Landlord Responsibilities:◦ minimum services required◦ Safety laws followed
Rights and Responsibilities of a Tenant
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