Should You Rent vs Buy in Florida? 5 Key Considerations
By Space Coast Daily // April 20, 2022
Do you plan to live in Florida? Deciding on whether to buy or rent is one of the most significant decisions you will have to make. Everyone has unique needs.
Therefore, the right choice for you depends on your specific situation. You will need to consider your financial standing, the market conditions, and personal needs. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision.
1. How Long Do You Plan on Living in Florida?
Do you hope to live in Florida for a long time, or are you looking for a certain level of flexibility? If you think you will only be around for a short time, renting makes more sense than buying.
If, however, you will be setting roots for a long time, consider buying a home in Florida. It gives you the luxury of adding personal touches and makes financial sense.
If you are waiting for a job promotion at work, hoping to move soon, or planning to make significant life changes, renting is always a good idea. When you finally need to move, you don’t have to deal with the stress of selling your home.
2. How Long Will It Take Before Buying Works Out Cheaper Than Renting?
Even though you can buy a home and resell it after a while, the costs may not always be worth it. Using a rent vs. buy calculator could help you determine if the cost of renting over time makes more financial sense than buying a home.
In addition to the initial moving and closing costs, selling a home also presents the costs of repairs and renovations. You will need to factor these costs into your selling price if you hope to have a profit.
Use HomeAndMoney to analyze real estate transactions and determine the best match for your needs.
3. Consider Your Budget
Estimate the cost of buying a home in Florida in comparison to the cost of renting. Occasionally, renting may be cheaper than buying a home. You get to avoid the down payment, moving costs, repairs, and home maintenance costs.
If buying makes sense to you, note that a mortgage isn’t the only payment for you to worry about. It would help if you also worried about the interest that accrues from your mortgage, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees.
However, the value of your home will increase over time. In the long-run, buying can be cheaper than renting. According to a National Association of Realtors report, a homeowner’s mortgage payment is more affordable than that of a renter after six years.
4. Associated Risks
Understand that both renting and buying may come with certain risks. Think about them before making your decision. Your risk tolerance should influence your decision.
As a renter, there is a significant chance that your landlord may decide to evict you or end your lease when you least case. You may lose your security deposit and be forced to get a new apartment.
With mortgage payments, on the other hand, there is a chance that you may default your payments and lose it. That would be a lot of money to flush down the drain. In addition, there is no guarantee that the value of your home will increase.
5. Don’t Rush Things
Whether you will be renting or buying. you are likely to spend a lot of money on your home. You don’t want to rush things and make the wrong choice.
No matter how low-interest rates may be or how fast you may want to settle, take some time to research and think about your decision. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another.
Whether to buy or rent a house in Florida depends on your personal needs. Everyone has unique real estate needs, and the best decision for you depends on various factors. Consider your budget, how long you will be staying in Florida, and how long it will take for buying to be cheaper than renting.
