Rent vs Buy

Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You

Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You

Renting can feel like the easier choice right now. There’s no big down payment. No dealing with surprise repairs. And no long-term commitment. But then your rent goes up again. And again. And suddenly the thing that seemed flexible starts looking… expensive, especially considering you’re not building any equity. And once that happens, it’s easy to feel a little trapped in the cycle. That’s...

The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding Would-Be Buyers Back

The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding Would-Be Buyers Back

Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they can’t. And sometimes, it’s their credit score that’s holding them back. According to a Bankrate survey, 2 out of every 5 (42%) Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage. That may be why, when renters are asked why they don’t own yet,...

Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run

Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run

Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life. But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: renting doesn’t help you build your financial future. Meanwhile, homeowners grow their net worth just by owning a home. So, if...

The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)

The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)

Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in. “I’ll never save enough.” “I need a small fortune just to get started.” “I guess I’ll just rent forever.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck. Here’s the thing: a lot of what you’ve heard about down payments just...

Graph showing Dallas-Fort Worth home prices down over 5% YoY. Contact Paul Garrison, REALTOR® at JPAR for local market guidance.

📉 Dallas-Fort Worth Home Prices Are Dropping: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

The latest national data have just confirmed something many of us in the DFW market have been sensing: home prices across the metroplex are cooling off, and in some areas, they are declining significantly. In fact, from May 2024 to May 2025, home prices in Dallas dropped over 5%, and Fort Worth saw a 4.5% decline. That puts both cities among the top 10 metro areas with the biggest price drops...

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now

Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s why. There are more brand-new homes available right now than there were even just a few months ago. According to the most recent data from the Census and the...

Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It

Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It

Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own. Because when everything else feels up in the air, home can be the thing that grounds you. As the experts at 1000WATT put it: “Homeownership isn’t primarily...

Infographic showing that the median net worth of homeowner households is $396,500, nearly 40 times greater than renter households at $10,410. It explains how homeowners build equity through monthly mortgage payments and rising home values, and includes a quote from Joel Berner of Realtor.com encouraging homeownership as a long-term wealth-building strategy. Source: Federal Reserve, Bankrate.

The Big Difference Between a Homeowner’s and a Renter’s Net Worth

Homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth in our country, and it’s easy to see why. As you pay down your mortgage and as home values rise over time, you gain equity, and that helps grow your net worth. That’s why a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40X greater than a renter's. But you should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it. If you want to build a plan to get...

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if...

An infographic titled 'Is It Better To RENT or BUY a Home Today?' compares the long-term effects of renting versus buying a home. A study shows 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. Rent Usually Rises Over Time: A bar chart illustrates the median asking rent for vacant units from 1988 to 2024, showing a steady increase. If You Rent: 'You’ll likely pay more each time you renew your lease or sign a new one.' If You Buy: 'You can stabilize your monthly payment with a fixed-rate mortgage.' Home Prices Typically Go Up Over Time: A bar chart shows the average sales price of houses sold since 1988, highlighting long-term appreciation. If You Rent: 'Home prices will continue to climb. That could make buying feel even harder later.' If You Buy: 'Your net worth will go up as your home’s value increases.' The infographic concludes that while renting may be less expensive in some markets, it doesn't match the long-term financial benefits of homeownership. At the bottom, Paul Garrison’s real estate contact information is provided, along with real estate logos. The sources cited include Bank of America, St. Louis Fed, HUD, and Census.

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home Today?

A study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why. Rent usually rises over time, making it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of homeownership....