Posts Tagged ‘Facts’

Renting Vs. Buying. Forget about calculators and get the facts

As a New Yorker, a student, and generally a dude that doesn’t really know how to handle money, I’ve been renting an apartment for a few years now, and I’m sure to say that I’m a happy camper.

My parents on the other hand, can’t even hear about me renting an apartment and at least once a week they give me the “money down the drain” speech. But what should I do? In this economic climate, when people are loosing jobs and getting into debt no honest man can pay, how can you even think about buying a home?

Why Rent?

Because you barely know how to pay your electric bill. Not all of us are great money handlers and for some people, all the paper work and legal formalities can be a pain. Because you can barely unclog the toilet. When you buy a home, all the maintenance work is on you. Something goes wrong with the pipes and you have to fix it or call a pro and pay for it. Because you don’t really have money for laundry, not to mention downpayment. There is a large initial investment to put on house. Something happens? Neighborhood isn’t what it used to be? When the lease is over you can just pack your bags and move. Rent stabilized apartments. The real winners will always be the ones who still pay 500 bucks on 4 bedroom apartment on the upper west side.

Why Buy?

Because you waste too much money on pizza. If you don’t really know how to save your money, paying a mortgage is like investing money in a savings account. If you pay on time and make extra payments, your interest rate will be lower and you will end up paying less. Because the monthly payments will actually get you something. When you rent, the monthly payments will actually get your landlord a new BMW. No surprises. No rent hikes. And you can’t be thrown out. Your taxes will look better with all kinds of advantages and incentives. When renting, your landlord gets all the goody tax breaks and you get rats. You can do whatever you want to your house. Remodel, paint, or put in a swimming pool. You’ll have something to leave to your kids (And we’re not talking about that PSP).

Are you ready to commit? First thing you should do is choose the best area for you. Then, pick an agent you can trust and remember that a reliable agent can often help you find a good source of financing.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Five Towns area and you need a reliable real estate agency, you should probably know that since 2007, Five Towns Miller Realty has been involved in more real estate transactions in the area than any other realtor. Serving Cedarhurst, Lawrence and Woodmere with pride, Five Towns Miller Realty helps families get the best deals on their home, condo or co-op. When you need a Nassau County home choose a realtor you can trust, hop online and visit www.fivetownsrealtor.com today.

Mark Etinger is a business strategist at Ajax Union Marketing Ajax Union specializes in Business Development and Internet Marketing