Should You Just Rent?

     The question came up at my house the other night — should we just sell everything and rent? It’s a thought a lot of people are having right now. When a “normal” house costs around $400,000 and the monthly payments climb to $3,500 or more, it’s no wonder so many of us are scratching our heads and asking: is homeownership still worth it?

The Reality of Today’s Market

     It’s not just the home prices. Property taxes, insurance premiums, and — let’s be honest — sky-high interest rates have made the idea of buying feel intimidating. Many families who could once comfortably buy a home now find themselves calculating and recalculating whether renting might actually make more sense.

When Renting Might Make More Sense

     There are definitely cases where renting can be the smarter move — especially in unstable markets. Take condos, for instance. The condo market has been unpredictable lately, and prices in some areas haven’t fully settled. If you’re not sure whether a property’s value has bottomed out, it might make sense to rent for a while. Renting gives you flexibility — the ability to wait, watch, and decide when the market feels steady again.

But Owning Still Builds Wealth

     Even though buying might mean a higher monthly payment, it also means something rent never will: equity. Every payment you make builds a little more ownership. As home values rise — and historically, they always have — that equity becomes real wealth.

     There’s a reason real estate has created more millionaires than almost any other investment. When your property value goes up, you’re effectively earning money every month without lifting a finger. Rent, on the other hand, is money that never comes back.

The Emotional Side of Ownership

     Beyond the numbers, owning a home gives you a sense of stability — something to call your own. You can paint the walls, plant a garden, or knock down a wall if you want to. It’s your space, your investment, your future.

     Renting can offer freedom, but ownership offers roots. And for many people, that feeling of security and permanence is priceless.

The Bottom Line

     So, should you sell everything and rent? Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on your goals, your finances, and your local market. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

     Renting might make sense if you value flexibility or if you’re waiting for the market to calm down. But if you’re thinking long-term — about building wealth, stability, and a legacy — buying still has powerful advantages.

     Let’s talk about what makes the most sense for you. Every situation is unique, and I’d love to help you explore whether renting or buying fits your goals right now.