In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with renting it.
Home ownership is on the decline, and renting is on the rise. But the trend isn't limited to the housing market. Across the board, Americans are increasingly acclimating to the idea of giving up the stability of being an owner for the flexibility of being a renter. This may sound like a decline in living standards. But the new realities of our increasingly mobile economy make it more likely that this transition from an Ownership Society to a Rentership Society.
The unsentimental fact about the American dream is that Americans never really owned it in the first place. For the past three decades, especially, consumers haven't so much bought their quality of life as they've borrowed it from banks and credit card companies.
Now consumers are following the example of corporations, becoming more efficient. And it starts at home.
Housing is the biggest single component of consumption in the U.S. economy and the source of much of our present misery. The typical consumer spends about 32% of his or her budget on shelter. In the last decade, that generally meant borrowing a lot of money to take "ownership" of a home.
During the boom, the homeownership rate grew steadily, peaking at a record 69% in 2006.
Ownership-boosters failed to note that homes purchased in 2005 and 2006 with no-money-down, interest-only mortgages weren't really bought. They were simply rented until the "owner" flipped them or walked away from the mortgage.
In the post-bust climate, renting has emerged as a much more economically efficient way to pay for housing. A one-year lease represents a far less onerous financial obligation than a 30-year mortgage. It's difficult to get into too much financial trouble as a renter. The homeownership rate has fallen from its peak in 2006 to 65.4% today.
For an increasing number of Americans it makes more sense to rent. According to Moody's, by late 2011 it was cheaper to rent than to own in 72% of American metropolitan areas, (such as Roanoke) up from 54% a decade ago. And the more people who do it, the more socially acceptable and desirable it becomes. The decline in the ownership rate means that about three million more households rent today than did at the height of the bubble.
It's tempting to view the rise of renting as an economic step backward. But many would argue the rise of renting is a sign of a system adapting to new realities.
The U.S. economy needs the dynamism that renting enables as much as, or more than, it needs the stability that ownership engenders.
And the rising popularity of renting is hardly contained to the housing market.
Finally, perhaps, Americans are absorbing a piece of wisdom from Thoreau: "And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be the richer but the poorer for it, and it be the house that has got him."
Low mortgage rates and more affordable home prices in Roanoke Valley are creating an interest in home ownership by those who live in apartments. However, potential buyers who are unprepared for the true cost of owning a home may be shocked by the bite home ownership can take out of their wallet in addition to their mortgage payments.
Inspection and Appraisal Fees
Before you purchase a home you need to pay for a home inspection, and an appraisal, possible even inspections for pests or radon. The costs of these inspections are borne by buyers and are a necessary protection to avoid buying a flawed property or paying too much.
Closing Costs
Buyers need to be prepared with the cash for anywhere from 2% to 4% of the mortgage balance depending on your area.
Taxes
As a homeowner, you'll need to pay property taxes, which are generally part of the escrow you pay into each month. Remember, even if you have a fixed-rate home loan, your property taxes could go up and increase your monthly housing costs.
Insurance
Your lender will require home insurance, the cost of which depends on factors including the construction materials of your home and the location. Even if you have renter's insurance, you'll find that home insurance costs more because you are paying for the ability to rebuild your home in addition to replacing your personal possessions. Insurance costs will rise over time, and you will need supplemental insurance if you live in a flood zone.
HOA and Condo Fees
If you buy a home within a homeowners' association or a condominium association, you'll be required to pay a monthly or quarterly fee. These fees can rise, or your association may need to charge a special assessment for projects such as repaving the parking lot or repairing a roof.
Utility Bills
Depending on where you live, your costs for electricity, gas and water could be higher when you move into your own home than when you live in an apartment in Roanoke, VA. You may also need to pay for garbage collection along with your Internet, cable and phone bill.
Furniture
While this is essentially a discretionary expense, most people who move from an apartment to a larger home need to buy at least some new furniture.
Lawn Care
Whether you handle your yard work yourself or hire a professional, you will have to pay something to keep your landscaping in check. Lawn equipment can be costly and you may need a leaf bloweror other lawn equipment, too.
Maintenance
Home maintenance costs time and money. While you may be able to change your furnace filters, clean your gutters and keep your appliances running smoothly yourself, you may also need to hire a contractor to clean and inspect your chimney and to keep your heating and air conditioning system in top shape.
Repairs
While maintenance tasks can be predictable, the most costly part of homeownership typically comes with unexpected repairs such as replacing or repairing the roof, removing a tree, or paying for mold mitigation in a damp basement. The list of possibilities is endless, so homeowners should set aside savings for an emergency. Experts suggest budgeting for 1% or 2% of your mortgage balance as a yearly maintenance and repair fund.
The Bottom Line
Buying a home costs more than you think. If you don’t expect to stay in your home for at least seven to 10 years, contact Honey Wood Apartment Homes.
As home values fell again in 2011, more and more people are looking to renting as an affordable, flexible lifestyle option. In response to this news, Apartments.com conducted a national survey to more than 3,000 of its January website visitors to find out the reasons they are moving and why they arerentingversus owning.
The growing trend: 33.6% of respondents looking for an apartment this year were previous homeowners (up from 20.5 percent in 2011). Respondents who said they are homeowners looking to rent, 26.3% are doing so because they believe renting is a more affordable option and 21.2% prefer the flexibility renting offers in choosing where to live. This survey provides the five most popular responses why their website visitors are choosing torent versus own in 2012:
Renting is a more affordable option: (26.3%)
Flexibility to live where I choose: (21.2%)
To relocate for employment: (20.5%)
Cannot afford to keep up with homeownership expenses: (10.5%)
Lost home due to foreclosure and change in marital status: (less than 4% each)
More than 35% of respondents said they are moving out on their own, which may be a sign of an improving economy and job market, especially in the rental demographic.
In 2012, the number one reason for moving is for relocation for a job opportunity. However, the desire to have more space, to save money and to live in a more desirable neighborhood also topped the list.
There are so many reasons for renting, and the debate about buying or renting continues. There is much to be said for owning your own home, but today, that is no longer the priority for many. With the argument being made about renting instead of buying, more people are listening.
The flexibility of renting an apartment in Roanoke, VA is a big factor for many people. If they change jobs, it’s easier and faster to get out of your lease than put your home on the market. Not to mention, your money is tied up in the home until you sell it.
Another big factor in renting anapartment home is avoiding the hidden costs of home ownership. You can budget for your monthly mortgage, but many people forget to consider insurance, repairs, utilities, appliances and maintenance. Without those hidden costs, depending on where you live, you can actually get more home for your money if you rent.
Consider this, you will have more free time when you rent. We all know someone who owns a home. How do they spend their weekends: mowing, weeding, repairing, painting? Of course they do. As a renter, when you have time off, that time is your time. Do what you want with it; get out and explore Roanoke and surrounds, or sit on your couch and watch old movies with friends. The choice is yours.
House prices are low and mortgage rates are too, many say it is time to buy a home. But in an upside down real estate market, is it really more cost-effective to own as opposed to renting? Interest rates are lower, house prices are down, but it's also harder to get financed.
Many renters at Honeywood Apartments have gotten out of a mortgage. Others arerentingso they are not tied down to such a large amount every month.
Whether you should rent or buy depends on many factors, like how long you plan to stay in your home. Some experts will tell you buying is better than renting only if you plan to be in your house more than five years.
If you don't need the tax help, which is minimal, you may want to rent. Most of the time, and always at Honeywood, Apartments in Roanoke, VA, the landlord will fix a kitchen sink which saves the renter out of pocket money.
Here's one pro and con breakdown:
Pros to Buying a House:
Of course, there's the emotional satisfaction of owning your own home.
It builds equity, (but it takes awhile).
You can get a tax break if you deduct your mortgage interest and your property taxes.
Cons to Buying a House:
Homeowners have to pay property taxes
Homeowners have to pay for maintenance and upkeep.
There's less flexibility if you decide to move.
Down payments are often 20% of the purchase price (if you want to avoid mortgage insurance). That's money that could have been invested elsewhere.
Lastly, most experts say the value of properties won't go up soon. When they do, since selling your house with a realtor normally comes with a 6% commission, values must go up by at least 6% to break even.
Buying at today's prices doesn't necessarily mean your house will be worth more in a couple of years. Whether it's worth the risk to buy is something each person needs to figure out for their unique situation.
In the State of the Union address, the state or our country's current real estate situation was addressed. In today's real estate market it's not surprising if people are a bit gun shy about buying a home. Some questions that potential homeowners are considering:
What if I can't afford my mortgage in the future?
What if my home loses so much value that I eventually owe more than it's worth?
What if I have to move in a few years and can't sell my home?
If you've ever asked yourself these questions about home ownership, it could be time for you to look into renting versus buying a home. Believe it or not, sometimes it makes more sense to rent anapartment in Roanoke, VA rather than own. Here are 3 tips to help you figure out which option—renting or buying—makes the most sense for you.
Evaluate whether you have a steady income to support paying a mortgage.
Make a timeline of how long you plan to stay put. If you anticipate staying in a home for only one or two years, it is unlikely that you will see a significant financial return on your investment.
Crunch the numbers before making your decision. When buying a home, you have to take into consideration your mortgage payments as well as real estate taxes, insurance payments, and the maintenance costs. With renting an apartment, calculating month-to-month housing expenses is as easy as inquiring about the monthly rent and average utilities.
Many people are told when they are younger that renting is only for college graduates or people who cannot afford to buy. Many parents hammer these ideas into their children and tell them that renting is equivalent to throwing money away every month. Fortunately, today people are beginning to finally think for themselves and challenge these ideas. Here are 4 reasons to pat yourself on the back for deciding to rent an apartment in Roanoke, VA at an HHHunt Community!
1. Renting can save money
At the very minimum you’ll be shelling out PITI for your home. That is:
1. Principal
2. Interest
3. Tax
4. Insurance
The PITI doesn’t include property maintenance like maintaining the yard, paint, plumbing, repairs, decorating, etc… When you rent anapartment in Roanokeat an HHHunt community, the monthly payment is almost always quite a bit less than the PITI in your area and there are no maintenance expenses!
2. Homeowners’ tax deductions are overstated
According to research quoted by MSN, “… half of homeowners don’t get a break, because even with mortgage interest and property taxes, their total deductions do not exceed the standard federal tax deduction ($11,900 for couples and $5,450 for singles)”.
For these folks, it’s like spending $100 to save $20. They’re better off saving the difference and investing it. Even if there is a “break” on your taxes, you typically had to spend more than you would have spent to rent to get back that $20 for every $100 spent in interest payments.
3. Renting gives you flexibility
For the up and coming young professional, you’re better off renting and saving for a few years than to buy a small condo. Who knows how fast you will outgrow it? When you own a home, you can’t always sell it when you need to sell it at the price you want to sell it in order to accept a new employment opportunity. If you have owned a home and don’t want the constant maintenance responsibility, rentinggives you the opportunity to enjoy your weekends instead of completing that “to do” list.
There was a time, not so long ago, when college graduates dreamed of a new home with a mortgage. It was the next step.
With an uncertain economy, and more people moving to take jobs where they can find them, renting is the rage for the Millenial generation. The new dream is renting an apartment in one of the new“destination living” communities, complete with swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, volleyball courts and all kinds ofapartment amenities.
For the first time since owning has lost its luster for the young. Since 2008, the percentage of young people who think that owning a home is “better than renting” has fallen.
Renting anapartment in Roanoke, VAhas acquired a sort of cool respectability. Empty nesters got the same religion a couple of decades ago, when droves of them began cashing out of their high-maintenance houses.
Some of the forces driving the change are cultural. People are getting married so much later and they travel light longer.
The young also gravitate to renting an apartment because mortgages are hard to come by. No one wants to get stuck with a house or condo they can’t sell when there’s a job offer 2,000 miles away. There’s no stigma to rentinganymore, and there’s just so much to keep you interested and busy in an apartment community she says.
These days, real estate brokers are dealing with declining home sales and would have their clients believe that there is no better time than the present to buy a home. Prices are down and mortgage rates are at all-time lows.
Unfortunately for the brokers, many clients are not persuaded by that logic. Instead, in increasing numbers, people are choosing torent their homes — unconvinced that the housing market has yet hit bottom.
Apartments in Roanoke, VA are in a fabulous location and offer amenities that cannot be found in any old home, renting in Roanoke is a great option for many. With renting you also have a broad mix of people making up your community; the young student residents, new families, empty nesters and retirees. For many, homeownership in no longer on their wish list.
Nationally, vacancy rates for apartments are projected to drop to 4.6 this year, down from 5% currently. If you are interested in the new trend of renting, and are moving to or within Roanoke, contact Honeywood Apartments.
One of the most popular home ownership myths in Roanoke, VA is that owning a house is a huge tax break as compared to renting. I don’t know how many times people have personally told me that they want to buy a home because they NEED a tax deduction! I just shake my head in disbelief because I have done the math.
If your mortgage interest and other qualifying expenses such as charity contributions aren’t more than the standard deduction, ($11,600 for joint filers in 2011), there is no tax advantage to owning a home as opposed to renting an apartment in Roanoke, VA. Assume that you buy a $200,000 house with a 5% downpayment at a 6% interest rate. Your mortgage interest for the year would be $11,336. The Standard Deduction for joint filers is $11,600.
In this example, there is NO TAX BENEFIT. Even when there is a tax benefit, you most likely paid much more money to maintain the house than you are saving in taxes. If your mortgage interest is more than the standard deduction and you choose to itemize, there is little to no advantage.
For example, assume that your mortgage interest in 2011 is $15,000. You would get to deduct an additional $3400 if you itemize BUT you spent $15,000 in mortgage interest to save $850 on your taxes (assuming 25% tax bracket).
Don’t forget that you would also have all of the other expenses of home ownership that you would not have incurred when renting an apartment in Roanoke, VA in an HHHunt community.
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In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with renting it.
There are so many reasons for renting, and the debate about buying or renting continues. There is much to be said for owning your own home, but today, that is no longer the priority for many. With the argument being made about 
With an uncertain economy, and more people moving to take jobs where they can find them, 
These days, real estate brokers are dealing with declining home sales and would have their clients believe that there is no better time than the present to buy a home. Prices are down and mortgage rates are at all-time lows.
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