Renting vs Owning a Home

Renting vs Owning a Home

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Terina Lambright, Atlanta, Georgia Real Estate Agent

Why continue throwing money away when you can be investing in your future and living in your dream home at the same time?

Did you know that a renter paying $995.00 per month in rent will pay their landlord $59,700.00 over 5 years?! 

5 Reasons to Buy Instead of Rent

  • You Can Do Anything You Want with the Property
  • You’ll Get Appreciation Benefits, Including Leverage of Cash Invested
  • You’ll Get Tax Benefits
  • Mortgage Costs Stay the Same as Rents Rise Every Year
  • You’re Paying for Housing Whether You Own or Rent
Search Homes For Sale in Metro Atlanta, Georgia & Suburbs

Currently, mortgage rates are HISTORICALLY LOW, and there are a variety of mortgage loan programs available to fit your financial situation and goals. Additionally, based on 6% (national appreciation average), a $200,000 home could increase in value by $60,000 in 5 years… now that’s what I call a great investment!

Current RentApprox. Sales PriceGives to Landlord
Over 5 Years		Approx. Equity @ 4%
for 5 Years
$1,000$155,000$60,000$31,000
$1,200$190,000$72,000$38,000
$1,400$225,000$84,000$45,000
$1,600$260,000$96,000$52,000
$1,800$280,000$108,000$56,000
$2,000$304,000$120,000$60,800
Information Provided is for Sample Purposes.
Search Homes for Sale in Atlanta’s Suburbs

Here’s an Idea of the Mortgage Loan Process:

  1. Find Out How Much You Can Borrow
  2. Select the Right Loan Program For You
  3. Apply for A Loan
  4. Begin the Loan Process
  5. Close Your Loan
  6. MOVE-IN TO YOUR NEW HOME!

Use a Real Estate Agent to Find Your New Home

While many people may find going through the loan approval process tedious and frightening, rest assured, I’ll be right here by your side to guide you through each step of the way.

Through my resources, skills, and knowledge, I will connect you with a mortgage specialist to get you pre-approved and negotiate the best deal on your behalf!

Contact Your Atlanta Real Estate Agent Today!

WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME IN THE METRO ATLANTA AREA? THANKS FOR REFERRING ME!

6 Basic Steps to Buying a Single-Family Home, Condo or Townhouse

Search Single-Family Homes For Sale in Metro Atlanta & Suburbs

Decide How Much You Want to Spend on a Home

Only you can determine how much you can afford to pay each month and upfront for your down payment and closing costs.

Get a Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval Letter.

A pre-approval letter helps you show sellers that you are a serious buyer—but it does not commit you to a lender.

Understanding Mortgages

Mortgages are complex, and there are lots of possibilities. Explore loan terms, types, and interest rate types. Talk to lenders and ask questions.

Compare Loan Offers

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests getting Loan Estimates from at least three different lenders and compare them to find the best deal.

Find the Right Home For You and Make An Offer.

Your first offer may not be accepted by the seller. That’s okay. Keep looking until you find your home.

Closing on Your Home

Once you find a home, let your lender know you are ready to proceed. Submit your documents and get ready to close.

#RealEstateMatters: Understanding Your Numbers

To feel comfortable with your monthly mortgage payment, it is important to understand how much you have to spend on other expenses after you pay your monthly payment.

This money must cover your utilities, groceries, child care or child support, auto loan, health insurance, student loans, repairs, and everything else.

If this isn’t enough, consider options such as buying a less expensive home or paying down debts.

Total Monthly Income After Taxes$
Estimated Monthly Mortgage Payment From
Your Mortgage Lender		Minus $
Monthly Car Payment(s)Minus $
Student Loan Payment(s)Minus $
Credit Card Payment(s)Minus $
Other Financial ObligationsMinus $
Your Remaining Monthly Amount to Cover
Living Expenses, Other Debt and Obligations		Equals $

Calculate Your Additional Income

To make sure you can afford the mortgage, find out what your property tax and homeowners insurance bills will be, and calculate the total monthly payment yourself.  

Ask your real estate agent where to get this information.

Relocating to Atlanta? Contact Terina Lambright Today!

WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME IN THE METRO ATLANTA AREA? THANKS FOR REFERRING ME!

Spending Tracker

Use the table below to sort your spending into categories. Don’t forget about bills you share with others. Spending tracker link

#RealEstateMatters: Build Up Positive Credit

Build Up Your Credit History with a Credit Builder Loan While Saving for a Down Payment for a Mortgage Loan or Home Improvement Projects.

#RealEstateMatters: Checking Your Credit History

If you haven’t checked your credit history in a while, now would be a good time.

Before applying for a mortgage, you should know that you are in good shape with your credit payment history and credit scores.

Credit Report Checklist

Once you get your credit reports from the 3 credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, Transunion—you will want to review them carefully.

Credit reports may have mistakes. And if there are mistakes, you are the only one who is likely to find them.

Review each section of your credit report. Do this for each credit report.

Your credit report contains a lot of personal and financial information. Be sure to keep any hard copies of your reports in a safe and secure place. If you do not want to hang on to your reports, be sure to shred them before getting rid of them.

Make Sure Your Tax Filings are Up-to-Date

Mortgage Lenders will request your latest tax returns to verify proof of income. E-File Your Taxes Online Today!

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Renting vs Owning a Home

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Terina Lambright, Atlanta, Georgia Real Estate Agent Why continue throwing money away when you can be investing in your future and living in your dream home at the same time? Did you know that a renter paying $995.00 per month in rent will pay their landlord $59,700.00 over 5 years?!  5 Reasons to…