Real Estate Blog - Rent

The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year

Posted by Shane Andersen on February 14th, 2025

 

Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach.

But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents.

Maybe you’re feeling that too — concerned about where renting might leave you down the road, but still unsure if you'd even be able to buy right now. The truth is, if you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a home has powerful long-term financial benefits.

Let’s break down why homeownership is worth…

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Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?

Posted by Shane Andersen on December 3rd, 2024

 

When you’re ready to move, figuring out what to do with your house is a big decision. And today, more homeowners are considering renting their home instead of selling it.

Recent data from Zillow shows about two-thirds (66%) of sellers thought about renting their home before listing, with nearly a third (28%) taking that possibility seriously. Compared to 2021, when fewer than half (47%) of homeowners considered renting before selling, it’s clear this trend is on the rise.

So, should you sell your house and use the money toward your next home or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth? Let’s walk through some important questions to help you determine the right path for your financial and lifestyle goals.   

Is Your House a Good Fit…

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Is It Finally Time to Buy a Home in Brookings? Let’s Crunch the Numbers

Posted by Shane Andersen on October 16th, 2024

If you’ve been renting for a while, you’ve probably wondered when the time will come when buying makes more sense than continuing to rent. Well, good news—recent data suggests that time might be now! According to a recent Zillow study, in 22 of the 50 largest metro areas across the country, monthly mortgage payments are now lower than rent (see chart below for the numbers). While Brookings, South Dakota, isn’t one of these major metro areas, the trends we’re seeing nationwide could mean that buying a home in our area may soon become a more affordable option.

The Current Market: What’s Changing?

As mortgage rates ease from their recent peak and home prices stabilize, the affordability of purchasing a home is improving across the board. In many…

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Should You Rent Out or Sell Your House?

Posted by Shane Andersen on August 28th, 2024

 

Figuring out what to do with your house when you're ready to move can be a big decision. Should you sell it and use the money for your next adventure, or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth?

It's a question many homeowners face, and the answer isn't always straightforward. Whether you're curious about the potential income from renting or worried about the responsibilities of being a landlord, there’s a lot to consider.

Let’s walk through some key questions to ask to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting?

Even if you're interested in becoming a landlord, your current house might not be ideal for renting. Maybe you're moving far away, so keeping up with the ongoing maintenance…

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Is It Better To Rent Than Buy a Home Right Now?

Posted by Shane Andersen on May 20th, 2024

 

You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s more affordable to rent right now than it is to buy a home. And while that may be true in some markets if you just look at typical monthly payments, there’s one thing that the numbers aren’t factoring in: and that’s home equity. Here’s a look at how big of an impact equity can have and why it’s worth considering as you make your decision.

What the Headlines Are Based on

The graph below uses national data on the median rental payment from Realtor.com and median mortgage payment from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to compare the two options. As the graph shows, especially if you’re not looking for a lot of space, it can be more affordable on a monthly basis to rent:

 

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Should Baby Boomers Buy or Rent After Selling Their Houses?

Posted by Shane Andersen on October 5th, 2023

 

Are you a baby boomer who’s lived in your current house for a long time and you’re ready for a change? If you’re thinking about selling your house, you have a lot to consider. Will you move to a different state or stay nearby? Is it time to downsize or do you want more space to accommodate your loved ones? But maybe the biggest consideration boils down to this – will you buy your next home or choose to rent instead?

That decision ultimately depends on your current situation and your future plans. Here are two important factors to help you decide what’s right for you.

Expect Rents to Keep Going Up

The graph below uses data from the Census to show how rents have been climbing steadily since 1988:Rents have been going up consistently over…

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Should I Rent My Home Instead of Selling It?

Posted by Shane Andersen on August 16th, 2023

Do you really want to rent out your home? There are a few hurdles you might not have thought about that can cause headaches and take more of your time. Check out this video to hear a few of those things and let us know if you have any questions!  This may not be the best option, but take a look at this and decide from there.

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Keys to Success for First-Time Homebuyers

Posted by Shane Andersen on June 22nd, 2023

 

Buying your first home is an exciting decision and a major milestone that has the power to change your life for the better. As a first-time homebuyer, it’s a vision you can bring to life, but, as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares, you’ll have to overcome some factors that have made it more challenging in recent years:

“Since 2011, the share of first-time home buyers has been under the historical norm of 40% as buyers face tight inventory, rising home prices, rising rents and high student debt loads.”

That said, if you’re looking to purchase your first home, here are two things you can consider to help make your dreams a reality.

Save Money with First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Being able to pay for the initial costs and…

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Buying a Home May Make More Sense Than Renting

Posted by Shane Andersen on April 6th, 2023

Buying a Home May Make More Sense Than Renting 

Some Highlights

• If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, there are a few things you should consider.
• Homeownership can help you escape the cycle of rising rents, builds your wealth, and serves as a hedge against inflation.
• If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits of homeownership, let’s connect to explore your options.

THINKING OF SELLING AND/OR MOVING TO BROOKINGS, VOLGA, OR ANY SURROUNDING AREAS? GOT QUESTIONS? I’M HERE TO HELP! VISIT BROOKINGSHOMETEAM.COM FOR MORE DETAILS!

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What You Want To Know If You’re Pursuing Your Dream of Homeownership

Posted by Shane Andersen on January 6th, 2023

If you’re a young adult, you may be thinking about your goals and priorities for the months and years ahead. And if homeownership ranks high on your goal sheet, you’re in good company. Many of your peers are also pursuing their dream of owning a home. The 2022 Millennial & Gen Z Borrower Sentiment Report from Maxwell says:

“Many young adults have demonstrated their resolve to embark on the journey toward homeownership soon. More than half of millennials and Gen Zs plan to apply for a mortgage sometime within the next year.”

Let’s take a look at why homeownership makes the top of so many young buyers’ to-do list and what you need to consider to achieve your goals if you’re one of them.

Top Motivators To Buy a Home

Before you…

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