I'm still convinced these people are crazy.
Years ago, pre-2008 in fact, I posted something that lighted a firestorm of indignation - I questioned the sanity of people who buy new RVs and amortize the purchase over 20-25 years. I had been to an...
Forum Discussion
SkiMore wrote:mileshuff wrote:
No it is not the exception. Over the decades most home buyers would come out significantly ahead. Like any market there are ups and downs so if you bought in an up year and sold in a down year you lose.
We recently went through a huge market gain with over inflated home prices followed by a massive drop. Those that bought during the short peak period would be upside down although the market is making a come back. That would be the exception rather than the over all rule.
Furthermore, few people have $100-$200K or more to buy a house with cash. Their alternative is to rent which is 100% of their payments being lost forever. When buying you'll have a high chance of getting all of your payments back, usually more so than less.
I agree the part about buying and prices.
I mostly agree about 100% of your rent being lost, but you aren't paying property taxes or maintenance and that should get factored into the equation.
Property taxes and interest are deductible on taxes. It's really hard for renters to itemize and take advantage of deductions.
When you buy a house it's paid for when you retire. If you rent then you'll keep renting forever. If you have limited funds in retirement then having to pay rent really drains the funds. Even if the cost to buy is more it's the 15-20 yrs of having not to pay rent when you retire that counts. Property taxes are a lot smaller than rent.
