Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff Most People Don’t Talk About

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 16, 2026. Posted in Equity, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? It’s a question a lot of people are asking. With today’s home prices and mortgage rates, renting can feel like the easier path. In some cases, it might even seem like the only realistic option right now. And if that’s where you are, there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re weighing the decision, there’s one part of the conversation that doesn’t get talked about enough. It’s what each choice does for your future. What Renting Really Gets You (And What It Doesn’t) Depending on your situation,...

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Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 25, 2026. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Renting can feel like the easier choice right now. There’s no big down payment. No dealing with surprise repairs. And no long-term commitment. But then your rent goes up again. And again. And suddenly the thing that seemed flexible starts looking… expensive, especially considering you’re not building any equity. And once that happens, it’s easy to feel a little trapped in the cycle. That’s because there’s so much chatter today about how buying a home isn’t affordable. But the truth is, the math may work out better than you’d expect based on what’s changed recently. Buying Is More...

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The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding Would-Be Buyers Back

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 12, 2026. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they can’t. And sometimes, it’s their credit score that’s holding them back. According to a Bankrate survey, 2 out of every 5 (42%) Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage. That may be why, when renters are asked why they don’t own yet, “my credit isn’t good enough” comes up often. Maybe you’re in the same boat. You look at your score, see it’s not where you want it to be, and assume buying your first place just isn’t realistic right...

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Turning a House Into a Home: The Benefits You Can Actually Feel

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 25, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

There’s a lot of conversation about home prices, mortgage rates, and affordability right now – and those things are important. But if you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s worth remembering something the headlines rarely talk about: people don’t buy homes just for financial reasons. They buy them for their lives. Because while homeownership can absolutely be a smart long-term financial move, it also comes with some emotional benefits spreadsheets just can’t capture. Maybe that’s why a 2025 survey from Fannie Mae notes: “Consumers were twice as likely to mention lifestyle benefits...

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Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 26, 2025. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life. But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: renting doesn’t help you build your financial future. Meanwhile, homeowners grow their net worth just by owning a home. So, if you’ve been wondering whether buying is still worth it, the long-term math is clearer than you might think. Renting vs. Owning: How the Costs Really Compare Let’s break down one of the key differences...

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The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 4, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in. “I’ll never save enough.” “I need a small fortune just to get started.” “I guess I’ll just rent forever.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck. Here’s the thing: a lot of what you’ve heard about down payments just isn’t true. And once you know the facts, you might realize you’re a lot closer to owning a home than you think. Let’s break it all down and bust some big down payment myths while we’re at it. Myth 1: “I need to come up with a big down...

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Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 17, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up, New Construction, Rent vs. Buy.

Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s why. There are more brand-new homes available right now than there were even just a few months ago. According to the most recent data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 1 in 5 homes for sale right now is new construction. So, if you’re not looking at newly built homes, you’re missing out on a big portion of what’s...

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Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 23, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own. Because when everything else feels up in the air, home can be the thing that grounds you. As the experts at 1000WATT put it: “Homeownership isn’t primarily financial anymore. . . Across all demographics, emotional and lifestyle factors consistently outrank wealth-building as motivators.” Here’s what owning a home can mean for you, especially right now. Freedom To...

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Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 29, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if the timing is right for you. But here’s the thing you need to know about renting. While it may feel like a safer bet today – and in some areas might even be less expensive month-to-month than owning –...

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Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home Today?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 28, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights A study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why.? Rent usually rises over time and that can make it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of homeownership. What’s your #1 reason for wanting to buy?

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Buying a Home May Help Shield You from Inflation

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 18, 2025. Posted in Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

It feels like everything is getting more expensive these days. That’s because inflation has remained higher than normal for longer than expected – and that’s impacting the costs of goods, services, and more. And with rising costs all around you, you’re probably questioning: is now really the right time to buy a home? Here’s the good news. Owning a home is actually one of the best ways to protect yourself from the rising costs that come with inflation. A Fixed Mortgage Protects You from Rising Housing Costs One of the key benefits of homeownership is that when you buy a home with a...

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The Big Difference Between Renter and Homeowner Net Worth

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 15, 2024. Posted in Equity, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights If you’re torn between renting or buying, don’t forget to factor in the wealth-building power of homeownership. Unlike renters, homeowners gain equity as they pay their mortgage and as home values rise. That’s why, on average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40x higher than a renter’s. Connect with an agent if you want to learn more about the financial benefits of homeownership or the programs that can help make buying possible.

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Renting vs. Buying: The Net Worth Gap You Need To See

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 7, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Trying to decide between renting or buying a home? One key factor that could help you choose is just how much homeownership can grow your net worth. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board shares a report called the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). It shows how much wealth homeowners and renters have – and the difference is significant. On average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40 times higher than a renter’s. Check out the graph below to see the difference for yourself: Why Homeowner Wealth Is So High In the previous version of that report, the average homeowner’s net worth was...

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Buying Beats Renting in These Top Cities

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 11, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights Based on a recent study, in 22 of the top 50 metros, the monthly mortgage payment is lower than the rent payment. Make sure you work with a pro who can help you crunch the numbers and see how your city stacks up. This may be your opportunity to forget renting for good. If you want to see which option makes the most sense in your area, connect with a local agent.

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Should You Rent Out or Sell Your House?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 31, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy, Selling Tips.

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?...

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Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 14, 2024. Posted in Equity, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years. That’s because a home is so much more just than a roof over your head. It’s also an asset that typically grows in value over time. If you’ve been debating if it makes more sense to rent or buy, connect with a real estate agent to talk about why homeownership can be a better bet in the long run.

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Should I Rent or Buy a Home? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 17, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights While renting may be less expensive in some areas right now, there are two big benefits homeownership provides that renting can’t. ? Owning a home means you get to say goodbye to rising rents and hello to stability. It also gives you the chance to gain equity as home values rise over time. If you’re ready to learn more about the perks of owning a home, connect with a local real estate agent.

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The Perks of Buying over Renting

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 1, 2024. Posted in Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Thinking about buying a home? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two solid reasons why, if you’re ready and able, it could still be a smart move to get your own place. 1. Home Values Typically Go Up Over Time There’s been some confusion over the past year or so about which way home prices are headed. Make no mistake, nationally they’re still going up. In fact, over the long-term, home prices almost always go up (see graph below): Using data from the Federal Reserve (the Fed), you can see the overall trend is home prices have climbed steadily for the...

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

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 17, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

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...

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Why So Many People Fall in Love with Homeownership

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 14, 2024. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Chances are at some point in your life you’ve heard the phrase, home is where the heart is. There’s a reason that’s said so often. Becoming a homeowner is emotional. So, if you’re trying to decide if you want to keep on renting or if you’re ready to buy a home this year, here’s why it’s so easy to fall in love with homeownership. Customizing to Your Heart’s Desire Your house should be a space that’s uniquely you. And, if you’re a renter, that can be hard to achieve. When you rent, the paint colors are usually the standard shade of white, you don’t have much control over the upgrades, and...

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Home Prices Forecast To Climb over the Next 5 Years [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 12, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Pricing, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights If you’re worried about what’s next for home prices, know the HPES shows experts are projecting they’ll continue to rise at least through 2028. Based on that forecast, if you bought a $400,000 house this year, experts say it could gain over $72,000 in equity over the next five years. If you’re worried about falling home prices, don’t be. Many experts forecast they’ll keep rising for years to come. If you have questions, ask a local real estate agent.

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The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 11, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here’s a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which compares net worth for homeowners and renters. The latest report shows the average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s (see graph below): One reason a wealth gap exists between renters and homeowners is because when you’re a homeowner, your equity grows as your home appreciates in value and...

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Category: Rent vs. Buy