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Owning a Home Is Still More Affordable Than Renting One

If spending more time at home over the past year is making you really think hard about buying a home instead of renting one, you’re not alone. You may be wondering, however, if the dollars and cents add up in your favor as home prices continue to rise. According to the experts, in many cases, it’s still more affordable to buy a home than rent one. Here’s why.

ATTOM Data Solutions recently released the 2021 Rental Affordability Report, which states:

Owning a median-priced three-bedroom home is more affordable than renting a three-bedroom property in 572, or 63 percent of the 915 U.S. counties analyzed for the report.

That has happened even though median home prices have increased more than average rents over the past year in 83 percent of those counties and have risen more than wages in almost two-thirds of the nation.”

How is this possible?

The answer: historically low mortgage interest rates. Todd Teta, Chief Product Officer with ATTOM Data Solutions, explains:

“Home-prices are rising faster than rents and wages in a majority of the country. Yet, home ownership is still more affordable, as amazingly low mortgage rates that dropped below 3 percent are helping to keep the cost of rising home prices in check.

In 2020, mortgage rates reached all-time lows 16 times, and so far, they’re continuing to hover in low territory this year. These low rates are a big factor in driving affordability. Teta also notes:

“It’s startling to see that kind of trend. But it shows how both the cost of renting has been relatively high compared to the cost of ownership and how declining interest rates are having a notable impact on the housing market and home ownership. The coming year is totally uncertain, amid so many questions connected to the Coronavirus pandemic and the broader economy. But right now, owning a home still appears to be a financially-sound choice for those who can afford it.”

Bottom Line

If you’re considering buying a home this year, contact a local real estate professional today to learn more about the options that match your budget while affordability is in your favor.

 

Source: Keeping Current Matters

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John Lyons

Tired of traveling week-in and week-out for his corporate job, John Lyons decided to start his own real estate business. Lyons could not have predicted how well his background would prepare him for a career in real estate. His journey has been a long and successful one. After graduating from Indiana University in 2001, he took a job selling copiers at Minolta Business Solutions. After building an impressive track record there, he was hired by BrainLAB, Inc. to sell image guides surgical systems. He quickly rose to become one of the top sales representatives for the company. Seven years later, he was hired by Midwest director of sales IMRIS, for their intraoperative MRI and integrated operating room solutions. Now he has a new outlet for his sales abilities: real estate. A Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer and recipient of Baird and Warner’s Founder’s Club award for the past four years, Lyons had a record 2018, selling more than 11.7 million in real estate. This marked an 18 percent increase over his 2017 numbers. “I was able to accomplish this through daily prospecting and providing a high-level of service for my clients,” he says. In testimonials, his clients say he is patient, trustworthy, personable, knowledgeable, and professional. “Each and every client is so different,” he says. “It’s important to truly understand their needs so you can best serve them. Listening build trust, which is so incredibly important in our business.” A member of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, he assist clients in a variety of neighborhoods, including the Near North Side, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Uptown, Ravenswood, Logan Square, West Town, and the Loop. He is quick to admit the best education he has ever received was from his 6 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. Lyons donates $200 per transaction to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Lurie Children’s Hospital. “I am running the Chicago Marathon in 2019 for Lurie Children’s Hospital,” he says. “I have a lofty goal this year, to qualify for the Boston Marathon a second time. Since the beginning of the year, I have been spending at least four hours a week training for the October 13 race.” Results matter, here are John's Listing Numbers: Average list to sell ratio - 98.2% Average days to closing - 52 Listings taken to listings sold - 99%

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