As you are looking at your list of New Year’s Resolutions, perhaps you are debating that same old question AGAIN: “Do I rent or do I buy?” 

We don’t have the same answer for every renter on this one. In fact, this is a decision that only you can make based on your unique circumstances. In 2012, we do encourage you to make one resolution related to this dilemma: MAKE THE DECISION (and if it is to buy—start saving). In some markets, it is actually cheaper to own a home than to rent.  Mortgage rates are at record lows, and there are many competitively priced homes on the market to choose from. If you live where there is a strong buyer’s market, and you are ready to buy, NOW is the time to start preparing for that move (for tips on how to prepare, see our blog, “A Buyer’s New Year’s Resolution”).

Saving up for a home takes time, and so does looking for a home to purchase. If you decide to buy, start saving for the down payment so that you are better able to make that offer when you find a property you like. How do you do this? Look at your budget and find areas where you can cut your spending so that you can save as much as possible until you reach your goal. Look into setting up a separate “Home” savings account that remains off limits so that you can watch it grow and so that you can remain inspired to meet your goal.

If it looks like 2012 is the year that you decide to buy, give us a call today. Whether you are a few days or a year or more out from pursuing that goal, we’d love to sit down with you and help you strategize so that you can meet that goal. 

We are committed to helping you Buy. Sell. Live. SMART!

Seth & Alyce

Information courtesy of:

“4 Real Estate Resolutions for 2012.” Real Estate Reality Check: Tara-Nicholle Nelson’s Blog. Ed. Trulia. <link>.