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Over 25 years of mortgage experience, ready to walk you through your numbers in 3 minutes.

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AI-Powered Guide

Let Joe's Avatar Guide You Through Your Numbers

Start a conversation with Joe's AI avatar. He'll walk you through the calculator, explain what the numbers mean, and help you find the best scenario for your situation.

3-minute session
NMLS #273084
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Renting Scenario

Your current or expected monthly rent

$500$8,000

Expected yearly rent increase (typically 3-5%)

0.0%10.0%

Buying Scenario

$100,000$2,000,000

$50,000 down

3%30%
3.000%10.000%

Annual property tax as % of home value

0.5% / year3.0% / year
$0/mo$1,000/mo

Your Timeline & Assumptions

How long do you plan to live there?

1 years30 years

Expected annual home value increase (historical avg: 3-4%)

0.0% / year8.0% / year

Expected return if you invest savings instead (S&P avg: 7-10%)

0.0% / year12.0% / year
Renting May Be Better

Based on your inputs, renting could be the better financial choice

After 7 Years

Renting wins by $65,610

Break-Even Point

Never

Monthly Cost Difference

+$1,726/mo

Buying costs more

Monthly Cost Comparison (Year 1)

RENTING

$2,500

per month

BUYING

$4,226

per month (all-in)

Net Position Over Time

Rent + Invest
Buy
$236,778
$0
Year 1Year 7

After 7 Years

Total Rent Paid$229,874
Total Buying Costs$347,962
Invested Savings (Rent)$236,778
Home Equity (Buy)$208,064

Analysis & Insights

Buying costs $1,726 more per month than renting initially. This gap may narrow as rent increases over time.

Renting remains the better financial choice throughout your 7-year timeline. Buying may make sense if you plan to stay longer.

After 7 years, you'd build $208,064 in home equity - a significant forced savings mechanism.

With less than 20% down, you'll pay PMI until you reach 20% equity. This adds to your monthly costs.

After 7 years, renting and investing could leave you $65,610 better off.

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