5 ms·

> The prime majority of people have no genuine need to own a home Many people, including me, value being able to do anything they want to the property, live in

> The prime majority of people have no genuine need to own a home Many people, including me, value being able to do anything they want to the property, live in it as long as they want, know how much it will be costing them years into the future, and never have someone enter without their permission even (landlords can legally do this if there's an urgent maintenance problem). In my last rental I could not even paint the living room. They may also appreciate the opportunity to participate in any appreciation.

ghaff 7y ago
Those are really the key things. Buying a condo vs. renting a similar place? Sure, you can run financial calculations--and should--but a lot of factors that go into whether one or the other is the optimum financial decision are unknowable to a greater or lesser degree. Will housing prices go up or down? What will interest rates do? Will you have to turn around and sell the property quickly for reasons? Will maintenance expenses be more than you anticipated? Much bigger are things like stability vs. mobility, being able to change aspects of the property to your liking, and whether you can even rent the sort of property you would like for an extended period. Also "need" is an odd word in this context. I own and do a lot of things that I don't "genuinely need." But I'm happy for them anyway.
smileysteve 7y ago
> and never have someone enter without their permission even (landlords can legally do this if there's an urgent maintenance problem). Have you heard of the police? Maintenance problem, signs of forced entry, sounds of a struggle. Here's hoping none of us get pulled up as the incorrect address next time someone is mad at someone on a video game.