tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451044254506572493.post6245624860873971794..comments2008-06-10T19:20:02.106-04:00FRANK LL0SA Va Broker- BLOG.FranklyRealty.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12647085935682292923noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451044254506572493.post-42922782167889242082008-06-10T19:20:00.000-04:002008-06-10T19:20:00.000-04:00I have simplified this decision making process into three simple questions and have developed my own theory on renting vs buying. I am interested in your opinion. If you have time please checkout <A HREF="http://www.jeffreyaustinwhite.com/BLOG/archive/2008/06/05/theory-of-the-three-fives-on-renting-vs-buying-a-home.aspx" REL="nofollow">555</A> theory. I would warn against trying to flip a property so quickly!Jeffrey Austin Whitehttp://www.jeffreyaustinwhite.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451044254506572493.post-68458447465421765332007-03-28T14:46:00.000-04:002007-03-28T14:46:00.000-04:00Enjoy your blog immensely as well as the new sub-blogs. You raise a lot of interesting points both here and in your "don't buy" post. One thing that I think you are overlooking or at least undervaluing is the building block advantage of buying. The theory is that if you own already, you will have a greater chance of qualifying for a larger loan by already proving you are credit worthy. Depending on individual factors, Rxxx may have difficulty buying the ideal house down the road if s/he has not owned before. I am not saying this is THE reason to buy or that this trumps any negatives, but since you are comparing all the pros and cons, this should not be overlooked. Of course qualifying for a loan and actually being able to afford to take the loan are not always the same thing. But for people with careers of nearly certain increased earning potential (eg, young doctors, lawyers) buying something sooner rather than later could be a distinct advantage to acquiring that dream house. Thanks and keep fighting the good fight.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451044254506572493.post-56096275254965523532007-03-12T00:59:00.000-04:002007-03-12T00:59:00.000-04:00Hey Rxxx,<BR/>I can't tell you what to do. But I can say that I would NOT buy a house just because the landlord is selling.<BR/><BR/>As for the more crucial question "if it's better financially," I can't tell you that and don't you dare ask any Realtor that, what are you doing? You are asking somebody <B>"Dear Realtor, I know you will make $12k if your answer is yes, do you think I should buy given XYZ"<BR/></B><BR/>It really scares me that you are asking Realtors this question. I'm just glad you hit this page.<BR/><BR/>You have to run the numbers but with a 2 year horizon it is VERY risky. <B>GO RENT</B> and save the money (renting, even after taxes tends to be less) to buy your bigger house in 2 years. Call me then.<BR/><BR/>FrankFRANK LL0SA Brokerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12647085935682292923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451044254506572493.post-70031418819803849932007-03-12T00:58:00.001-04:002007-03-12T00:58:00.001-04:00<B> Wow - thanks so much for the quick response.<BR/></B><BR/>Just from glancing through this, I know I have a few follow up questions/comments (e.g. my 2 year time limit was self-imposed, so what would be the minimum recommended time). I need to get some things cleared up by an impartial person who knows the real estate market here. <B>My head is spinning</B> and I have to make some major decisions soon. Frankly, the 2 major reasons why I am considering buying is:<BR/>1) if it's better financially &<BR/><BR/>2) so I'm not at the mercy of a landlord when he decides to sell, etc.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again and I would REALLY appreciate any time you can spare!<BR/><B><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>Rxxx </B>Rxxxx- Arlington Va buyernoreply@blogger.com