Should I Rent or Buy a House?
Renting versus buying is a big decision. It’s right up there with, Should I eat a taco or a burrito? Well, not really. Your decision about where to live is way more permanent than your Chipotle order—plus it has a few more zeroes in the price.
But whether you should buy or rent a house really depends on your financial situation and personal goals—nothing else.
You’re ready to buy a house when you’re debt-free, have a full emergency fund plus enough cash for a down payment, and your mortgage payment won’t cost more than 25% of your take-home pay. We’ll talk more about that a little later.
If you’re paying off debt or expect to move for a job, it’s smarter to rent because renting gives you more flexibility. You may have heard the myth that renting is a waste of money. That’s not true. Housing is an essential expense. But buying lottery tickets? That’s tossing money straight out the window.
But making a wise choice about where you live is one of the best ways to take control of your finances!… READ MORE
Should you rent or buy?
Before you decide, ask yourself some questions
Buying has almost always been favored over renting when it comes to housing. For some, renting is considered “throwing money away” while buying is an “investment.” The truth is, the answer to the rent-versus-buy question is much more nuanced than this “one size fits all” approach. It’s more like “which size fits me?”
That is because cost is not the only consideration. Lifestyle, age, work situation, desired location, and readiness to settle down for the long haul are all factors that must also be evaluated when choosing a place to live.
There’s also the economy to consider. Inflation impacts the cost of rent as well as interest rates when taking out a mortgage, sometimes one more than the other. A closer look at the renting vs buying question reveals just how complicated this decision can be. READ MORE
Are You Ready to Buy a Home?
Should You Rent? Take The Quiz.
Finances matter, of course, but so do your future plans, lifestyle, location and other factors. Answer a few questions to learn what may be best for you.
On the hunt for a new place to live? Before you even start looking, ask yourself a crucial question: Should I rent, or should I buy? Finances matter, of course, but so does your lifestyle, your future plans, where you wish to live, the size of your family, and the state of the economy and housing market. The answer isn’t always clear-cut, but this second chapter in our series of home-buying articles may help.
Pros and cons
Buying a home offers many advantages. There’s the sense of stability, the opportunity to build equity, the protection from unexpected rent increases, and the freedom to customize your living space without a landlord’s approval… READ MORE
Ralene Nelson, REALTOR
FOR SALE – 667 W Tyler Island Bridge Rd, Isleton
3bd/1ba/1107sf
Country Living, own a little bit of the Delta, close to the Sacramento River, so get your fishing rod ready or those water toys. Built on a 1/4 acre, the 3 bedroom 1 bath has so much potential. The bath has been remodeled with a new subfloor, LVP flooring, tub/shower & basin cabinet. Partial dual pane windows & 1 bedroom has slider to the back yard. Room for vegetable garden & chicken coop included, so have fresh eggs & vegetables every day. Newer gas stove & refrigerator included as well as washer/gas dryer. The workshop & shed do not have electricity. Although the home does not have central air, the seller has installed 2 newer wall air conditioners that provide ample cool air for the entire home. Hot water heater was replaced in January of 2023. The forced air heater has been serviced every year. Septic is fenced for safety & leach lines run down each side of the workshop. The home will have new interior paint. Pictures are to be taken when the home is ready for show. READ MORE
PRICE CHANGE – 718 Allender Way, Rio Vista
3bed/2bath/1,346sqft5,306sqft lot
PRICE CHANGE $543,000 – As you approach this gorgeous home, it radiates pride of ownership. The driveway has been extended with new concrete on both sides of the home. New exterior paint with newer drought-resistant landscaping w/new walkway to front door & drip system w/timer. As you step inside, the home has new interior paint, baseboards & LVP flooring throughout. The kitchen has painted cabinets with quartz counters, a stainless sink & refrigerator. Then step out to the newly landscaped backyard w/new patio, custom pergola, 8 X 12 pool, security fence & all new perimeter fencing, as well as french drains from back to front. The primary bath has painted cabinets, new mirrors & light fixtures. His & Her closets with a barn door that provides bath privacy. The home has all-new light fixtures, hardware, a whole house fan, water filtration & softener, & reverse osmosis, and electric vehicle chargers. Just bring you furniture & enjoy this move-in ready home and bask in the sun with a BBQ. Room for RV parking. A solar lease is only $89 a month, 25 yr lease & transferable. Just bring your furniture and enjoy!! Rio Vista is a quaint little located in the heart of the Delta, close to San Francisco, wine country, and Sacramento. Enjoy water sports, fishing & duck hunting. MORE INFO
FOR SALE – 500 Coronado Way, Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/2,048sqft
$529,500 – Don’t miss out on this stunning Burlingame model, located on a corner lot with minimal exposure to rear neighbors. The entrance has been upgraded with stamped/dyed concrete as well as, the 2 rear patios. This home has great curb appeal, & as you step inside, you can feel the warmth from the soft decorating neutral tones & plush carpet. The flex space provides you with additional room for entertaining, both for seating & dining and the gourmet kitchen equipped with stainless appliances for the chef includes an island for bar stools & sink. Extra counter space also provides as excellent spot for a buffet or displaying your treasures. This home has a nook for casual dining & space for a formal dining room table, as well as a den/study. The gas fireplace with w/upgraded mantle in the great room makes for a cozy room too. The primary suite is larger than most and accommodates a king bed with ample room around. Slider to private patio w/privacy screen provides a cozy spot for morning coffee/nightcap. The primary bath has double sinks, a walk-in shower & walk-in closet. The 2nd bedroom is located in front of the home, this provides privacy for both guests & homeowners. Move-in ready, just bring your treasures and join the fun in this Active Adult Community. 2 pools/spas, tennis courts, bocce ball, and billiards. READ MORE
Events in Northern California this Weekend
Halloween Bash in Pittsburg
Sat, Oct 28, 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Small World Park, 2551 Harbor St, Pittsburg
Calling all ghosts, ghouls, goblins, Superhero’s, princesses, and more to the Halloween Bash at Small World Park on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 12pm-5pm.
Kids “Trick or Treat” in a safe and fun environment where the entire park is decorated for a festival family friendly event.
Enjoy live entertainment, Trick and Treats, and a costume parade that begins at 2pm. WEBSITE
Trunk or Treating with Costume Contest
and Store-to-Store Trick or Treating!
Sat, Oct 28, 12 – 4 PM
205 G St, AntiochWillow Park Mercantile,
The Event Will be Held on 2nd Street and G Street in Antioch’s Historic Rivertown Business District.
This Event is Fun for The Whole Family, with
Trunk or Treating
Store to Store Trick or Treating
Music
Food
Artisan Vendors
Beautiful Automobiles!
Kids & Pet Costume Contest 12pm, Pinup Contest 1:30pm!
Free Entry & Parking! Come in Costume and Join the Fun!
Halloween Festival
Sun, Oct 29, 1 – 4 PM
Marketplace 99 South, 9134 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove
Bring the whole family to Marketplace 99 on Sunday, October 28th for our Halloween Festival! Enjoy FREE admission, FREE games and activities, and enter a FREE raffle for prizes from Marketplace 99. Family activities include:
- Live DJ
- Face Painting
- Bounce Houses
- Games
- Take Home Bag for Kids (While Supplies Last)
- More!
All activities are FREE! Winners must be present to claim raffle prizes. Event is RAIN or SHINE.
The Halloween Festival will take place in the parking lot by Chuck E. Cheese at Marketplace 99 (9134 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624)
We look forward to seeing you! WEBSITE
Sherwood Mall Trunk or Treat Carshow
Sat, Oct 28, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Sherwood Mall Shopping Center, 5308 Pacific Ave, Stockton
Head down to the Sherwood mall for a family-friendly trunk or treat on October 28th! The Trunk or Treat will be held from 6:00-8:30 in the parking lot! Pack up the kiddos in their best Halloween costumes and join the fun!
Decorate your car in celebration for Halloween for display for Lil Vics Ice Cream & Stockton 209Cares Annual Trunk or Treat. Happy Halloween! WEBSITE
