Much to everyone’s disappointment I have been considering buying a condo (though a cheap condo that I can live in until I find my prince charming who will sweep me off my feet and buy a large home to house me- KIDDING). A small condo that I can rent out easily in case the common-law or marriage relationship (or whatever) that I am in falls through. Throughout the terrible heartbreak ordeal I learned that it is important as a woman to be financially secure (not that I wasn’t), but I can imagine what it must be like for a woman who may not earn as much (or more) than her partner.
I guess it goes back to my post about financially independent women. I think it’s important, but that’s just my opinion.
So, enough blabbing.
Let’s go back to the rent versus buy debate.
Now, I know that most people out there will talk about how if you invest the difference into the stock market at a 8% return (really who gets an 8% return these days at a sustained pace?), then renting beats buying any day.
I know that some people would do anything to be a homeowner, and some people would rather sit in a VW beetle full of clowns before they buy a home because they are diehard renters.
So considering the balanced, objective approach, I sought to find some rent versus buy calculators and found some great ones that are objective and practical, including most important factors that can tip the scales one way or another.
When Renting, Considerations Are:
- Utilities- Are these included with the tenancy agreement? Hot water? Gas? Electric heat? Cable and internet (sometimes these can be included if you live in a garden or basement suite). How much does the average utility bill cost? You don’t want to be faced with big surprises later on. Continue Reading →




