Rent vs. Buy: Which One Is Right for You Right Now?

By Texas Trust Credit Union

The Texas Trust Newsroom

Your place for seeing stories from your communities, updates from Texas Trust, and insights to build your brighter financial future.

Whether you're fresh out of college, newly married, or just reevaluating your next move, the decision to rent or buy a home is one of the most important financial choices you'll make.

In our recent webinar, Jordan Cunningham teamed up with Alex Godina, VP of Mortgage, to explore the facts, myths, and personal questions surrounding this significant decision.

Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

Common Misconceptions We Debunked:

  • "Buying is always better than renting"
  • "You need a huge down payment to buy"
  • "I’m not ready financially"
  • "Renting is throwing away money"

Pros of Renting:

  • Flexibility to move
  • Lower upfront costs
  • No maintenance or repair responsibilities
  • Short-term convenience

Pros of Buying:

  • Build long-term equity
  • Stable monthly payments
  • Freedom to customize your space
  • Potential tax benefits

Questions to Ask Before You Buy:

  • Do I plan to stay in the area for 3+ years?
  • Do I have a stable income and an emergency fund?
  • Do I prefer stability or flexibility?
  • Am I financially ready for maintenance and homeownership costs?

Expert Insight:

Alex reminded us that the market is dynamic and while mortgage rates may be higher than during the 2–3% “golden era,” today’s buyers often have more negotiation power, especially with sellers offering incentives or covering closing costs.

 

We’ve created a free decision-making worksheet that helps you walk through the numbers, compare options, and confidently decide what’s right for you.

Free Resource: Rent vs. Buy Toolkit

 

Want to talk it through with someone?

We offer free one-on-one financial coaching where we’ll help you create a plan, build savings, and work toward your homeownership goals — whether that’s one year from now or five.

Schedule a session today

Related Articles


Summer Fun Without Breaking the Bank: Inexpensive Family Adventures

Credit Union vs. Bank: Which One Should You Choose?

Exercising Good Spending Habits