Not many first-time homebuyers walk into the buying process feeling like pros. But with a little research and a couple of conversations early on, you can avoid some of the trouble spots. Let’s look at some things you’ll want to be careful about as you get started.
First of all, as a renter you don’t pay property taxes or (usually) have maintenance costs, and your renter’s insurance is less than homeowners pay. Second, where you live also matters. In some markets, rentals may be more plentiful and cheaper … but the opposite can be true, too.
There are several determining factors that go into this decision. Ideally, you'll want to strike a balance between the things you want in a vehicle—say, a car that's reliable, big enough for the whole family, and low in mileage—and the price of the car.