These Days, Buying Wins

For the first time in years, buying a home may beat renting.

Two factors are at play - first, rents are expected to head higher as more people bitten by the housing bust turn to renting. Rents could rise 7% in each of the next two years. Second, home prices have finally dropped enough to create a buying opportunity. Nationally, prices are down 32% from their peak set in 2006.

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Should You Rent Out Your Home or Sell It?

In most cases, moving means selling one's home. After all, it's usually a necessary step in affording a new home.

But for various reasons some people choose to rent out their homes instead. In some instances, people know that they'll be leaving only for a year or two. Sometimes the would-be seller simply can't sell at a price deemed acceptable, so she chooses to hang on until the market picks up. Or if property values are rising, an owner may want to wait to be able to ask for a higher price later.

Whatever the reason, it's important to have a healthy grasp of the financial issues at play when weighing this decision.

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The Reluctant Landlord

You may need to move on from your home - for more space, for family reasons, for work - but if you're worried you can't sell your home for get a decent price, renting out your home until the market improves may be your best move. These simple steps will help you maximize what you make while minimizing hassles.

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