Deposit and moving costs.
Deposit, legal fees, taxes, survey, furniture, moving, repairs, and emergency cash left over.
Real Estate Checklist
Rent vs buy is a cash-flow decision before it is an identity decision.
Compare total cost, flexibility, rate pressure, maintenance, taxes, opportunity cost, and how long you realistically expect to stay.
Checklist
Compare the full cost, not only the monthly payment.
Payment pressure.
Mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities, service charges, maintenance, and travel changes.
Rate and income shocks.
Test what happens if rates rise, income drops, repairs hit, or the market falls.
Life plans matter.
Job mobility, family plans, school, commute, visa status, and time horizon change the answer.
Decision Prompt
Buying is not automatically better than renting.
Write this down
“Buying makes sense for me only if...” Then list affordability, time horizon, emergency fund, payment stress, location confidence, and opportunity cost.
This checklist is educational and not mortgage, property, tax, legal, or financial advice.
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