Renting vs. Buying: Here’s What Most People Don’t Realize

By Chris Doherty

Christian Doherty lists and sells more homes than any other agent in the Greater Lowell, Massachusetts market with over 300 homes sold in the past 12 months. Chris is ranked in the top 1% of all agents in the United States.

What does it really take to move from renting to owning in Massachusetts? For years, I had a client who moved into a new rental every time a fresh building opened, enjoying the flexibility and never feeling tied down. One day, I asked why he kept renting instead of buying, and his answer was simple: he didn’t know the process, and renting felt less intimidating. Since he was paying $2,700 a month in rent, I showed him he could own a property for the same payment and walked him through the steps to make the transition possible.

If you’ve also been thinking about buying but aren’t sure where to start, here’s what you need to know.

The benefits of buying. Owning brought three big advantages: every payment built equity, the mortgage interest deduction lowered the true cost, and the property gained value. A few years later, I ran into my client again, and he told me how grateful he was for making the switch. His $2,700 monthly payment was building equity instead of disappearing into rent, the mortgage interest deduction lowered his real cost, and the property had appreciated by $100,000 since he bought it.

Seeing the bigger picture. Renting has its advantages, especially if you like to move often or want flexibility. For many people, it makes sense for where they are in life. But if you know you’re staying in the same area long-term, ownership can change everything. Over the course of your career and lifetime earnings, you’ll save thousands of dollars by owning instead of renting.

Every day, my team helps renters become buyers. I know that not everyone is ready immediately, and that’s okay. Some people worry about credit or income, and if that’s the case, starting the process early is the best move. That one client’s story is proof of how powerful the shift from renting to buying can be.

If you need help getting started, feel free to call me at 978-746-0124 or send an email to chris@dohertyproperties.com. I will help you see what’s possible.