patrick.net

Yes, stability is an issue. I don't like up and moving unexpectedly, especially with kids. But I'd hate more to be tied to a house I hate living in.

I don't think the house I'm living in is underwater (landlords bought in '97), but I don't know the re-fi/equity loan status.

I pay reasonable to possibly just a tad higher than the going rate. It's hard to determine going rate, though, as rents do seem unstable (high/low... erratic)

I don't know if I'd want to sign a two year lease, but I'd consider it. If they kept the rent the same (or even lowered it a bit)... maybe. I'm not one to call the landlord unless it's a major thing (nothing so far, yet, thankfully), so, to them, I'm a check they get every month. I'm hands off and that's how I like it, and I have to think they do, too.

generallyfd says

I don't know if I'd want to sign a two year lease, but I'd consider it. If they kept the rent the same (or even lowered it a bit)... maybe. I'm not one to call the landlord unless it's a major thing (nothing so far, yet, thankfully), so, to them, I'm a check they get every month. I'm hands off and that's how I like it, and I have to think they do, too.

I just signed a 18 month lease and got a $50 off monthly. I tried not to bother the landlord too much, too.

rootvg says

More often than not, living in an area where rents are high because the demand is high (buying may or may not be even higher) is the real issue.

Agree with you. That creates unstability or rent raise. But those are the areas with jobs. So, I guess that's one reason to struggle between rent & buy.

The problem I have with renting is there's no way to improve your lifestyle without spending money on pure consumption items.

I'm constantly improving my environment with upgrades to the house. About to purchase a $200 hanging pendant light fixure for the kitchen. A new toto eco drake low flow toilet. I can do these things without a ton of regret because it adds value to the house.

When you're renting the only way to improve your environment is by spending money on money losing items like a big screen TV or new sofa.
I guess you could move to a new rental and pay more money in rent but that's not much better.

That doesn't make any sense. Of course, you never do.

toothfairy says

The problem I have with renting is there's no way to improve your lifestyle without spending money on pure consumption items.

Of course there is. We've landscaped the back yard, painted the bathrooms, installed antique light fixtures ( which we will take with us when we move), decorated the interior with antiques, built shelves, and so on. Yes we rent. But that doesn't mean we can't have pretty much the exact same lifestyle as a homeowner.

You landscaped your landlords backyard? You mean you planted flowers i doubt your ll would alLow you to relandscape

toothfairy says

The problem I have with renting is there's no way to improve your lifestyle without spending money on pure consumption items.

No way is too strong of a word but I see where you come from. To be honest, I might have bought a house with 3.5% down had I live in a non-recourse state. Living in a recourse state makes me think twice.