Renting feels easier in the short term, but over time, it quietly drains your ability to build lasting wealth.
1. Understand the Cost of Renting
Rent rises faster than most realize, and it compounds like a hidden tax.
From 2019 to 2025, the U.S. rent index has climbed sharply, especially during and after the pandemic. In April 2025 alone, rents rose by 0.5%—and that’s just one month. Annualized, rent increases have hovered around 6%, which means your monthly payment could double in just over a decade without you noticing.
If your rent is $2,000 now, that could become $3,200+ in ten years. That’s equity you’re building—for your landlord.
Rent isn’t just expensive; it’s wealth that slips away every month.
2. Follow the 30-Year Homeownership Trend
Home values steadily appreciate—even through volatility.
The 30-year home price map shows that between March 1995 and March 2025, U.S. home prices rose roughly 300%, with many states seeing 350–400% gains. Real estate doesn’t always move fast, but it moves steadily upward over time.
Buying a home is not just a living decision—it’s a long-term wealth strategy.
Owning property is one of the most reliable ways to grow your net worth.
3. Lock in Stability and Start Leveraging Equity
Homeownership creates stability, and equity creates options.
With a fixed-rate mortgage, your housing cost stays the same while inflation drives everything else up. Plus, every payment builds ownership. That equity can later be used to upgrade, invest, or weather tough times.
Unlike rent, a mortgage turns your monthly payment into an appreciating asset.
You can’t build wealth on payments that disappear.
You don’t have to buy tomorrow—but you do need a plan. Partner with a professional, understand your numbers and set a timeline. Your future self will thank you.
🏡 Want to See If Buying Beats Renting for You?
I’ve created a Buy vs. Rent Report that breaks down the long-term cost of renting vs. owning—tailored to your area, price range, and timeline.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all download—it’s a custom analysis based on your situation.
📩 Message me with your area, budget, and move timeline, and I’ll send you your free personalized report.
Let’s find out if now is the right time—or start planning for when it is.
