Rent vs. Own

What should you do, buy or rent? There’s a lot of conflicting advice and confusion surrounding the subject that could leave you confused and contemplating a move to a van down by the river!  

Let’s start with the assumption that home ownership is better than renting.  That’s not necessarily true. Renting is the way to go if you’re just going to live in a certain area for a year or two. You don’t have to worry about taxes, closing costs, or maintenance. The money you save on a mortgage and downpayment can be invested.  And if you feel like moving when your lease is up, you have the flexibility to just pack a truck and go. “Boom, I’m outta here!” Selling a home requires the services of someone like me to guide buyers and sellers through complicated negotiations and closings.  

But there are many advantages when you purchase your forever home or a place you plan on owning for more than three years. Your principal monthly mortgage payment will never go up and, over time, the advantages of that fact will be significant. For instance, the home my wife and I purchased in 2011 has a lower monthly payment than the average 2 bedroom apartment in our area. And over time it has significantly increased in value.  And key tax benefits to paying a mortgage include deducting mortgage interest, points, and, in some cases, property taxes from taxable income (speak with your accountant, I am not qualified to give tax advice!).  

A big factor in deciding whether to rent or own is your local market. In a high-demand market like Stamford, with steep prices and competition, purchasing a home may feel challenging. But if you’re able to make the plunge, over the long term you won’t regret it. Many buyers also find that their purchasing power increases the farther they move from New York City, where homes often offer more space and value for the same budget. On the other hand, if you’re in an area with a weak market for sellers or a place prone to natural disasters and high insurance costs (cough, Florida! cough, cough) you would be wise to rent.

Need a little more guidance, advice, or simply someone to walk you through the process? I’m here to help whenever you’re ready.

North Stamford Living

Ever wondered what life is like in North Stamford, Connecticut? In this video, I'll take you on a full neighborhood tour; showing you the beautiful homes, natural surroundings, and hidden gems that make this area one of Fairfield County’s most unique places to live.

Warmer days are not far off, and the market is already beginning to reflect the seasonal shift. Listings are beginning to pick up, buyers are active, and the energy we typically see this time of year is starting to build. Now is the time to ensure you are ready to meet every opportunity ahead. Click on the link above for a detailed report on Fairfield County or contact me directly for a local report of your zip code.

–– Open Houses ––

Stamford:

Single Family Open Houses

Condominium Open Houses

Greenwich:

Single Family Open Houses

Condominium Open Houses

Norwalk:

Single Family Open Houses

Condominium Open Houses

Darien:

Single Family Open Houses

Condominium Open Houses

New Canaan:

Single Family Open Houses

Condominium Open Houses

Westport:

Single Family Open Houses

Condominium Open Houses

Wilton:

Single Family Open Houses

Condominium Open Houses

Ridgefield:

Single Family Open Houses

Condominium Open Houses

–– Things to Do ––

IN AND AROUND STAMFORD, CT

THE COLLECTIVE FEST
Stamford, CT
 

Join us at CoCreate for a fitness and wellness experience with guided workouts from local fitness partners, a run club, free coffee, live DJ, and a collection of pop up wellness vendors.
 

All attendees have access to the social wellness after party with free coffee and a collection of wellness brand vendors. This is a strictly ticket only event and is strictly 21+. 

Bring your own mats, swim gear, and towels

Event Details

Saturday, March 7 | 8:30am
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

MAPLE SUGAR FEST SUNDAYS
Stamford Museum, Stamford, CT

Join us for our annual First County Bank Maple Sugar Fest Sundays as we make our very own line of maple syrup from the 200+ mature maple trees found right here on our 118-acre campus. We’re one of only two official maple sugar producers in Fairfield County!
 

Both Sundays we’ll open our site at 10 am with added attractions, enhanced programming, fun seasonal offerings, free giveaways, and traditional favorites like Native American, Colonial and Modern sugaring demonstrations until 2 pm*.

Event Details

Friday, March 8th | 10:00am

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

––Restaurant Spotlight––

THE AMERICANO
Stamford, CT

Modern American fare, thoughtfully curated by FoodFam Hospitality’s founders and their award winning Americano team. Our expansive, elegantly designed space and refined menu is the ultimate expression of elevated dining in Stamford. Serving indulgent small bites, fresh seafood, prime USDA steaks, and savory fresh pasta, the overall approach to preparation is light, fresh and technique driven.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MENU