I have been asked more than once whether it makes sense to buy a house rather than rent. The answer is complicated and dependent on a lot of factors, so much so that I wrote a blog post about it.
Another question we brokers sometimes hear is whether buyers should save for a down payment on a home or focus on padding their retirement nest egg. That answer is also loaded with variables, as Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com®, explains:
Real estate professionals specialize in buying and selling homes but they should never practice law or offer financial advice – unless they are state licensed to do so. In all matters related to personal finance, we recommend working with a financial planner or accountant before making decisions that could impact someone’s long-term future.