Renting Feels Easy… But Here’s the Truth No One Talks About

Chrissy Peterson
Dec 5
2 min read

Renting can feel simpler — no repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about rates. You pay the bill and move on with your life.

But here’s the part that so often gets overlooked: Renting doesn’t build your future. Owning does.

Homeownership has consistently been one of the strongest ways Americans build wealth — simply by living in a home they own.

And the long-term math? It’s a whole lot clearer than you might expect.

🔍 Renting vs. Owning: The Real Difference

When you rent, your payment disappears into someone else’s pocket. When you own, a portion of every payment comes back to you in the form of equity — that beautiful blend of appreciation and loan payoff that grows your net worth over time.

A recent study from First American looked at several market moments — 2006, 2015, 2019, and 2022 — and compared:

Mortgage payments
Property taxes
Insurance
Repairs & maintenance Against the equity gained through homeownership

And guess what?✨ Across every time frame, homeowners built wealth. Renters lost it. Every. Single. Time.

The data showed a clear pattern:

Homeowners actually grew their net worth the longer they stayed in their home
Renters continued paying out without getting anything back

The message? Time in a home builds wealth. Time renting doesn’t.

Even after factoring in maintenance, taxes, and insurance, homeowners still came out ahead. The wealth gap only widens the longer you own.

💡 “But Buying Feels Hard Right Now…”

Totally understandable — the past few years have been no walk in the park for buyers. But here’s the hopeful news:

Mortgage rates have been coming down
Home price growth is softening
Incomes have been rising
Zillow reports that monthly payments are slightly easier than they were this time last year

No, buying isn’t suddenly effortless…But it is becoming more achievable. And historically, it’s been absolutely worth the effort.

✨ Bottom Line

Renting may feel less expensive today, but owning is what builds real, lasting wealth — the kind that shapes your future and creates stability for your family.

And with affordability showing signs of improvement, the path to homeownership may be opening up more than you realize.

If you’re wondering what buying could look like for you, I’m here. No pressure, no expectations — just guidance, support, and a heart to help you step into the next chapter with confidence.

Let’s chat when you’re ready 🤍You don’t have to navigate this alone. #mnrealtor #minnesotarealtor #mnrealty #mnrealestate #ChrissyJHomes