• Talcosis@lemmy.zip
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    2 hours ago

    You’re not wrong (generally speaking, specifically speaking I use the NYT rent vs. ownership calculator to see if it’s worth buying or investing in the sp500)

    But the problem here is entirely the lack of flexibility. Once an employer knows you are less flexible than the guy in the next cube, you’re picking up the slack of the guy that can up and move his ass to the next town over in a week.

    • EndlessNightmare@reddthat.com
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      2 hours ago

      Yeah, buying a home is very much a double-edged sword. It can go well but it can also become an anchor.

      One thing people don’t seem to properly account for (or at least I don’t see it talked about much) on the rent vs buy is costs of commuting and opportunity costs related to one’s career. Often the best way to get a raise is to change jobs.

      Of course there’s also more to decision than just financial. It’s as much a lifestyle choice as anything else.

      Buying may also be less appealing if you are by yourself or just a couple and don’t want or need a whole-ass house. The math on buying a condo often isn’t all that appealing compared to renting an apartment.