Why Buying a Home Today Is a Smart Financial Move – Even at 7% Interest
With interest rates hovering around 7%, many prospective homebuyers hesitate, fearing they may be overpaying in the long run. But when you compare buying a home versus renting, the math often tells a different story—one that favors homeownership, especially when factoring in equity growth.
Let’s break it down:
Renting: A Fixed Cost with No Return
If you’re renting a home for $2,400 per month, you’re paying $28,800 annually. Over 5 years, that’s $144,000 paid directly to your landlord—with zero return. Rent increases and market inflation can make this number grow even more over time.
Buying: Building Wealth Through Equity
Now let’s consider buying a $350,000 home with a 7% interest rate and a 10% down payment. Your loan amount would be $315,000. With current rates, your monthly mortgage payment (principal and interest only) would be roughly $2,095, plus taxes and insurance bringing it close to the rent equivalent—about $2,400/month.
But here’s the key: you’re building equity.
Homes typically appreciate around 4% per year. A $350,000 home appreciating at 4% annually will be worth approximately $426,000 after 5 years—a gain of $76,000 in value. During this time, you’ll also be paying down your mortgage, adding additional equity (around $25,000–$30,000 paid off in 5 years, depending on loan structure).
Total equity gained: ~$100,000+.
Compare that to $144,000 paid in rent with no return. Even if home prices dip temporarily, real estate remains a long-term investment that historically trends upward.
The Bottom Line:
While 7% may seem high compared to the ultra-low rates of recent years, you can always refinance later when rates drop. But the money you pay in rent? It’s gone for good.
Owning a home gives you stability, control, and the opportunity to build real wealth. And the best time to start building that future? Today.
