This week's Conference ConNEction featured a Rental vs. Homeownership Analysis. The speakers give insight about the pros and cons of renting vs. owning, tips on knowing when and how to purchase a home and the tools/resources that home buyers should take advantage of.
Moderated by John Turner, Manager of Community Development and Research at NIFA
Denise Parker, Homeownership Program Assistant Director and HUD-certified Housing Counselor at Family Housing Advisory Services:
Organization Mission of the Family Housing Advisory Services - To improve the quality of life and eliminate poverty by helping people achieve housing stability and financial security
- Homebuyer education helps the buying process go more smoothly and makes for more successful home buying
- Why homebuyer education is important
- Helps consumers make wiser choices
- Prepares buyers for the home buying process
"It's a great time to take advantage of a low interest rate. For 30 years you'll have that."
Danielle Swerczek, Senior Account Manager at MGIC:
Many renters say that renting is more affordable than homeownership, while many homeowners say that owning is more affordable
- 37% of renters believe they have not saved enough for a down payment
- 62% think they need 20%
- Many could benefit from homeowner education
- 82% on non-homeowners say they aspire to homeownership
- Top two roadblocks to homeownership: rising home prices, lack of funds for a down payment
- Millennial's spend about $93,000 on rent by time they turn 30
"Education is huge, especially for [a] first-time homebuyer… There [are] definitely resources out there; we just need to make sure they know what they are."
Pat Anderson-Fuentes, Community Builder at NeighborWorks® Lincoln:
"The mission of NeighborWorks® Lincoln is to revitalize neighborhoods and support homeownership, keeping Lincoln a safe and prosperous community."
- NeighborWorks® has three lines of business
- Homeownership, real estate development, community-building
- NeighborWorks® Lincoln helps address code issues by providing:
- Mold remediation, new roof and gutters, update electrical wiring, replacement of windows and sewer lines
"Be prepared for the problems that arise [with homeownership] because they'll be your problem, not a landlord's."
"Education, education, education is the key. NeighborWorks® has a .1% foreclosure rate and it's all about the education."