Why Renting is Smart
In these challenging times, consumers are constantly inundated with visions of how home ownership represents the American Dream. We continue to hear now is “the perfect time to buy” and it is the “greatest investment you could make.” Most people do not realize the real financial and practical advantages that residents experience every year when they decide to rent an apartment home at one of our StoneCreek communities. We have added this information on our website to help educate consumers about the myths that exist about home ownership and how they can experience real financial gains and freedom through renting in this economy instead of buying.
Rent or Buy:
The Advantages of Living in a StoneCreek Apartment Home
It’s a question many of us have asked ourselves. “Should I rent or buy?” When you make the choice to live at a StoneCreek community, you will not only experience the outstanding distinctions our apartment homes offer; you will also become accustomed to a lifestyle that grants you the freedom you deserve to enjoy life! Consider some of the following advantages our current residents experience:
- A Convenient and Easy Lifestyle – Many of our communities offer upgrades that some of our residents would not be able to experience in a single-family home, such as a wireless hot spot at the pool, free business center access, locations near urban centers, shopping, and entertainment, and planned social activities.
- Work-Free Weekends – Our residents are not responsible for caring for the yard, pool, home repairs, or the grill. Instead, our residents are able to enjoy more of their favorite things on the weekends and on their days away from school or work.
- Greater Financial Freedom – As a resident at one of our communities, you will have a lower total monthly bill for all housing costs than most homeowners. Take that extra cash and plan a much needed vacation, earn a second degree or new skill, pay off student loans or other high interest debts, or invest your money in higher yield investment opportunities.
- Consider some of the following monthly expenses for repairs and maintenance (labor and parts) and the routine operation of a single-family home you would be responsible for as a homeowner:
- Plumbing – Clogged toilets, water main repairs, water heater repairs, leaking valves, fittings, pipes, and faucets, clogged sink and bath drains, garbage disposal repairs, low water pressure, and toilet flapper repairs.
- Roof Repairs – Total replacements, patches, shingle replacements, wind and/or storm damage, and roof leaks.
- Electrical – Circuit breaker replacements, exterior lights, existing interior lighting, inactive outlets, short circuits and/or sparks, and smoke detector repair and maintenance.
- HVAC – Leaking condensation drain lines, filter changes, general repairs, and preventative maintenance (low refrigerant, coil cleanings, thermostat adjustments, rattling vents).
- Keys and Locks – Replacement keys, doorknob replacements, and sticky locks.
- Driveway and Parking Lot Repairs – Seal coating or necessary patches
- Appliances – Ice-maker water supply line and general repairs, dishwasher repairs, and washer/dryer repairs (where applicable).
- Routine and Preventative Maintenance – Weather stripping, energy conservation measures, pest control, and inspections.
- Landscaping Costs – Lawn service or lawn equipment, seed, fertilizer, plant life, drainage and irrigation, tree removal, and weed control.
- Operating Costs, property taxes, higher utility costs, homeowners association dues, and higher insurance premiums are also expenses to consider before buying a home.
So when you ask yourself “Should I rent or buy?”, remember that StoneCreek handles all of the above and much more each and every day on behalf of our residents at no additional cost. We even offer complimentary 24-hour, 365-day emergency services so you can rest assured you can always focus on living in and enjoying your home, not maintaining it!
