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Newsletter
Buy or Rent?
The majority of people, whether single or
married, will at some point ask themselves, "Am I ready to buy?"
Buying one's first home is a major step for anyone. Is there a
"perfect" time in one's life to make that transition? What
are the advantages and disadvantages associated with rent and buying?
Each one has its pros and cons. The following list can help you
consider the inherent hassles and positives of both:
Renters...
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Don't gain equity
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Don't have to put down much money up front
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Reap no tax advantages
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Often cannot personalize their homes as they see fit
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Can merely pack up and leave upon expiration of their
leases
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Face much less work in maintaining their homes, inside
and out
Buyers...
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Often gain equity, which is often the only savings
account
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Must go through the process of selling their home and
finding a buyer if they elect to move out
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Are fully responsible for any and all repairs
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Are free to paint, redecorate and remodel as often as
they wish
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Enjoy tax credit for home mortgage interest, plus
other tax advantages associated with being a homeowner
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Eventually own their homes and are free of monthly
payment
The direct comparison clearly shows
that neither buying nor renting is the "perfect" choice.
Depending upon your lifestyle--including such factors as the stability of
your career, how often you travel for business and whether or not you plan
to reside in your current hometown for a long period of time--either has
plenty of valid advantages.
The multifamily housing market has grown nationwide
during the last decade, offering renters more advantages. And yet,
the dream of home ownership is firmly implanted in the minds of most
Americans. It's a worthwhile and significant achievement to be sure.
If you're buying or renting, Jena can help.
Recipe: Candy Bar Croissants
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1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
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1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened
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2 plain milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each),
broken into small pieces
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1 egg, beaten
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2 tablespoons sliced almonds
Unroll crescent roll dough; separate into triangles.
Brush with butter. Arrange candy bar evenly over triangles; roll up
from the wide end. Place point side down on a greased baking sheet;
curve ends slightly. Brush with egg and sprinkle with almonds.
Bake at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on
wire rack. Yield: 8 servings.
Smile for a While
(heard this last week)
I like to think I can take care of rudimentary maintenance problems around
the house. Faced with a troublesome hair clog in a drain, I
drove to the hardware store and located a jug of intimidating dark drain
cleaner, adorned with a skull and crossbones and countless warnings.
I read the label several times to see if it was okay to use with my PVC
plumbing, but couldn't find a notice anywhere. So I asked the clerk
if the product was safe to use with plastic pipes. "Yep,"
he replied. "How do you know?" I challenged him.
"It's in a plastic bottle, isn't it?" He responded, with
the start of a smile appearing in the corner of his mouth. Duh
was the word that came to mind as I quickly paid and left.
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