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...

Don't gain equity

Don't have to put down much money up front

Reap no tax advantages

Often cannot personalize their homes as they see fit

Can merely pack up and leave upon expiration of their leases

Face much less work in maintaining their homes, inside and out

Buyers...

Often gain equity, which is often the only savings account

Must go through the process of selling their home and finding a buyer if they elect to move out

Are fully responsible for any and all repairs

Are free to paint, redecorate and remodel as often as they wish

Enjoy tax credit for home mortgage interest, plus other tax advantages associated with being a homeowner

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

1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened

2 plain milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each), broken into small pieces

1 egg, beaten

1 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.