We’ve all heard it: “Buying a home is the best decision you’ll ever make.” If you own a house, society considers you successful. Family and friends say, “Imara, you’re doing great—look at the house you bought!” But is that really the full picture?

Let’s break it down with a real, apples-to-apples comparison. When you’re making the biggest purchase of your life, you owe it to yourself to dig deeper. Keep in mind: your real estate agent, your lender, even your broker—everyone makes money from the transaction. But it’s your life. It’s your risk. And it might become a decision you regret for years.

Let’s put personal opinions aside. Instead, we’ll examine a real property listing and compare the actual costs of buying vs. renting the same home.

223 Kiely Blvd Unit A, Santa Clara, CA 95051

• Listing Price: $835,000
• Size: 1,067 sq. ft.
• 2 Beds / 2 Baths
• Estimated Monthly Payment: $6,009/month
  • Mortgage (after 20% down): ~$4,362
  • HOA: $554
  • Property Tax: ~$870

Estimated rent for the same unit? $3,700/month

So what are we really paying for? That’s $2,300 extra each month to own this home. Agents might say, “Imara, think about the equity you’re building!” But are you really building equity or paying a dollar today to maybe get a penny back decades later?

The Other Side of Ownership

People often say, “Renting is throwing money away.” But would you say that about eating at a great restaurant? You’re paying for value—comfort, convenience, and peace of mind.

Now imagine you buy that same house, and come winter, you find a leaking roof or a burst pipe. That $20,000 repair? It’s all on you. As a renter, that’s the landlord’s headache.

Don’t Fall for the Cultural Trap

Homeownership is deeply embedded in our culture, but that doesn’t make it the right choice for everyone. I’m not saying don’t buy a home. I’m saying: buy intentionally. Understand exactly what you’re paying for and whether it truly benefits you over renting.

Don’t base your decisions on your cousin in Texas who rents out a duplex. Real estate is location-dependent. In some markets, rent prices are capped by what the local economy can bear. You can’t just buy a house and rent it for any price you want. It’s like trying to resell a sandwich for double the price; no one’s buying.

Your Agent Isn’t Your Financial Advisor

Don’t rely on your real estate agent to run your numbers. Their goal is to close the deal and collect their commission. That doesn’t mean they’re not nice or helpful. But ask yourself: when they pull up in that shiny BMW, where did that money come from? From you.

Make your financial decisions based on your goals, your math, and your reality, not someone else’s sales pitch.

Final Comparison: Renting vs. Owning

Conclusion

Buying a house isn’t a guaranteed win. In some cases, renting gives you more flexibility, fewer responsibilities, and lower costs. If you decide to buy, do it with clarity,

not cultural pressure. You deserve to live on your terms, not someone else’s expectations.