Perhaps you are just entering the housing market as a young single, leaving your parent's home for the first time. Perhaps you are newly married, or you are going to a new city to live. What ever is the case, you know you need a place to live. Basically you have 2 choices; you can rent an apartment or a house, or you can purchase your home.

As you consider your options, here are some questions to help you decide which is right for you. Since I am a REALTOR, and I strongly suggest you consult an experienced professional REALTOR in your area to assist you, you may guess that I have a bias. However, I don't believe that everyone should be a homebuyer and I shall approach the topic fairly.

1) How long do I think I will live in the area? If you are not sure this will be a long-term commitment, don't buy! Rent for awhile. Unless your employer is willing to pay your closing costs when you arrive and when you leave, renting is your best option for a short stint. If you have job insecurities, you may also want the flexibility to move that renting allows.

2) How much cash do I have to invest? Renting may be your only option if you are cash-poor. Many apartments require only 1 months' rent and a few hundred dollars deposit. If owning your home is a goal, you still are wise to get the counsel of a good loan officer or REALTOR, to help you determine just how much cash you need for downpayment and closing costs. At least you will have a goal for the amount of money you need to save. It may be less than you think!

3) Which offers me lower monthly costs? Will you pay more in rent or in a mortgage payment? What about utilities? Remember that mortgage interest and property taxes are deductible on your income tax. This can be a considerable benefit on April 15.

4) Which gives me the quality of living that I desire? This is highly subjective. Many young adults are okay with noisy parties going on around them. Older families may want the stability of a friendly neighborhood full of children. Do you long for the freedom to paint your walls any color you choose? Do you want to sink your roots somewhere?

5) Which offers more stability for my housing budget? As a renter, you are subject to rising rents and also the prospect the owner may decide to sell and require you to move. As an owner, you move only when you are ready. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your payment is set, subject only to changes in tax rates or insurance costs.

6) Which offers me the benefits of appreciation of resale value? Building equity is the hope of all owners. As a homeowner, if you stay and pay long enough, you will eventually pay that mortgage off and have a hard asset.

These are a few things to consider in the' rent vs. own' question. Neither option is right for everyone at every phase of life. Why not talk it over with your CPA and your REALTOR? Then you are sure to make a good decision!

Written by Carol Golden, Broker Associate, at RE/MAX Associates Northeast

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Are you preparing to enter the real estate market as a buyer or a seller? This is a question you may be asking! The Internet has proven to be a remarkable source of information and advertising for homes ' as well as everything else! My most effective advertising has been on the Internet this year. With the exception of yard signs and brochure boxes, Internet photo spreads yield, by far, the most property inquiries.

What can a REALTOR do for you that you cannot do for yourself with the aid of the Internet? Specifically, what can I do for you?

1) Save you a lot of time! I can quickly determine the up-to-the minute status of every property. Some Internet ads show 'active' status for homes with sales pending or even sales closed! If you are a buyer, you will use my time and gas to locate the properties best suited to your wish list. If you are a seller, I can promote your home on the most visited home page REALTOR.COM, plus our own remaxnehouston.com., and use other marketing tools.

2) Bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the transaction. Internet ads make every listing seem delightful. Do they tell you about the neighborhood, or whether a busy street runs in front of the home? Or whether it has ever flooded? Do they help you determine what is a fair price for that home? I can! I have often seen the comparable sales and current listings and have a bank of resources for price evaluation.

3) Negotiate on your behalf. Whether it is a buyers' or sellers' market, it helps to have a strong negotiator in your corner at the time the contract is made and to help smooth out trouble spots that often arise before closing. I can help keep emotions under control and the goal in focus. I am your buffer, helping you make wise decisions.

4) Help you with details that you may overlook! Beside the task of preparing the contract, I can track your file to make sure each task is completed in a timely fashion. That list includes inspections, requests for repairs, opening title, dealing with appraisers, survey questions, etc., etc.

These are just a few issues to consider. Do I love the Internet? You bet I do! If I were buying or selling real estate myself, I would be logged on! It is a wonderful tool! But your experienced professional REALTOR is still your best ally in the process. If you are thinking of buying or selling, call me today! Let me go to work for you! I get results!