When you buy, you'll put down a large chunk of your savings upfront, which is also money you now can't invest anywhere else.

197

This may reflect the widely predicted cooling of the condo market in some parts of the country.

150

There are many advantages to owning your home - but we do think that sometimes the advantages to renting are overlooked. Neither owning nor renting is the right choice for everybody at all points in their life.

119

Mortgage rates have dropped, yes, but a weak economy means people lose jobs or feel insecure in their jobs. Some potential buyers may end up backing off from a purchase. When the economy picks up after a slowdown, interest rates usually rise, but that doesn't stop people from buying.

98

[But a weak economy also means job loss and relocation are more likely.] Mortgage rates have dropped, yes, but a weak economy means people lose jobs or feel insecure in their jobs. Some potential buyers may end up backing off from a purchase, ... When the economy picks up after a slowdown, interest rates usually rise, but that doesn't stop people from buying.

97