Resources · Calculators
Rent vs. buy.
How long do you need to stay before buying beats renting? This calculator compares total cost of ownership (mortgage, taxes, maintenance, opportunity cost on the down payment) against rent + investing the difference, year by year.
Buying
Renting
Break-Even Point
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Disclaimer
This is a long-term financial planning tool, not a guarantee. Real outcomes depend on market conditions, your specific tax situation, exact maintenance costs, and how long you actually stay in the home. Selling within the first 3–5 years often costs money once you account for closing costs and agent commissions. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
How to Read This
When buying makes sense.
Conventional wisdom: buy if you'll stay 5+ years. The math is more nuanced — in rapidly-appreciating Dallas suburbs, break-even can hit at year 3. In flat markets or with high mortgage rates, it can take 7+ years.
Buy if
You're staying 5+ years, you have stable income, and you've got cash for both the down payment and 6 months of reserves.
Rent if
You might move in under 3 years, your income is variable, or you'd be stretched thin by closing costs and a tight emergency fund.
It Depends
3–5 year horizon. Run the numbers with realistic appreciation (Anita can pull comps for your target neighborhood).
Want a Real-World Comparison?
Run the numbers on a real home.
Generic appreciation rates only get you so far. Anita can run this analysis on a specific Dallas neighborhood — using actual comps, MUD-specific tax rates, and rental data — so the break-even year reflects your situation.
Request a Custom Analysis