Back to List
Posted March 31, 2023

Renting is a Great Excuse to Never Host Family Holiday

Ah, the age-old debate of renting versus owning a property. It's a topic that has been discussed ad nauseam by everyone from financial experts to your nosy neighbor who thinks they know everything about everything. And while there are certainly valid arguments for both sides, I'm here to make the case for renting.

Yes, you read that correctly. As a wise man once said, "renting is not throwing money away, it's buying flexibility." And if that's not enough to convince you, here are a few more reasons why renting might just be the way to go.
 

I'm on to Bigger and Better Things

Here’s the topic that people don’t talk about enough. Renting is like having a built-in excuse for never hosting family holidays. Here is some excuses that you can tell your family when they ask to host events at your place:

• “Sorry, my landlord doesn't allow turkey grease stains on the carpet."

• "Sorry, my rental agreement only allows for a maximum of three generations of family at one time."

• "I don't want to impose on my landlord's generosity by turning my rental into a family hotel."

• "Hosting family holidays would interfere with my rigorous schedule of Netflix binging."

• "I can't risk the cat scratching up Aunt Mildred's antique china. Better to be safe than sorry."

• "I don't want to risk becoming known as the family holiday host. Once you start, you can never stop."

• "Sorry, my landlord's rules don't allow for more than two crazy uncles at one time."

• "I'd love to host, but my rental doesn't have enough parking for all of the family's cars."

• "I'm still recovering from last year's holiday debacle. I think it's best to take a break this year."

• "Hosting family holidays is so last year. I'm on to bigger and better things, like hosting a virtual holiday happy hour."

The Ultimate No-Strings-Attached Relationship

First and foremost, renting offers unparalleled flexibility. If you're someone who likes to keep their options open, renting allows you to do just that. Want to move to a new city? No problem, just give your landlord notice and you're on your way. Have a sudden job opportunity in another state? You're not tied down by a mortgage or a house that needs to be sold. Renting gives you the freedom to pick up and go whenever you need to, without the hassle of dealing with a property you own.
 

Being Financially Savvy Never Looked So Good

Another big advantage of renting is that it frees you up financially. Owning a home comes with a lot of expenses that renters simply don't have to worry about. Property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and maintenance costs are just a few examples of the hidden expenses that can quickly add up when you own a home. As a renter, those costs are taken care of by your landlord, leaving you with more money in your pocket to use however you see fit.

When Property Maintenance is Someone Else's Problem

And speaking of maintenance, let's talk about the joys of being a homeowner. Spoiler alert: there aren't many. Sure, it's nice to have your own space that you can decorate and customize to your heart's content. But when it comes to the day-to-day realities of homeownership, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. From leaky roofs to clogged gutters, there's always something that needs fixing when you own a home. As a renter, those headaches are someone else's problem.
 

The Investing World is Your Oyster

But what about the argument that owning a home is an investment? It's true that real estate can be a lucrative investment, but it's also important to remember that it's not a guaranteed one. The housing market can be unpredictable, and there's always a chance that your property will lose value rather than gain it. Plus, when you factor in all of the expenses that come with owning a home, it's not always the financial slam dunk that it's made out to be.

On the other hand, renting allows you to invest your money in other areas that may offer higher returns. Whether it's stocks, mutual funds, or starting your own business, there are plenty of ways to invest your money that don't involve buying property. And because you're not tied down to a mortgage, you have the flexibility to explore those options without worrying about how they'll affect your home value.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks. While owning a home may be the dream for some, renting offers a whole host of benefits that shouldn't be overlooked. Whether you're a recent college grad just starting out, or a retiree looking to downsize, renting can be a smart choice that allows you to live life on your own terms. So go ahead, sign that lease