One of the most-asked questions in the real estate market this year is whether to rent or buy a home. While the answer will be different for everyone and every situation, there are a few pros and cons to each option.

Consider Renting a Home

Renting is often easier to get into. Most landlords, whether a private landlord or a company, require proof of income and a credit history. You might need to provide additional documentation, such as past year’s tax returns, to show that you are able to pay your rent on time each month. You will likely need to put down a security deposit and the first month’s rent before being able to move in.

Upkeep and maintenance are easier and almost always cheaper when you are renting. Find out how to submit a maintenance request to your landlord. They will pay and arrange for most routine repairs and maintenance. There may be some circumstances that you are responsible for as the tenant. These will be outlined in your lease agreement.

Consider Buying a Home

One of the biggest perks to owning your own home is that your monthly mortgage payment actually goes toward building equity, or value, in your home. When you rent, your monthly rent payment allows you to live in the home for that month. But at the end, you don’t own any part of the rental. For homeowners on the other hand, a portion of their mortgage payment pays down the loan. In the end, they will own their home outright.

Maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the homeowner. Depending on the age and condition of your home, these can be quite expensive. They can also be unexpected. If your water heater breaks, you will have to cover the cost to repair or replace it.

Owning your home allows you to customize it to your tastes. This means painting, adding decorative details, or even taking on an extensive renovation. You will have to pay for all of these things but can choose exactly what you like.