{"id":7,"date":"2026-02-12T01:05:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T01:05:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/juliabrown.com\/?page_id=7"},"modified":"2026-03-06T20:49:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T20:49:41","slug":"should-i-buy-a-house","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/juliabrown.homes\/?page_id=7","title":{"rendered":"Should I buy a house?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Should I buy a house?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

It’s not a one-size-fits-all decision<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Deciding to buy a home is not as simple as “Well…I’m throwing away money on rent” – it’s important to be informed and prepared about what it means to purchase a home.  I encourage all first-time homebuyers (and even those who have already purchased in the past) to consider several factors when deciding to purchase a home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Your rent is the most you’ll ever pay and your mortgage is the least you’ll ever pay”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The mortgage<\/a> is only one of many costs associate with home ownership. Did you know that it’s recommended for home owners set aside 1-4% of the value of their home each year for maintenance and repair costs?
Here are some common expenses that arise during home ownership and estimates of average prices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HVAC replacement:<\/td>$8,000 – $13,000 +<\/td><\/tr>
Refrigerator:<\/td>$600 – $2,300<\/td><\/tr>
Roof replacement:<\/td>$9,500<\/td><\/tr>
Dishwasher:<\/td>$400 – $1,200<\/td><\/tr>
Septic system maintenance:<\/td>$250 – $500 every 3-5 years<\/td><\/tr>
Water heater 40 gallons:<\/td>$440 – $2,300 + install<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sources<\/summary>\n

Nerdwallet – Calculate Your Home Renovation and Repair Costs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

homeguide – Average cost of appliances for a house<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nerdwallet – How to Budget Realistically for Home Repairs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

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When renting makes sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When renting a place to live, you can have peace of mind knowing “that’s not my job” when something breaks or goes wrong. You also have the freedom to move from place to place, city to city, or wherever your heart desires on a much easier timeline than if you owned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When buying makes sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Buying a home can be a wonderful endeavor. It can give you more freedom and control over your living space to make it your own and maintain better privacy. You’re more in control of how long you stay and how you want to decorate and renovate while you’re there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some ownership benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n