October 22, 2020

Three Good Reasons Why You Should Rent Instead of Buy

If you are looking to move and considering renting, you are in good company. According to RentCafé, 34 percent of America’s population rent their homes. That means there are over 100 million people just like you. 

Renting offers many advantages that vary for each person. But, more and more people are recognizing those advantages and choosing to rent. Curious why you should rent? Read on for three of the benefits of renting. 

You Have Fewer Expenses to Manage

Finding a new home can be daunting, and the expenses even more so, especially when you buy property. Between maintenance, taxes, insurance, and more, costs add up quickly. Renting, on the other hand, is a set cost each month. This makes renting much more affordable, and most renters agree. In 2019, 82 percent of renters surveyed said renting is more affordable than owning, jumping up from 67 percent the year before.

Right from the get-go, costs are lower when you rent. Buying a home requires a burdensome mortgage and a large down payment of around 20 percent of the total purchase price of the home. When renting, all you pay is rent month to month and a security deposit that is equal to one month’s rent—and that deposit is returned to you when you move out. 

Costs also are more affordable over time when you rent. When you rent, you don’t pay property taxes and only have to budget for affordable renter’s insurance. The costs of buying are much higher. As a homeowner, you would have property taxes to pay. In addition, according to a 2017 study by the Insurance Information Institute , the average renter’s insurance policy costs $180 per year, while the average homeowner’s policy costs $1,211.

You Don’t Have to Make Repairs

Life is not always easy. Sometimes, the unexpected happens around the house, and you won’t know how to fix the flooding dishwasher or the broken window. When you rent, you don’t need to stress about repairs because they are not your responsibility . For example, at Crestwood , we have a skilled and friendly staff certified to help with your repairs. Our team is there to help you keep your home in tip-top shape. 

You Have Freedom to Move

The freedom of renting is one of the main reasons why you should rent instead of buy. Renting allows you to test out an area to see if you like it before you commit to it for the 30-odd years a mortgage requires. This lack of long-term commitment is great for young people who may need to move frequently for jobs. As Robert Pinnegar at the Washington Post writes, for people new to their field, “the ability to relocate is a major factor. Even if they are in a financial position to purchase a home, millennials may choose to rent to have the flexibility to take advantage of new job opportunities as they arise.”

While we aren’t eager to say goodbye, at Crestwood , we know you may need to change your home base. That’s why we instated our loyalty bonus: $250 dollars if you move from Crestwood to another AMC property or vice versa, so we know you are taken care of wherever you go. 

With fewer expenses, less responsibility, and greater freedom, it is easy to see why so many have chosen to rent and why you should rent too. At Crestwood , we want to make coming home the best part of your day; give us a visit and see what the benefits of renting can do for you.

April 15, 2026
At  Crestwood Apartment Homes  , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us. 1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs: Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card. Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow. Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime. 2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinat a Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata. How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus. The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.) 3. More Ways the App Helps You Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Lake Forest community. You can: Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs. Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details. Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents. At  Crestwood Apartment Homes  , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.
November 21, 2023
Refer to our holiday guide for the best activities in and near Lake Forest, CA. Happy celebrating!
Puppy
September 16, 2021
Before you pick up your furry companion, follow these three tips to puppy-proof your pet-friendly apartment.