I agree with the group thus far on this one. One should take stock of where they are in life, where they plan to be in 5-8 years before deciding what is best for them, buy or rent.

I have always said that owning a home is a privilege not to be taken lightly, not a right, or a "must"! 

No. The owning a home is like a long term commitment relationship, not everyone is ready for that. Renting life is much easier.

No.   

No.  Home ownership is a huge commitment and investment.  It's not for everyone.

no, not everyone should own a home....we all need shelter, and that's what rental properties are for.... 

I don't think it's a lifestyle that suits everyone.

 Good Tuesday morning Tony. No! There are some folks that need to rent.

No I don't.  There are many responsibilities that come with a home.  Finacially and work wise.  Some people are just not ready for either.  mark

Nope, which is one reason we see so many foreclosures in terrible condition.

Definitely not in Silicon Valley, CA.  Mark Zukerburg was a rental for years before he got a home. 

SHOULD is a word I try not to use!  To each their own and as Barbara Todaro wisely said, everyone is entitled to SHELTER and that is quite different.

That is a personal choice with many variables to consider, all of them personal.

Everyone wants to have a roof over their head but owning it is a whole different state of mind. It's not for everybody.

No, not everyone should own a home.

If they are impatient, proven to be poor caretakers and incapable of saving or budgeting, they are poor candidates for home ownership.

Would I help the same buy a home? That's a different issue.

No.  Some people don't want the responsibility.

They should  have a home, but they don't need to actually own it. It can be too stressful for many to own, especially if they are in military and could be moving a lot.

There are those who are not ready to own.

Well, different strokes for different folks.. 

No, I do not.  First of all, it would kill the rental market.  But seriously, not everyone can afford to buy.  Some people move around too often and some just don't have the fortitude to take care of a home and would rather call the super everytime something leaks or a bulb goes out.

I used to work with people who would change jobs every couple years and move to a place close to work and even relocate to a different part of the country.  Those people can't physically put down roots, so owning a home is not an option for them.

Inna Ivchenko said it best, owning a home is like a long term committed relationship.  Renting is like dating with a lot more freedom.

No.

No, have a neighbor across the street that should still be renting, they are a mess!  Some are not prepared for homeownership and all the responsibility it comes with! 

funny, none of the answers address the money in another  investment  vehicle ? thou 3% down, and paying 4% a year, and having 3% appreciation on a 97% additional value is pretty good.

Absolutely...there is something about having skin in the game. Any game!

Of course not, many are not prepared for the responsibility. Others are young and before they commit they need to feel some sense of permanence. Home ownership has always been plus or minus around 66%.