Please rent, that is all I sell is rental property.

Not everybody should own a home. It is a personal choice.

without tenants, I'd be carrying the mortgage on the investment property!!!! everyone should NOT own....

Because you don't like burning cash.

If you know you are going to be some place long term, own. If you know you are going to be short term, rent!

Other than that, it is a personal decision!

Home ownership provides a safe path to family wealth.

I have no idea why you would want to rent VB.

Depending on your circumstance buying may or may not be better for you. But the tax write off if you have a mortgage often makes it cheaper to own rather than rent, and if you buy smart you have good odds of building equity too.

Good morning Vegas Bob. I just don't see any benefit to renting.

The main reason for me to get my own place was: decoration options. Making my home a custom cozy place is very enjoyable, I never felt home in rentals. 

Robert 'VEGAS BOB' Swetz it's been said that home owner's net worth is lot more than that of renters...

You're still Renting????

You're just throwing your money away to the landlord, instead of growing equity in a home that will eventually be yours.

I think it depends upon if you are ready to put down roots or keep drifting.

Well, where I live is more affordable to buy rather than rent. Rents have skyrocketed and they keep going up, up! Also, interest rate are low and we still have the County down payment assistance program available for first time homebuyers. But at the end of the day every situation is different.

Purchase: You're putting down roots, you gain appreciation in the property's value, tax benefits... but most importantly, as a land owner you now have a greater stake in the country and how it's run.  Remember, it used to be that only land owners could vote (and how would the country be different if that were still the case... Sanders wouldn't have a leg to run on!).

Buying isn't for everyone. You have to answer that question, but I'm here to listen and offer some advice and suggestions. 

It is interesting to note that homes bought decades ago for tens of thousands are worth hundreds of thousands today. Equity & appreciation! works

To gain equity.

Some people should not buy.

Perhaps you shouldn't. You unique financial situation and your goals will determine this.

I am going to recommend home ownership over renting, it's really the first step in building wealth. A homeowner has four ways to build wealth. 1) A lower payment than renting in our area of Tulsa, Oklahoma. 2) Mortgage interest deduction 3) Appreciation 4) Equity buildup. Due to the volatility of the market there is a mistaken idea that it is better to rent. The evidence is clear, the average homeowner net worth is just under $200,000, the average renter net worth is around $5,000.* You may say, "this is not a causal relationship, maybe they are rich so they own a home, not the fact that they own a home made them rich." One thing is beyond dispute, the average renter has almost no net worth.   *Federal Reserve Study, 2013

We would need to look at your situation in order to provide useful advise.

. .  since you are selling real estate, I would hope you are convincing your clients to purchase property. It is the only investment that keeps up with inflation and gives you great tax benefits.  If you are a property manager or renting out your properties, then I guess convience your clients to rent. . .  they make your monthly payments for you. . .

I choose to make myself financial secure, as opposed to the landlord. Buy a home, wait 10 years and see where you are when compared to renting. Easy choice.

You control what happens to and in the home, you are building equity, it can be an investment in some situations, and it can be less expensive than renting - all advantages to 'Purchasing A Home' Robert 'VEGAS BOB' Swetz. 

Robert,

Many high end earners are renting over buying.  They feel their money is better used this way!  A

Tax deduction

I like Joe Pryors answer!

Maybe you shouldn't.  It depends on the individual.