 TITLE: Is Now a Good Time to Move? CONTENT: What About Housing: Should You Rent or Buy?\n-------------------------------------------\nIn addition to deciding where you want to relocate to, you'll have to choose between renting and buying. If both options are available to you, there won't necessarily be a clear answer to which is best.\nIn terms of pure financials, you could use an online rent or buy calculator to see which may be the better option. Generally, if you won't live in the same place for more than a few years, renting may be more cost-effective because buying a home leads to nonrefundable upfront closing costs.\nBut there are many things that'll factor into the decision, such as if your credit is ready for a mortgage. Some people also prefer the flexibility that comes with renting, and prefer not having to be responsible for upkeep and repairs.\nIf you are looking to buy, know that an unexpected impact of the pandemic has been rising home prices due to high demand, low mortgage rates and limited housing availability. This may be especially true in and around major cities. The National Association of Realtors reported that during the third quarter of 2020, single-family home prices increased from last year in all 181 metro areas that the organization tracks—and 117 metro areas had double-digit percentage increases. END