Confused about buying vs renting a home? This course simplifies the decision with expert advice and tools. Start learning and take control today! Read more.
Robert (Bob) Steele CPA, CGMA, M.S. Tax, CPI
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Get Started with All Access PassBuy Only This CourseAbout This Course
Who this course is for:
- First-time homebuyers exploring whether to buy or rent
- Renters considering transitioning into homeownership
- Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the financial and practical aspects of personal housing decisions
- Individuals looking to make informed real estate choices based on their lifestyle, goals, and budget
What you’ll learn:Â
- How to confidently approach the buying vs renting a home decision
- Key factors to consider when selecting a rental property and reviewing lease agreements
- The complete home-buying process—from remote buying options and inspections to using home-buying apps
- Basics of financing a home, including mortgage application steps and understanding mortgage clauses
- The role and differences between a loan officer and a mortgage broker
- The escrow process and essential loan characteristics
- How to solve real-world scenarios with downloadable Excel and Google Sheets workbooks
Requirements:Â
- No prior real estate knowledge required
- Basic understanding of personal finance is helpful but not necessary
- Access to Excel or Google Sheets to work through practice problems
Making the choice between buying vs renting a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make. This course breaks down the complexities of that choice, helping you evaluate what’s right for your current situation and long-term goals.
You’ll start by exploring the renting process—how to choose an apartment and analyze lease terms. Then, the course dives into the home-buying journey, discussing how to purchase a property remotely, the importance of inspections, timelines, and how digital tools like home-buying apps can streamline the experience.
Financing your first home can be daunting, so we guide you through applying for a mortgage, understanding common mortgage clauses, and navigating the escrow process. You’ll also learn how to distinguish between working with a loan officer versus a mortgage broker.
To reinforce your learning, you’ll get hands-on with practice problems using downloadable Excel workbooks (compatible with Google Sheets). Each workbook includes:
- An answer key tab to break down the solution
- A step-by-step problem-solving tab to follow along with video instructions
By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to make a well-informed decision when it comes to renting vs buying a house—with financial clarity and confidence.
Our Promise to You
We’re committed to providing practical, real-world knowledge that empowers you to make smarter housing decisions. Whether you’re buying your first home or choosing the right rental, you’ll gain the tools and assurance you need to take the next step with confidence and focus.
10 Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, simply contact us and we’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked.
Enjoyed this course? Check out my profile for more practical, expert-led courses to help you reach your goals.
Keep Learning and Head to Our Blog Posts For More Actionable Tips and Advanced Strategies!
Course Curriculum
Section 1 - Presentations - Housing: Purchase Or Renting | |||
Rent Vs Buy Home Decision Overview | 00:00:00 | ||
Housing Rental Process Overview | 00:00:00 | ||
Selecting An Apartment Overview | 00:00:00 | ||
Lease Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Lease Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Buying Activities Overview | 00:00:00 | ||
Buying A Home Remotely | 00:00:00 | ||
Importance Of Home Inspection Contingency | 00:00:00 | ||
How Long Does Buying A Home Take | 00:00:00 | ||
Best Home Buying Apps | 00:00:00 | ||
Financing Basics For First Time Homebuyers | 00:00:00 | ||
How To Apply For A Mortgage Loan | 00:00:00 | ||
What Is A Mortgagee Clause | 00:00:00 | ||
What To Know About Your Escrow Balance 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
What To Know About Your Escrow Balance 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Loan Officer Vs. Mortgage Broker | 00:00:00 | ||
Listing Broker | 00:00:00 | ||
What’s In Your Escrow Balance And How You Can Track It | 00:00:00 | ||
Should I Lock My Mortgage Rate Today | 00:00:00 | ||
How To Buy A House With Bad Credit | 00:00:00 | ||
What Is A No-Closing-Cost Mortgage | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Warranties | 00:00:00 | ||
Loan Estimate | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Inspection Companies | 00:00:00 | ||
Buying A Foreclosed House Top 5 Pitfalls | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Appraisals | 00:00:00 | ||
Starter Home | 00:00:00 | ||
Common Mistakes Of First Time Home Buyers | 00:00:00 | ||
FHA Single Family Title II | 00:00:00 | ||
Mortgage Points | 00:00:00 | ||
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) | 00:00:00 | ||
Second Mortgage | 00:00:00 | ||
Reverse Mortgage | 00:00:00 | ||
Refinancing | 00:00:00 | ||
Paying Off Your Mortgage Early | 00:00:00 | ||
Principal Residence Exclusion | 00:00:00 | ||
To Do Before Calling A Real Estate Agent | 00:00:00 | ||
What Not To Fix When Selling A House | 00:00:00 | ||
List Price | 00:00:00 | ||
Seller-Paid Points | 00:00:00 | ||
Exclusive Listing | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Sale Negotiating Strategies | 00:00:00 | ||
Short Sale | 00:00:00 | ||
Section 2 - Practice Probs. - Housing: Purchase Or Renting | |||
Estimated Monthly Cost Purchase Condominium | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimate Affordable Home Purchase Price | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Loan Comparison | 00:00:00 | ||
Saving For Down Payment On Home | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Decision Problem 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimated Home Price From Monthly Income | 00:00:00 | ||
Section 3 - Excel Probs. - Housing: Purchase Or Renting | |||
Estimated Monthly Cost Purchase Condominium | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimate Affordable Home Purchase Price Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimate Affordable Home Purchase Price Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Loan Comparison | 00:00:00 | ||
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Rate Increase | 00:00:00 | ||
Saving For Down Payment On Home | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 1 Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 1 Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 2 Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 2 Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimated Home Price From Monthly Income Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimated Home Price From Monthly Income Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimated Home Price From Monthly Income Part 3 | 00:00:00 |
About This Course
Who this course is for:
- First-time homebuyers exploring whether to buy or rent
- Renters considering transitioning into homeownership
- Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the financial and practical aspects of personal housing decisions
- Individuals looking to make informed real estate choices based on their lifestyle, goals, and budget
What you’ll learn:Â
- How to confidently approach the buying vs renting a home decision
- Key factors to consider when selecting a rental property and reviewing lease agreements
- The complete home-buying process—from remote buying options and inspections to using home-buying apps
- Basics of financing a home, including mortgage application steps and understanding mortgage clauses
- The role and differences between a loan officer and a mortgage broker
- The escrow process and essential loan characteristics
- How to solve real-world scenarios with downloadable Excel and Google Sheets workbooks
Requirements:Â
- No prior real estate knowledge required
- Basic understanding of personal finance is helpful but not necessary
- Access to Excel or Google Sheets to work through practice problems
Making the choice between buying vs renting a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make. This course breaks down the complexities of that choice, helping you evaluate what’s right for your current situation and long-term goals.
You’ll start by exploring the renting process—how to choose an apartment and analyze lease terms. Then, the course dives into the home-buying journey, discussing how to purchase a property remotely, the importance of inspections, timelines, and how digital tools like home-buying apps can streamline the experience.
Financing your first home can be daunting, so we guide you through applying for a mortgage, understanding common mortgage clauses, and navigating the escrow process. You’ll also learn how to distinguish between working with a loan officer versus a mortgage broker.
To reinforce your learning, you’ll get hands-on with practice problems using downloadable Excel workbooks (compatible with Google Sheets). Each workbook includes:
- An answer key tab to break down the solution
- A step-by-step problem-solving tab to follow along with video instructions
By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to make a well-informed decision when it comes to renting vs buying a house—with financial clarity and confidence.
Our Promise to You
We’re committed to providing practical, real-world knowledge that empowers you to make smarter housing decisions. Whether you’re buying your first home or choosing the right rental, you’ll gain the tools and assurance you need to take the next step with confidence and focus.
10 Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, simply contact us and we’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked.
Enjoyed this course? Check out my profile for more practical, expert-led courses to help you reach your goals.
Keep Learning and Head to Our Blog Posts For More Actionable Tips and Advanced Strategies!
Course Curriculum
Section 1 - Presentations - Housing: Purchase Or Renting | |||
Rent Vs Buy Home Decision Overview | 00:00:00 | ||
Housing Rental Process Overview | 00:00:00 | ||
Selecting An Apartment Overview | 00:00:00 | ||
Lease Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Lease Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Buying Activities Overview | 00:00:00 | ||
Buying A Home Remotely | 00:00:00 | ||
Importance Of Home Inspection Contingency | 00:00:00 | ||
How Long Does Buying A Home Take | 00:00:00 | ||
Best Home Buying Apps | 00:00:00 | ||
Financing Basics For First Time Homebuyers | 00:00:00 | ||
How To Apply For A Mortgage Loan | 00:00:00 | ||
What Is A Mortgagee Clause | 00:00:00 | ||
What To Know About Your Escrow Balance 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
What To Know About Your Escrow Balance 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Loan Officer Vs. Mortgage Broker | 00:00:00 | ||
Listing Broker | 00:00:00 | ||
What’s In Your Escrow Balance And How You Can Track It | 00:00:00 | ||
Should I Lock My Mortgage Rate Today | 00:00:00 | ||
How To Buy A House With Bad Credit | 00:00:00 | ||
What Is A No-Closing-Cost Mortgage | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Warranties | 00:00:00 | ||
Loan Estimate | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Inspection Companies | 00:00:00 | ||
Buying A Foreclosed House Top 5 Pitfalls | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Appraisals | 00:00:00 | ||
Starter Home | 00:00:00 | ||
Common Mistakes Of First Time Home Buyers | 00:00:00 | ||
FHA Single Family Title II | 00:00:00 | ||
Mortgage Points | 00:00:00 | ||
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) | 00:00:00 | ||
Second Mortgage | 00:00:00 | ||
Reverse Mortgage | 00:00:00 | ||
Refinancing | 00:00:00 | ||
Paying Off Your Mortgage Early | 00:00:00 | ||
Principal Residence Exclusion | 00:00:00 | ||
To Do Before Calling A Real Estate Agent | 00:00:00 | ||
What Not To Fix When Selling A House | 00:00:00 | ||
List Price | 00:00:00 | ||
Seller-Paid Points | 00:00:00 | ||
Exclusive Listing | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Sale Negotiating Strategies | 00:00:00 | ||
Short Sale | 00:00:00 | ||
Section 2 - Practice Probs. - Housing: Purchase Or Renting | |||
Estimated Monthly Cost Purchase Condominium | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimate Affordable Home Purchase Price | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Loan Comparison | 00:00:00 | ||
Saving For Down Payment On Home | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Decision Problem 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimated Home Price From Monthly Income | 00:00:00 | ||
Section 3 - Excel Probs. - Housing: Purchase Or Renting | |||
Estimated Monthly Cost Purchase Condominium | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimate Affordable Home Purchase Price Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimate Affordable Home Purchase Price Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Home Loan Comparison | 00:00:00 | ||
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Rate Increase | 00:00:00 | ||
Saving For Down Payment On Home | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 1 Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 1 Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 2 Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Buy Or Rent Home Decision Problem 2 Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimated Home Price From Monthly Income Part 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimated Home Price From Monthly Income Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
Estimated Home Price From Monthly Income Part 3 | 00:00:00 |