Personal Finance #6-Housing: Purchase Vs Renting

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.

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Course Skill Level
Beginner
Time Estimate
22h 44m

Robert (Bob) Steele CPA, CGMA, M.S. Tax, CPI

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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: 

  • 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: 

  • 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: 

  • 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: 

  • 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

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