but don't jump into such a major commitment before you're ready. With careful consideration,

you can decide whether it is best for you to buy or rent a home. You will need Short-term

future plan Savings account statement Handyman skills Basic math skills Commitment Money

for closing costs and agent fees (optional) and knowledge of tax deductions (optional).

Step 1. Think about how many years you plan on staying in your home. If you aren't sure

that you'll be in the home for at least 3 years, you'll likely be better off renting

than buying. Step 2. Check your available savings to see how much money you have available

for a down payment. If your available down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase

price, you'll likely have higher monthly payments, and renting may be a better option -- at least

until you can save more money. Be sure that you have enough to cover closing costs and

real estate agent fees in addition to the purchase price when buying a new home. Step

3. Think about whether you have skills or enough money to handle incidental repairs

like a broken air conditioner or clogged plumbing. Renting means that these responsibilities

are the landlord's; when you buy, the responsibility is all yours. Step 4. Compare the rent ratio

by dividing the purchase price of a new home by the annual cost of renting a home. Consider

buying if the ratio falls below 20. Consider renting if the ratio is above 20. Step 5.

Calculate the tax breaks that you would receive from buying your home by estimating how much

interest you would pay on a mortgage and how much property tax you would pay within a year.

Determine whether this break is large enough to warrant buying a home. Determine whether

the tax deduction for purchasing your home exceeds the standard deduction that everyone

-- including renters -- is allowed to take. Step 6. Decide if you're mentally ready to

commit to a large, long-term purchase. Buying a home means that you can't pack up and move

whenever you want. If you're ready for this commitment, and your finances are all in line,

it might be time to find an agent and start shopping for your dream home. Did you know

The White House features 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the residence area.