So, you're thinking about renting or buying a piece of Petoskey Michigan real estate or a Traverse City lakefront home, is that really what you want to do? Maybe Gaylord Michigan or the Upper Peninsula has caught your eye as well, should you rent or buy? Well, the decision really doesn't have anything to do with what area you are considering the possibility, but there are a few things that does matter.

1) What is your budget?

2) What are your long term goals?

3) Do you expect to be in the area for a while?

4) How is your credit score?

5) Do you have the down payment associated with purchasing a piece of northern Michigan real estate?

6) Are you able to handle the responsibilities of owning your own home?

Yes, there are plenty of arguments on both sides of the issue. You will find that over 95% of the world population own their own home, so that my give you an indication. Please also consider this statistic may be skewed depending on your age bracket. Approximately 99% of all persons under the age of 25 does NOT own a home. If you learn anything from my writings, hopefully you'll realize that you need to get all the facts before you just believe something that is in writing. The northern Michigan real estate market has been good to property owners for decades. The return on their investment are solid, especially during the recent dry spells of the stock market. From Cadillac Michigan property to Benzie Michigan real estate and up to Drummond Drummon Island real estate, all areas have seen a steady growth above inflation.

Renting has it's place in time, we've all done it. Other than death, taxes and family, owning a home is part of life and an accomplishment as well.