Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Home

Jeff Lang July 11, 2025

While renting offers flexibility, you should also consider the long-term financial gains of homeownership in 2025.

Let’s be real: renting totally makes sense…
If you’re committed to a lifestyle of maximum flexibility, zero lawn care, and paying someone else's mortgage for them.

If you’ve been debating whether to keep renting or finally buy a home in 2025, I want to start by giving you all the reasons you shouldn't buy a home. Yes, you heard that right—from a real estate expert, no less. Here are some perfectly valid (or at least entertaining) reasons to stay a renter:

You love the thrill of rising rent prices and unpredictable lease renewals
You enjoy calling your landlord to fix your sink (for the third time)
You’re focused entirely on the now and are not thinking about long-term planning
You are not willing to risk your investment in an unlikely down year
You prefer freedom over forced savings (aka building wealth through amortization and appreciation)

But—if you're even slightly curious about how owning a home could shift your financial future, it’s worth looking at the math.

"Deciding to buy a home is personal. Everyone's situation is different, and timing matters."

Let’s use a real-world example here in Burlingame, California.
Renting a home for $8,000/month might sound fine until you compare it to buying a $2.5 million home. I assumed a 4% annual rent increase (which, let’s be honest, could be conservative in this market) and a 6.2% yearly home appreciation based on local data.

Spoiler alert: buying didn’t just win. It lapped renting. The benefits from appreciation, mortgage paydown (amortization), and tax advantages combine into real, long-term wealth—not just hypothetical gains on a spreadsheet.

Of course, buying a home is personal. Timing matters, and everyone’s situation is different. But if you’re tired of watching home values rise while your rent does the same—and your savings… doesn’t—I’d love to help you compare the numbers for your ZIP code.

Shoot me an email at [email protected] or call (650) 766-6412. I’ll send over a custom chart showing how renting stacks up against buying where you live.

And if there’s another myth you want me to bust or a topic you’d like covered in a future post, let me know. I’m here to help you make smart moves—not just for today, but for your future.

Jeff Lang

REALTOR®

Primary phone
(650) 766-6412
License Number
#01221669
Email
[email protected]
Address
1440 Chapin Ave,
Burlingame, CA 94401

About The Author

Jeff Lang's career in real estate is a testament to his strategic, growth-oriented mindset and his dedication to helping clients navigate the unique landscapes of San Mateo County. With his focus on areas from Burlingame to San Carlos and Pacifica since 2011, Jeff has become an invaluable asset to those seeking the perfect balance of urban and suburban life. His appreciation for the county's temperate weather and easy access to a plethora of outdoor activities resonates deeply with his clientele, who seek both the vibrancy of urban living and the tranquility of suburban spaces.

Beginning his journey in commercial real estate in San Francisco in 1997 and later transitioning to residential real estate in La Jolla, Jeff has honed a deep understanding of the industry. Known for his professional, caring, and patient approach, he brings a results-oriented and responsive attitude to every transaction. Jeff's unique strength lies in his ability to outperform competitors by leveraging his extensive experience and education.

Jeff leverages his education having received his JD and an MBA, alongside numerous real estate certifications including Master Certified Negotiations Expert and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, enabling him to devise winning strategies for each transaction. His approach not only ensures success but also puts his clients at ease, earning their trust and loyalty.

Outside of real estate, Jeff's life is as dynamic and multifaceted as his professional pursuits. His hobbies range from trail running and hiking with his dog to playing golf, tennis, and pickleball, and he's an enthusiastic Peloton user. A proud graduate of law school at the age of 42 and an Ironman triathlon finisher, Jeff's achievements speak to his determination and commitment. These qualities, combined with his professional expertise, make him an exceptional choice for buyers, sellers, and investors—especially in the $2m+ range—who are looking for more than just a transaction but a partnership with a seasoned expert who will turn them into raving fans.

In his over two decades in real estate, Jeff is most proud of partnering with his clients to build the life of their dreams. It helps that Jeff is a negotiations shark, having competed nationally as president of the negotiations team in law school and as a Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE). His MBA and JD also give him and his clients a competitive advantage in every transaction, leading to his listings selling for 4.8% more than the average San Mateo County agent and offers getting accepted 6x more frequently.

If you are looking for an agent who will take on your goal as their own and be relentless in their pursuit of achieving that goal, then you want Jeff as your partner. He’s completed five marathons, including one in Antarctica, and dozens of triathlons, including an Ironman. His passion for taking on a challenge and grinding away to craft creative solutions is unparalleled. Jeff has a natural talent for putting things in perspective, keeping your eye on the prize, and clarifying the strategy to provide opportunities for success in your transaction.

A few of Jeff’s other certifications include NAR’s ePro for advanced digital marketing and NAR’s Green Designations for sustainability in real estate, Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification, Keller Williams’ BOLD program, and Tony Robbins’ Mastery University. He is also a member of the Institute for Luxury Marketing. These help him and his clients outpace the competition by selling at a higher price and getting offers accepted more often. This track record and partnership continue to provide repeat and referral business, the basis for his growing business.

Reach out to Jeff for a free consultation to discuss your real estate goals. He would be happy to make your goals his and utilize his extensive experience to make it happen.