Is it better to buy or rent?

I'm thinking about moving out of home. I'm 20 years old, have a casual job which pays fairly well and will probably move out with my best friend. Would it be better for us to rent (that way we both have the option to move out when we need to)? or buy (i don't want to get stuck paying rent for the rest of my life, but also dont think i want to buy a house at this age)?

Answers:
Buying with a friend is complicated, because you really don't know how life is going to change as you go down the road. One of you may be ready to move on sooner than the other. So, no, don't buy yet. Instead, if your job gives you the option to invest in a 401(k), start putting money into a retirement account. That money will not be subject to federal or state income tax. Also, start a regular savings account so when you are in a position to buy your first home, you'll have money for the down payment. As your funds grow, you can diversify your investments. In the meantime, learn about real estate and all the ways you can invest in real estate. Some people start by buying a fixer-upper, living there while they fix it up, then selling it for a nice profit. (Keep in mind you have to live there for a full two years in order the claim the $250,000 exemption for profit on your personal residence.)

It is good that you are thinking about how to build a sound financial future. Learn all you can. Use your money wisely. Don't get caught up in credit card debt. You can use a credit card, but pay it off in full every month. (Even better, get a rebate credit card that will actually pay you for using it.) Build up your credit rating so that when you are ready to buy real estate, you will qualify for the best possible mortgage. Good luck!

Other answers:
It is usually better to buy, but you have to be able to afford it. It would be difficult to buy at your age because you probably don't have credit yet.
It is usually better to buy, but you have to be able to afford it. It would be difficult to buy at your age because you probably don't have credit yet.
i say rent
u wont be tied down
It's definitely better to buy. Paying rent is paying someone else's house payment. You might as well pay your own and in a few years you will have some equity built up...)(
RENT
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