Good question. But deciding whether you are going to buy or rent depends on what type of real estate and the location. Let us know if we can help anywhere.

Tonk, updating my answer, we are seeing larger than average increases in home prices in certain price ranges. Each scenario needs to be evaluated individually but, in general, most people investing in mid priced homes can make it worth their while to purchase for 3 years. As for leasing out remember that there will be costs associated with that option. 6-10% for property management fees, the costs for finding a renter in the first place (typically a half a months rent) and the cost of repairs and maintenance.

Each scenario is different. It's important to sit down and talk it out with a variety of different professionals. Agents, property managers and lenders all need to be in on this discussion.

Home Buyer, I'm all in favor of buying but I still think deciding whether you are going to buy or rent depends on what your real estate goals are. Let us know how we can help.

Dear Tonk502 -
Buy or rent... depends! Depends on where you want to live, can you use the $8,000 tax credit, what are the restrictions where you purchase, can you rent the property out when you move on.... Better talk with an active real estate professional before you make that decision in today's market. Call me and we'll be glad to help.
979-764-2100

Tonk502. You did ask this question a while back and I really do hope you listened to all us Real Estate Pros. Especially those responding to you from the Bryan/College Station area. As others have mentioned, values are still appreciating and more importantly RENTAL RATES ARE UP!!!! This makes it a great decision to buy a home if you qualify for a loan and plan on living in the home for at least 3 years. Go to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, http://recenter.tamu.edu/, to review statistics on the College Station housing market. Wanna Buy may be very surprised to know our market activity is envied by most other markets across the nation.

In many markets it is smarter to rent than to buy. NOT COLLEGE STATION. Our average sales price is up from January 2008 to January 2009 by $24,500 to 174,100.

If you did not buy last year and have questions about the $8000 First time home buyer tax credit, visit my website, http://www.BCSHomePros.com and view the $8000taxcredit link to the right. Even if you have owned a home before, you could still qualify.........
http://www.ERA.com

Definitely, you just need to consider what type of home you are buying! You want a property that will be easy to lease later and you want to choose a home in a price range that will give you at least a one percent return on investment. For example, if I was going to buy a home for 135,000 you would want it to be able to lease out for at least 1,350.00 a month!
Happy House Hunting!

It think if you are going to be here for a min of 3 years I believe with the low interest rates, tax incentives avail and the equity you could build in a three year spend it way be wise to consider buying.

Not true Wanna Buy!
Here in College Station, home prices have increased by 5.5% in the last year, and the average sales price is up by more than 20,000 since 2008. We live in a college town. Rent amounts are higher. It is actually cheaper to buy than it is to rent.
Happy House Hunting!
Raylene Lewis, Realtor
The Best Realtor in the Brazos Valley http://www.buyincollegestation.com http://www.buyinbryantexas.com
979-218-2235
"Raylene Lewis, A House-Sold name"

Better to rent. You asked this in March 208. Since then prices have dropped like a rock.

What if you had let these "Pro"'s talk you into this then?!

Hod tight. Prices will drop more.

Rent and save like all the other smart money.

Hello Tonk!
The answer is 100% Yes! It is much better to buy if you stay in College Station for 3 years. One thing you need to think about is finding a property that will be easy to lease out, that will be low maintenance, and that will provide a rent income that will cover your monthly payment and hopefully provide a little profit too! I suggest finding a home that will lease out to families and not just students. Families tend to pay more in rent and do less damage to a property. Please let me know if you have anymore questions!
Happy House Hunting!
Raylene Lewis, Realtor
The Best Realtor in the Brazos Valley http://www.buyincollegestation.com http://www.buyinbryantexas.com
979-218-2235
"Raylene Lewis, A House-Sold name"

Tonk, If you're considering living in the property for three years and then renting it out it should be well worth it. Most of my clients break even if selling within two years and receive some equity in three. Since we haven't had the extreme increases in selling price that plagued California and other states, forcing the prices down over time, we should still see a steady, slow increase in sales prices over the next few years. You can go to my website and research the prices on homes and by neighborhood if you would like.

Good luck!

Because of the high turnover rate in our area, mostly because of our proximity to Texas A&M University, we have many clients who choose to purchase a property for their student children rather than rent. Although there is no guarantee, many people find this to be a valuable option due to the fact that our market remains strong. There are, of course, tax benefits of ownership rather than paying rent as well as the benefit of making an investment (rather than funding someone else's investment via paying rent). And yes, many people who invest for college purposes DO choose to retain their property afterwards and lease it out. We have several good leasing companies in the area who can help you with such a decision. Once you've made the decision to purchase, you will best serve your interest by contacting a qualified and reputable Realtor to help you with your purchase...and remember...Realtor services are free for buyers in our market. Best of luck!

Typically in three years you will have no problems getting your equity out. Worst case scenario is renting the property afterwards. The first step to a successful purchase for you is looking in areas that hold their value well. You make money when you buy a property, not when you sell it. I would love to help if you are looking for the right real estate agent.

FEW SUGGESTIONS:
a) purchasing a home is a tax write off
b) property values will go up in 3 years not only do you get a tax write off you make money on the home
c) you might want to consider a foreclosure therefore you make additional money on your purchase.
d) You need to be pre-approved prior to working with a realtor therefore a realtor can effectively work with you.