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Buy Versus Rent Housing Search
Deciding where to live is a huge decision, but HotPads has made it easier by creating the first "Buy vs. Rent" search engine. By displaying all available options next to each other, we have provided housing shoppers with the information necessary to make the most sound financial decisions when deciding whether to buy or rent their next home.
About HotPads Buy vs. Rent Search
In HotPads' Buy vs. Rent Search, both real estate for sale and rental housing listings are displayed side by side in the search results on the map. For Sale listings have an associated monthly costs that take mortgage payments including interest rate, down payment, and term length into account. As you adjust your pricing criteria on the map search, HotPads restricts your results to only include the real estate and rentals that you can afford.
If you're undecided about where to live, or just want to see how your neighborhood stacks up to those around you, be sure to check out our rent ratio heat maps, too!
Navigating the HotPads Map
Enter a city, address, or zip code into the text box or use the map to zoom into your desired location. If you don't see your city on the map, keep zooming in and dragging the map until you've reached your desired geographical area.
Searching the Map by Pricing, Bedrooms, etc.
Use the search bar at the top of the map to set your monthly payment, select the number of bedrooms, and tweak the other settings to find the home that is right for you. If you'd like more control, click advanced and you'll see places to set mortgage rates, down payments, property types, as well as restrict your search by number of photos, listing date, or even to only your favorite listings.
Inquiring about a Property
You can inquire about any listings right from the details page. Use the blue contact box to send any questions you might have to the agent or property manager handling the real estate or rental listing.
If you'd rather speak to a person, click 'show phone number' and we'll show you the phone number you can use to contact the owners of the property.
Buy Versus Rent Calculator
Our Buy vs. Rent Calculator will help you make the most informed decision possible when deciding whether you should buy or rent your next home. Just plug your best estimates into the calculator fields, and you'll see several charts showing the difference between buying and renting:
There are also helpful hints beside each chart option that explain the variable or output. Simply click the "?" next to each input to see an informative blurb.
Housing Shopper Guides
Whatever decision you reach, HotPads has great guides that will help you through the process of buying or renting your next abode.
Renters Guide
From basic questions about Signing a Lease to more in-depth questions about whether you should Buy or Rent Your Next Place, our Renters Guide has the answers you are looking for.
Buyers Guide
From Home Buying Basics to how to Find the Perfect Home, our Buyers Guide can help you make the best choices when buying a home.
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