Rent vs. Own

Finally, a real estate reality check that cuts through all the biased rhetoric to answer the conundrum on everyone's mind: Should I buy now or keep renting? The magnitude of the housing crash and constantly conflicting reporting have left prospective buyers hungry for a well-researched reference guide. Enter Rent vs. Own, the first real estate advice book not to assume buying is always best. Expert finance and real estate reporter Jane Hodges explains how the housing market works and breaks down all the pros and cons of buying and renting. With dozens of success stories and cautionary tales from real-life renters and owners all over the country, this indispensable decision-making manual gives confused consumers the tools to make the best choice for their budget, market, emotional needs, and future.

Jane Hodges has written extensively on residential and investment real estate for The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC.com, AOL Real Estate, The Seattle Times, and more. After living in eight rentals, she's now a homeowner twice-over and currently lives in a 1966 raised rancher in Seattle.