Why I’ve Told Clients to Rent Instead of Buy
A home should be a place of peace, not the reason you can’t sleep at night.
I know it might sound strange coming from a real estate agent, but yes — I’ve told clients to rent instead of buy. Sometimes, the most powerful thing I can do for a client is say: not yet.
Whenever I sit down for a full buyer consultation, my goal isn’t just to help someone buy a home — it’s to help them make a decision that builds stability now and creates opportunity for the future. That time together isn’t about rushing to the closing table. It’s about honestly assessing where they are, especially financially, and whether buying a home right now would bring peace…or create panic.
The Hard Truth
I remember telling a few buyers to wait. And it was hard — really hard.
Some of them had waited years for this moment. I saw the passion in their eyes, the fire, the longing for what they had been hoping and praying for. Their kids were excited. Their hearts were full of vision. This wasn’t just a house — it was a dream.
But they didn’t have all the information they needed. They didn’t fully understand the process or what would be expected of them financially. They hadn’t yet counted the true cost. And as hard as it was, I had to help them see the reality. Saying “not yet” broke my heart. But not saying it would have broken them more.
When Renting Might Be the Right Move
There are seasons in life where renting isn’t just okay — it’s wise:
You’re still building or repairing your credit
Your income isn’t stable or consistent yet
You’re carrying too much debt and need breathing room
You don’t know where you want to settle long-term
You have very little savings and can’t absorb surprise costs
Buying before you’re ready can stretch you too thin — financially and emotionally. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve lived it myself and have also seen what it looks like when people wait just a little longer and enter homeownership with confidence, not chaos.
You’ve probably heard it a hundred times:
“You’re just paying someone else’s mortgage.” And while that may be true, that alone shouldn’t be the reason you rush. There’s more to this than avoiding rent — there’s timing, readiness, and responsibility.
Let’s Figure This Out Together
If you're feeling stuck or unsure, let's talk. We can create a plan together. Your timeline doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s — and that’s OK.
The Brandi Test: Are You Really Ready to Buy?
A 5-question gut check before you lock in a 30-year commitment
Before you jump into a mortgage, let’s slow down and look at a few essentials.
Buying a home is a big deal — and while the world might rush you to “just go for it,” I want to help you move wisely, not reactively.
If you can confidently say “yes” to most of these questions, homeownership might be closer than you think. But if your answers raise a few red flags? That’s okay. Renting for now might actually protect your future — not delay it.
This isn’t a pass/fail. It’s a wisdom check.
Take the Brandi Test Below
I’ve created a quick 5-question readiness quiz to help you check in — financially, mentally, and emotionally — before you commit to a mortgage.
At the end, I’ll personally follow up with:
A breakdown of what your answers say about your readiness
A clear, no-pressure readiness score
And if you’d like — a free 15-minute consult to talk through your next step
This is about confidence, not comparison. Strategy, not stress. And doing what’s right for you, not just what looks good on paper.
Note: This is a self-assessment tool and is not a substitute for personalized financial, legal, or mortgage advice.
