October 29, 2020

Renting vs. Buying: Three Ways Renting Comes Out on Top

Considering renting? Over 100 million Americans are renting, so let’s talk about why. For renters, upfront and long-term costs are lower, maintenance is easier, and moving is more flexible. In the toss-up of renting vs. buying, renting might just come out on top! Keep reading to learn more.

Upfront and Long-Term Costs Are Lower

When you add up the upfront costs and costs over time for renting vs. buying, renting turns out to be more affordable. For starters, a mortgage usually requires a 20 percent down payment, while a rental lease only requires a security deposit, usually equal to one month’s rent. Then there are long-term costs, like property taxes (which renters don’t need to pay) and insurance. Here, renting takes the cake, too! According to a 2017 study by the Insurance Information Institute , the average renters insurance policy costs $180 per year, while the average homeowners policy costs $1,211.

Maintenance Is Easier

In the renting vs. buying debate, maintenance is a big point in favor of renting. When the unexpected happens, like something in your home breaking, it’s good to know that someone else is responsible for making repairs . For example, at Countrywood Apartment Homes, our knowledgeable and friendly staff sets to work to make repairs as soon as you report that something needs attention. No last-minute trips to the hardware store for you!

Moving Is More Flexible

Something great about renting is how short the leases are compared with the much-longer term of a mortgage. With a relatively short lease, renters are free to pack up and move whenever a new opportunity presents itself. 

“Regardless of age, mobility is one of the top reasons people decide to rent,” writes Robert Pinnegar at The Washington Post . “For millennials just entering the workforce or in the process of building their careers, the ability to relocate is a major factor. Even if they are in a financial position to purchase a home, millennials may choose to rent to have the flexibility to take advantage of new job opportunities as they arise.”

To help make sure you can hit the ground running if you ever move away from Countrywood Apartment Homes, we instated our loyalty bonus: If you move from Countrywood Apartment Homes to another AMC property or vice versa, we’ll give you $250 to help make sure you are taken care of.

With lower costs, easier maintenance, and more flexibility with moving, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing to rent. At Countrywood Apartment Homes, we’re here to make renting a great experience for you! Stop by and visit us to see why renting might be the right choice for you in the renting vs. buying choice.

April 15, 2026
At  Counrtywood Apartments  , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us. 1. The AppFolio Resident Portal Ap p The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs: Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card. Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow. Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime. 2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinat a Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata. How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus. The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.) 3. More Ways the App Helps You Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Redlands community. You can: Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs. Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details. Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents. At  Counrtywood Apartments  , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.
By Marketing - March 14, 2024
Redlands, California, is a city located in the heart of San Bernardino Valley, surrounded by the natural beauty of some of California's highest mountain peaks and largest forests. However, Redlands isn't far away from some of California's largest cities. It’s only 60 miles away from Los Angeles and even closer to San Bernardino and Anaheim.  Redlands got its name from the red-adobe-colored soil of the region. The iron-rich and rocky soil is perfect for citrus trees, but many other crops struggle to grow. This is why, since its beginning, Redlands has been home to a large number of orange groves dating all the way back to 1882 when the first grove was planted. If you're thinking about moving to Redlands, CA, or are just interested in learning more, we've put together a helpful guide that will explain everything you need to know about this beautiful city we call home.
city decorated for christmas
November 15, 2023
After a long year of school, work, and challenges, it’s so nice to have the holidays to look forward to. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, get ready for Christmas in Redlands by reading our guide.