Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Should you rent or should you buy your home?
It takes more than looking at your potential mortgage payment to answer this question. Our Rent vs. Buy calculator helps you understand the difference in cost between renting and buying over 1 month, 1 year, 7 years, and 15 years.
Aside from comparing a monthly mortgage payment vs. a rent payment, consider the extra costs that accompany both options. For instance, a mortgage comes with property tax, insurance, and potential home repairs, while renting can mean dealing with rent increases or moving costs.
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First, ask yourself how much you can spend. Look at all your financial obligations to get a better picture of what you can put into a down payment as well as monthly payments.
You also want to consider the other costs of home-buying and ownership, like Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and property tax.
Need a little help with the numbers? Use our handy mortgage calculators to determine if it’s time to buy, calculate your monthly mortgage payments, or decide between mortgage types.
After you’ve gathered your financial information, you’re all set for the next step—talking to one of our loan officers. They can help you explore your loan options and answer any questions you may have.
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Applying for mortgage preapproval with SAFE is quick and easy. The application takes only about 15 minutes, and you can expect a quick response.
By the way, no official documents (such as ID or proof of income) are required until after you’re pre-approved.
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Refinancing can be a great option when your interest rate is above the current market rate. You may wish to refinance in order to:
- Lower your monthly mortgage payment
- Build equity
- Pay off your mortgage loan faster
- Get rid of mortgage insurance
- Switch from an adjustable to fixed-rate loan
However, when weighing the decision to refinance, it’s important to consider the impact of fees, prepayment penalties, or long-term costs. Those expenses could wipe out your potential savings.
Before you decide, let us help you get a customized rate quote based on your loan details. You can also estimate costs using our mortgage refinance calculator. As always, you can talk to one of our loan officers who will help you weigh your options.
To get started, simply visit our secure application portal. You can first receive a customized rate quote based on information such as:
- Type of refinance (Existing Balance or Cash Out)
- Estimated home value/purchase price
- Loan amount you’re requesting
- Location of the property
- Property type
- Credit score
When you’re ready to apply, it’s quick and easy. It takes only about 15 minutes to complete your application, and you can expect to quickly hear back from one of our Mortgage Loan Originators.
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When you’re ready to apply, it’s quick and easy. It takes only about 15 minutes to complete your application, and you can expect to quickly hear back from one of our Mortgage Loan Originators.
Just like there are benefits to banking with a credit union, there are benefits to borrowing from one, too. As a not-for-profit credit union, we can offer:
- Lower interest rates
- Fewer fees
- Friendly, personalized assistance from local loan officers
Even when you apply online, a SAFE team member will connect with you to provide one-on-one service throughout the entire mortgage process. You won’t be passed around—your loan will be assigned to a specific loan officer who will guide you from start to finish.
Not yet a SAFE member? You may qualify for membership based on your location or your membership in one of our partner organizations (including your employer). Learn more about joining safe on our Membership page.
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Work with our mortgage specialists at SAFE to purchase, remodel, refinance, or build your home. They can help you weigh your options and answer key questions, like: Should I refinance? What can I afford? What interest rate can I expect?
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