Buying vs. Renting in College: What the Numbers Really Say

How parents are building wealth instead of paying rent—for the same monthly cost.

Homeowners have 40x the wealth of renters.

That’s not just a stat—it’s a wake-up call.

At first glance, renting seems easier—especially in the chaos of moving your child into college or starting fresh in a new city. But if you’re a parent of a college student (or a student yourself) considering housing options, you might be surprised to learn just how much wealth you can build by buying real estate instead of renting in a college town.

Let’s break it down.

Why Buying Real Estate in a College Town Makes Sense

According to a recent study, the average homeowner has 40 times the wealth of average renter. Why? Because every mortgage payment builds equity—and equity builds wealth.

When you rent, that monthly check goes straight to someone else’s pocket. When you own, a portion of your payment goes toward the principal—which is essentially transferring money from your left pocket to your right, as Ken would say. That’s your equity, your investment, and your financial future.

And in college towns, where housing demand stays strong year after year, appreciation can add even more value.

When Is Renting the Right Move?

Of course, there are times when renting makes more sense:

You need to move quickly and don’t have time for the buying process
You’re facing financial instability or uncertain job/location changes in the next 6–12 months
You’re not ready to take on the responsibilities of homeownership

But even then, a short-term rental with a long-term plan to buy can still be a smart move.

What It Takes to Buy Real Estate as a Student or Parent

Buying real estate isn’t just for full-time professionals. Students and their families have more options than ever:

FHA Loans – Just 3.5% down payment required
Professional Loans – Tailored for doctors, attorneys, and other high-earning professions
USDA Loans – Zero down payment (must be in rural areas)
VA Loans – For veterans and military families

Even better? Parents can co-sign or invest in the property with their student, turning it into a dual-purpose asset: a home for their child and a long-term rental or Airbnb opportunity after graduation.

Parents: Think of It as “An Advance on the Inheritance”

Helping your child buy now can have a profound long-term impact on their financial stability. If you’re financially able, consider this mindset:

“Why not give them part of their inheritance now, when it will set them up for success?”

Owning property during college isn’t just a smart move—it can be life-changing.

Real Example: $250K Property vs. Rent

Let’s say you're considering buying a $250,000 property. Over 5 years, with a conservative 5% annual appreciation (which aligns with 30-year historical averages), that home could be worth over $300,000—gaining $50,000 in equity.

Meanwhile, rent is likely rising at 5% a year—and you’re building wealth for your landlord instead of yourself.

Bonus: Monthly Payment Stability

Unlike rent, your mortgage doesn’t go up every year. And if interest rates drop, refinancing could actually lower your monthly payment.

That means predictable costs, long-term savings, and the ability to budget more effectively than the average renter.

Start Building Wealth Today

Whether you're a parent looking to invest or a student or young professional hoping to stop renting, the bottom line is simple: Real estate in a college town is more than just housing—it's a wealth-building opportunity.

Want to know if it makes sense for your family? Let’s talk. We’ll run the numbers, connect you with trusted lenders, and help you explore your options—without pressure, just guidance.

Ready to stop renting and start building equity?

Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams – Client focused . Performance driven

The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams is honored to be part of a company that fosters a culture of excellence, empowering its agents to deliver unmatched service and expertise. This commitment to excellence is why Keller Williams agents consistently achieve results that set the standard in the industry. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, our team is here to ensure your goals are not only met but exceeded. Trust the Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams to guide you through every step of your real estate journey.

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Honoring History, Inspiring Hope: Supporting Alabama’s First Public Holocaust Memorial

April 30, 2025

At Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams, we believe our mission goes beyond real estate—it’s about investing in people, purpose, and progress. Whether through homeownership or community service, we are committed to helping neighborhoods grow in meaningful and lasting ways. Recently, Recently, we took great pride to be part of an initiative that reflects those very values: the creation of Alabama’s first public Holocaust Memorial, now open to all at Birmingham’s historic Elmwood Cemetery. This powerful new monument was spearheaded by Barbara Bonfield, a visionary leader whose dedication and persistence brought the project to life ( Barbara’s moving interview can be seen in the dedication video ) . Funded by members of Birmingham’s Temple Beth El, including Vikki and Ken Grodner and others in the greater Birmingham community , the memorial stands as a tribute not only to the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, but also to the survivors who found the strength to rebuild their lives and legacies in new places—including right here in Alabama. When Terry Holzman, a friend and client, approached Ken and Vikki to support this effort, they immediately felt called to contribute. Ken joined the initiative with gratitude and purpose—helping lead outreach efforts and encourage others to support this historic moment. The result is an 8-foot-tall, 700-pound steel sculpture in the form of a dead tree, resting on rusted railroad tracks. The tracks—originally used during the era of slavery in Alabama—evoke a chilling duality: a local legacy of oppression and the haunting memory of the trains that carried millions to Nazi extermination camps. In its starkness, the sculpture demands reflection. Yet, in its permanence, it offers a call to remember, learn, and ensure “never again” truly means never again. The memorial is not just a place of mourning—it is also a place of resilience and renewal. It honors those who survived the Holocaust, rebuilt their lives, started families, and continued their traditions in the face of unimaginable loss. For Ken, Vikki, and all of us at Hospitality Network Group, this project exemplifies our mission to uplift and support causes that enrich the communities we serve. We’re proud to stand behind efforts like this that preserve history, promote understanding, and inspire future generations to act with compassion and courage. We invite you to visit the memorial at Elmwood Cemetery and to learn more by reading the Alabama News Center’s coverage. Thank you to Barbara Bonfield, Terry Holzman, and all those who contributed to making this vision a reality. Together, we’re not only remembering the past—we’re building a stronger future that safeguards pride, protects honor, and upholds the integrity of all people. Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams – Client focused . Performance driven The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams is honored to be part of a company that fosters a culture of excellence, empowering its agents to deliver unmatched service and expertise. This commitment to excellence is why Keller Williams agents consistently achieve results that set the standard in the industry. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, our team is here to ensure your goals are not only met but exceeded. Trust the Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams to guide you through every step of your real estate journey. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your real estate dreams.

New Trend in Wealth Transfer: How Parents and Grandparents Are Transferring Wealth to Their Adult Children Through Real Estate

April 24, 2025

As real estate continues to be one of the most effective tools for building and preserving wealth, many families are strategically using homeownership to transfer financial security to the next generation. By leveraging real estate investments, parents can provide both immediate support and long-term financial stability for their children. With home prices on the rise and tax laws evolving, proactive wealth transfer strategies can maximize benefits while minimizing tax burdens. Rather than waiting to pass on assets through inheritance, many parents are choosing to transfer wealth now by helping their children acquire property and enjoy it additional years of the benefit. Here’s how they’re making it happen. 1. Gifting a Home with a Structured Loan Forgiveness Plan A married couple can loan their single child $500,000 (or any other amount) to purchase a home, following the guidelines established by the IRS. This method allows parents to maintain financial control while gradually transferring wealth. Here’s how it works: The parents forgive an amount equal to the maximum annual gift tax exemption per parent ($19,000 in 2025) on the loan, totaling $38,000 per year. This process can be repeated annually until the full loan amount is forgiven. If the child is married, their spouse can also receive the same gift amount, effectively doubling the annual forgiveness to $76,000 per year. Over time, this strategy allows parents to gift a home while minimizing tax implications. 2. Buying a Home in Cash and Gifting It For parents who have the financial means, purchasing a home outright and gifting it to their child can be a tax-efficient way to transfer wealth. Here’s how it works: A married couple buys their child a $500,000 home in cash and gifts it to them. They file the required gift tax return, which falls under the lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion of $27.98 million per married couple (for 2025). This strategy allows for the immediate transfer of homeownership without requiring the child to take on a mortgage. Important Note: The lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion is set to drop significantly in 2026, from $13.99 million per individual ($27.98M per couple) to approximately $5 million per individual. This means high-net-worth families should consider making large gifts before the exemption decreases. Why Real Estate Is a Smart Wealth Transfer Strategy 1. Tax Advantages By structuring gifts properly, families can leverage the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime gift tax exemption to pass on real estate with minimal tax consequences. Additionally, if the child holds onto the property, they may benefit from step-up in basis rules if the home is inherited later. 2. Long-Term Wealth Growth Real estate historically appreciates in value (on average 5% per year over the last 30 years), making it an excellent asset for wealth accumulation. By helping children buy a home now, families position them for financial growth through home equity. 3. Immediate Use & Stability Unlike other investments, real estate provides immediate utility—offering a stable place to live while also serving as a valuable financial asset. Start Building Generational Wealth with Real Estate Today As wealth transfer strategies evolve, real estate continues to be a cornerstone of financial planning for families. Whether through structured loans, gift exemptions, or outright purchases, helping your adult children acquire property now can be a powerful way to secure their financial future. If you're considering using real estate as a generational wealth transfer tool, contact The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams today. Our team specializes in guiding families through smart real estate investments that maximize long-term wealth potential. Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams – Client focused . Performance driven The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams is honored to be part of a company that fosters a culture of excellence, empowering its agents to deliver unmatched service and expertise. This commitment to excellence is why Keller Williams agents consistently achieve results that set the standard in the industry. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, our team is here to ensure your goals are not only met but exceeded. Trust the Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams to guide you through every step of your real estate journey. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your real estate dreams. Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this blog is for general informational purposes only. You should consult your own legal, financial, or tax advisor and verify all information to your satisfaction prior to taking any action.

Buying vs. Renting in College: What the Numbers Really Say