[richlevy]

Originally Posted by wolf

I am currently working on avoiding owning my own unit ... these are rentals. The prior complex management significantly lowered their screening standards when they had to have full occupancy in order to sell the entire complex to the developer who is going to then sell off the individual units as condos. For way too much money. (I think I wrote something about this in the condo conversion thread). For a long time the high rents kept the riff-raff out, then it started keeping everybody out. They managed to get full occupancy by changing the pet ownership rules, lowering rents so new tennants are paying less than I do, and offering some "move in specials."

It depends on how adverse you are to moving. You should be able to renegotiate your rental, if you are willing to have your bluff called and move.

Unless you are planning on pulling up stakes anytime soon, owning is not a bad option taxwise if you can find value.

When I saw Bob's house in Mt. Airy I was very impressed. They fix up real nice. If the neighborhood is going upscale, then buying there is not a bad idea except for the commute.