To buy or not to buy? That is the question on the minds of many people. This significant financial and lifestyle decision shouldn't be taken lightly. If you face the following situations in your life, it's probably a good idea to stick with renting a home for now.  

You're Not Going to Stay in the City You're In

While buying a home makes good financial sense for many people who plan to stay in the same area on a long-term basis, that probably isn't the case for those who only plan to stay in a city for a few years or less. In order to see a return on a real estate investment, you probably would need to buy a home and dwell in it for at least a few years. Additionally, the work and effort of buying and selling a house in a short span of time would prove to be too stressful for most people to be worth it. With gorgeous historic downtown apartments for rent, the temporary options are awesome anyway.

You Can't Get a Fair Mortgage

The terms of your mortgage can be a big factor in determining whether home ownership is a good fit for you at this time of your life. If you have poor credit and lack a strong work history, you probably are not going to be able to get reasonable interest rates or a small down payment option. Even when a high security deposit is required, renting can prove to be a better deal for those who are struggling with credit issues.

Property Taxes in Your Area Are Ridiculous

Some states have much higher property taxes than others. Before you purchase a home, it's important to consider the sometimes "hidden" costs of owning and maintaining a home that many people ignore in their rush to go from renter to home owner. Property taxes are typically a huge, ongoing expense, as they must be paid year after year. If the property taxes in your area are among the higher ones, it can make more sense to simply rent a home.

Finally, your decision about home ownership is one of the biggest financial decisions of your adult life. When in doubt, try renting for a year or so longer. With lovely housing options like historic downtown apartments, this can be a very appealing decision. Also, you can always change your mind later and continue to save up for a down payment. Don't rush into a decision. Take your time to decide whether home ownership is right for you at this point in your life.