š” Is it time to buy, or should you continue renting? While the Fed’s recent rate cuts may seem like good news for potential homebuyers, many renters are still finding that the math doesn’t quite add up. š§® Mortgage rates remain over 6%, and with high home prices, the cost of owning a home often exceeds the monthly rent by hundreds of dollars. For many, it’s just too expensive to make the leap into homeownership right now. Experts say that for the monthly cost of buying a home to align with average U.S. rent, mortgage rates would need to fall closer to 5.25%. š Even in cities where buying is slightly more affordable than renting, buyers face other hurdles like coming up with down payments and the rising costs of home insurance and maintenance. šŖ️ As a result, many renters are choosing to stay put—whether due to affordability or life circumstances. However, if you're planning to stay long-term, buying could still be a smart move, especially as homeownership builds equity and o