Most people assume home buying is only for the “settled” crowd—the ones with white picket fences, 2.5 kids, and a dog. If you’re thinking, “That’s not me. I don’t ever want to buy a house,” I get it. The process sounds intimidating, the costs seem overwhelming, and renting feels like the safer, simpler option.

But here’s the thing: staying out of the home-buying conversation doesn’t make the realities go away. In fact, it might be costing you more than you realize. Let’s talk about why it’s worth at least exploring home ownership -and why working with 1% Lists Indiana, makes the leap smarter, not scarier.

Renting Feels Flexible -But It’s Expensive Flexibility

Renting gives you the freedom to move when you want. That’s real. But the flip side is, every single month you’re paying someone else’s mortgage. Rent in Columbus has steadily climbed over the past decade, and landlords adjust prices faster than your income can catch up. Meanwhile, a fixed-rate mortgage means your payment doesn’t suddenly jump just because the market shifts. Stability matters.

Ownership Builds Wealth in the Background

Buying a home isn’t about “settling down.” It’s about planting a financial seed that quietly grows. Every month, your mortgage payment chips away at the loan and builds equity -money you can eventually borrow against, use to upgrade, or cash out if you sell. Rent checks? They vanish into thin air.

Think of it like this: ten years of rent = ten years of receipts. Ten years of a mortgage = a six-figure asset.

Control Beats Landlord Rules

Renting often means no say in paint colors, pets, or whether you can add that garden you’ve always wanted. Owning your home flips the script—you set the rules. And in Columbus, where homes often come with more land and character than cookie-cutter rentals, ownership means your lifestyle stops depending on a landlord’s yes or no.

Maintenance Costs Are Real -But So Is Value

Yes, homes need upkeep. Furnaces break. Roofs need replacing. That’s the part that scares a lot of renters away. But here’s the truth: those repairs translate directly into value. Fixing your own roof means your investment grows stronger. Paying a landlord’s higher rent for them to fix their roof? That’s you footing the bill with nothing to show for it.

Why 1% Lists Indiana Changes the Math

Now, here’s where most people get stuck: realtor fees. Traditionally, selling a home means paying 6% commission—and that eats away at your hard-earned equity. At 1% Lists, we do it differently. We list homes at just 1%, which means you keep more of your money when it’s time to sell.

That savings can easily mean tens of thousands of dollars back in your pocket -enough for your next down payment, a renovation, or just peace of mind. In a market like Columbus, where affordability and value go hand in hand, that edge matters.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to be “house hungry” to benefit from owning a home. You just have to look at the bigger picture: wealth, stability, and control. Renting may feel easier today, but five, ten, or twenty years down the road, homeownership is the move that sets you up with choices -not limitations.

And if you ever decide to take that first step? 1% Lists Indiana, makes sure your money goes further and your experience stays grounded in what matters: value, transparency, and your long-term goals.