When I did a rent (and invest) vs. buy analysis back in January 2021 with a 2.6% interest rate, the results were pretty neck-and-neck. As rates climbed this year, I figured it would be fun (I’m using the word “fun” loosely) to revisit the exact same scenario with the higher rate.

Depressingly, when we recorded this episode just last week, the rate was 5.95%. In the course of a single week, it’s now surpassed 7% as of publish (9/27/2022). How have the rates changed the math now and how does one realistically budget for a median home in the US today with 6+% 30-year fixed rates? Let’s find out.

I'm also joined by Andy Taylor, VP & GM of Credit Karma Home (https://www.creditkarma.com/) to discuss breakeven costs, refinancing, and borrowing against home equity.