Tip

TIP: There is no such thing as owning "rent free."

You might like the satisfaction of owning a home. When you own a home, however, you still must pay property taxes, which go to support services. Taxes will not likely ever go away. Maintenance, upkeep, cleaning, and repairs of a house never cease.

Are taxes and maintenance costs included in the rent of an apartment or a house? Of course they are. However, the dream of living "rent free" by owning a home or condominium is a misconception.