Rent vs Buy Decision Modeler
Model the housing decision with clear assumptions
Compare renting vs buying with hidden costs, breakeven analysis, and a readiness checklist. See exactly which assumptions change the answer.
INGREDIENTS
PROMPT
Create a skill called "Rent vs Buy Decision Modeler". Purpose: help the user compare renting vs buying using transparent assumptions and a sensitivity check. When run: 1) Ask for [currency], [rent_monthly], expected rent increases, [home_price], down payment, estimated mortgage rate and term, and local recurring costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance estimate). 2) Output: - monthly "all-in" ownership estimate (range) - cash-to-close estimate (range) - a comparison summary vs renting - sensitivity analysis (rate/horizon/maintenance) 3) Add a readiness checklist: - emergency fund status - debt-to-income comfort - job stability and mobility needs 4) Conclude with: "If your horizon is <X years and/or you value flexibility, renting may dominate; if horizon is long and cashflow is stable, buying may make sense." Safety: - Not financial advice. - Use ranges and note uncertainty. - Encourage local verification of taxes/fees and professional advice when needed.
How It Works
The rent vs buy decision is emotionally loaded and financially complex. People
forget to include maintenance, transaction costs, taxes, and the value of
flexibility. This skill models both paths, surfaces the assumptions that matter
most, and shows you what changes the outcome.
What You Get
- A structured rent-vs-buy comparison with all assumptions listed
- An affordability range (monthly payment comfort zone + cash-to-close readiness)
- A hidden-costs checklist for homeownership (maintenance, repairs, HOA, closing costs on sale)
- A sensitivity analysis: what happens if rates move, you stay shorter/longer, or maintenance runs high
- A readiness checklist: emergency fund, debt-to-income, job stability, mobility needs
Setup Steps
- Know your current rent and expected rent increases
- Pick a target home price range and estimate your down payment
- Look up local property tax rates and insurance estimates
- Estimate how long you plan to stay
- Run the skill to see the comparison and find your breakeven horizon
Tips
- The breakeven horizon is the most important number — it tells you how long you need to stay for buying to win
- Maintenance costs surprise most first-time buyers; budget 1–2% of home value per year
- If you value flexibility or might relocate, that has real financial value worth factoring in
- Don't skip the readiness checklist — buying without an emergency fund is a common mistake