i have always prefered to buy as long as i could get a low intrest rate and a short term. my current loan is a 15 year at 2.75% its not to bad. my old one was a 30 year at 6.125% . if i would have paid it for 30 years i would have paid for the $130,000 house plus around $145000 in intrest. screw that . i just like buying over renting because i can build equity.