US Housing Market: Renting Offers Flexibility and Savings Now

For the first time in 15 years, buying a house is more expensive than renting, creating a buyer's market in most U.S. metros. Despite price cuts and seller incentives, housing remains near record highs, with mortgage payments up 90% since 2021. High mortgage rates, driven by rising Treasury yields and inflation, have frozen the market as homeowners hold low-rate loans. Renting saves about $900 monthly compared to buying, making homeownership less affordable, especially for first-time buyers.