Reader: Renting Instead of Buying Is Dumb and So Is Anyone Who Thinks Otherwise

A new survey by RealtyTrac about renting versus buying in the Denver area drew some strong reactions from our readers. According to the report, it's more affordable to pay the mortgage on a three-bedroom property in about two-thirds of the country than it is to rent a similar-size place. In...

By Michael Roberts

July 10, 2015

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A new survey by RealtyTrac about renting versus buying in the Denver area drew some strong reactions from our readers.

According to the report, it's more affordable to pay the mortgage on a three-bedroom property in about two-thirds of the country than it is to rent a similar-size place.

In Denver metro, however, rent was the better deal in three of five counties analyzed.

One reader took strong exception to this finding and blasted Westword for even reporting about it.

Here's the post.

Alex Seamount writes:

More affordable now, maybe, less of an investment, absolutely. This article is asinine. You'll never in a million years be able to get out of an apartment what you invest into it. A home will be the biggest and best investment a person will make in their lifetime. Westword, once again, you SUCK!

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts. For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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