Dear Carrie: I’m one year into my four-year contract with the Army. I currently live off base but hate wasting my money on rent. I’m thinking about buying, especially since interest rates are so low and real estate prices just keep climbing. I don’t have much cash, but I don’t need a down payment for a Veterans Affairs loan. I figure if I stay in the Army and have to move, I can either sell or rent it out. My dad is all in favor of buying now, but my mom says I should wait until I leave the military. What do you think? —A Reader
Dear Reader: As the different opinions in your family demonstrate, buying a home versus renting is often a tough decision—and especially complicated for someone like you who may be forced to move without much notice. A Veterans Affairs loan can certainly help with the purchase, but there’s a lot more to consider as you look to the future.
