By Rob St Onge | DRE #01914112
If you’re renting in the High Desert or Inland Empire right now, it might feel like buying a home is out of reach—especially with today’s interest rates and rising prices.
But here’s the truth: Renting may still be costing you more than owning, and it certainly isn’t building your future.
💬 A Real Conversation That Changed Everything
A few years ago, a client named Pat H. came into my office in Apple Valley looking for a new rental. He was living in a rough area known locally as “The Flats” (some call it Felony Flats), and his lease was up.
He told me:
“I just need something better to rent. I don’t think I can buy.”
I asked one simple question:
👉 “How do you know you can’t?”
That opened the door. Within weeks, Pat had purchased a home where I negotiated:
✅ $8,000 in seller-paid closing costs
✅ $18,000 in window upgrades
✅ A $30,000 paid-off solar system
That deal isn’t typical anymore—but the mindset shift still applies.
📊 Rent vs. Buy in Mid-2025
Here’s how the numbers look today for a 3-bedroom home in Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Fontana:
| City | Avg. Rent (3BR Home) | Est. Ownership Cost (3.5% down FHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Valley | $2,536/mo | ~$3,600/mo |
| Hesperia | $2,745/mo | ~$3,800/mo |
| Fontana | $3,145/mo | ~$5,000/mo |
Even though buying may cost more up front each month, renting is 100% interest—with zero return. Owning starts building your equity from day one.
🧾 What’s Included in These Estimates?
Monthly ownership costs include:
- Principal & interest on a 30-year FHA loan at ~6.86% APR
- FHA mortgage insurance
- Property taxes (~1% of home value/year)
- Homeowners insurance
- Utilities (~$300/mo)
🏡 Why Buyers Are Still Making the Leap in 2025
Despite interest rates, homebuyers today have more leverage:
- Sellers offering concessions to help with closing costs
- FHA + down payment assistance still widely available
- Homes sitting longer = more negotiation power
And unlike rent, every mortgage payment moves you one step closer to owning your home outright.
🎓 Want to Learn the Real Numbers for YOU?
I host a free online webinar where I explain:
- Current buying programs
- What lenders look for
- Rent vs. buy math (tailored to your situation)
- How to avoid the 5 biggest renter mistakes
Register here for the next session
📍 No pressure. Just real talk.
