Someone we know who moved back rented first and then purchased once they knew what area they wanted. Schools were the draw for them but Zillow or other sites showed a crime rate F which is scary if you read the profile of the area and house. When you live nearby, you find it is crime which is reported which when you live in a city you think it is "normal."
They also cleared their mortgage first as well then purchased, were able to buy well, haggle on the price and still get the good schools. A big motivation for the seller was that they had no property to sell even though they purchased a 3 bedroom house etc.
Good luck, renting also means you can up and move with no hassles if crime F is really true
hateadminforms got a reaction from Vanessa + Mario in Buying a home??