Say you had 20% down payment. In 2004-2005, you can get 30yr fixed for ~5%. That’s $1481 per month which $300 goes to your principle. Even with property taxes and HOA you are probably under $2000. If you then count tax deduction and the principle you are paying off (>$500), aren’t you financially better off than paying $1500 for rent? I guess you can argue that the house has lost in value but that was paper gain anyways. Also, since you held the house for less than 2yrs and with fees you probably netted less than 30K, right?
