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Decision Modeling
Buy vs. Rent Comparison
A side-by-side projection of buying a Hawai‘i home versus renting — modeling appreciation, mortgage amortization, taxes, and the opportunity cost of investing the down payment elsewhere.
Purchase Scenario
Home Price$2,500,000
Down Payment20% — $500,000
Interest Rate6.75%
Loan Term30 years
Rental Scenario
Time Horizon
Years to Compare10 years
After 10 Years
Renting wins
by $1,760,255 in projected net wealth.
Buyer Net Position-$311,333
Renter Portfolio$1,448,921
Home Value$3,700,611
Home Equity$1,994,591
Breakeven Year—
Monthly P&I$12,972
Upfront (Down + Closing)$550,000
Estimates only. Real outcomes depend on lender, market timing, tax situation, and lifestyle. Consult Steve and a tax advisor for tailored guidance.
Year-by-Year
Wealth trajectory
| Year | Home Value | Equity | Buyer Net | Renter Portfolio | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,600,000 | $621,315 | -$229,517 | $626,536 | Rent +$856,053 |
| 2 | $2,704,000 | $748,114 | -$255,455 | $705,707 | Rent +$961,162 |
| 3 | $2,812,160 | $880,661 | -$277,642 | $787,624 | Rent +$1,065,266 |
| 4 | $2,924,646 | $1,019,231 | -$295,894 | $872,407 | Rent +$1,168,302 |
| 5 | $3,041,632 | $1,164,118 | -$310,021 | $960,183 | Rent +$1,270,204 |
| 6 | $3,163,298 | $1,315,627 | -$319,821 | $1,051,084 | Rent +$1,370,905 |
| 7 | $3,289,829 | $1,474,080 | -$325,082 | $1,145,253 | Rent +$1,470,335 |
| 8 | $3,421,423 | $1,639,817 | -$325,580 | $1,242,841 | Rent +$1,568,420 |
| 9 | $3,558,280 | $1,813,195 | -$321,079 | $1,344,007 | Rent +$1,665,086 |
| 10 | $3,700,611 | $1,994,591 | -$311,333 | $1,448,921 | Rent +$1,760,255 |