Preparing Financially to Rent an Apartment or Buy a Home
Our weekly #CreditChat started in 2012 to help our community learn about credit and important personal finance topics (e.g. saving money, paying down debt, improving credit scores). Each chat is hosted by @Experian on X (formerly Twitter) and all are welcome to participate. DM us any questions.
In this week’s chat, we’ll cover essential tips and strategies to help you navigate the financial aspects of renting or purchasing your dream home. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert advice and make informed decisions for your future!
Topic: Preparing Financially to Rent an Apartment or Buy a Home
When:Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 3 p.m. ET.
Where: Join the live hashtag discussion
The panel will include: Erika Giovanetti: Loans Expert and Reporter at U.S. News & World Report; Jeanne Kelly: Credit expert, identity theft expert, speaker and founder of JeanneKelly.net; Deacon Hayes: Founder of Well Kept Wallet; Jorrell Bland: Associate Wealth Advisor at Mitlin Financial, Inc.; Beverly Harzog: Credit Card Expert, Bestselling Author, columnist and podcast host at BeverlyHarzog.com;Diane Gardner, CFP®, CDFA®: Financial Advisor at LPL Financial; Ilyce Glink:Real Estate and Financial Wellness expert, author, speaker, entrepreneur and founder ofThinkGlink.com; Rod Griffin: Senior Director, Consumer Education and Advocacy, Experian; Jennifer White: Consumer Education and Advocacy Team, and Christina Roman: Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.
Gift Card Giveaway
Enter here for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! We will be announcing a winner at the end of the chat. Entry Period: Raffle open now and closes at the end of this chat at 4 p.m. ET. Complete rules here.
Questions we will discuss:
- How do you decide whether you should rent or if you are ready to buy a home at this point in your life?
- How do you determine how much you can afford when you are planning to rent or buy a home?
- How does your credit history impact your ability to rent an apartment or secure a mortgage, and how can you prepare to qualify?
- What upfront costs should someone expect when renting or buying (e.g., security deposit, down payment, closing costs)?
- What strategies can you use to save for a down payment or a security deposit?
- How can creating a monthly budget help you prepare to rent or buy?
- Why is it important to consider hidden or recurring costs like utilities, maintenance, mortgage insurance, or property taxes?
- How can you evaluate the neighborhood and community aspects when deciding to rent or buy, and what financial implications might these factors have?
- What steps can you take to protect yourself financially ahead of renting or purchasing a home?
- What financial red flags should you watch for when reviewing a lease or mortgage agreement?
Check out our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.