Is 2026 finally the year to stop renting — or does it still make sense to wait? In this episode of Albuquerque Real Estate Talk, we take a deeper, more honest look at the rent vs. buy decision without the fear-based headlines or oversimplified math.

This conversation is part of our January: The Reality Check series, where we’re helping buyers and sellers recalibrate expectations for the year ahead. Instead of asking “What should I do?” we focus on the better question: “What actually fits my life right now?”

We break down:

• Why time horizon matters more than people realize

• How income stability plays into the rent vs. buy decision

• The real cost of “surprise repairs” — and what they say about readiness

• Control vs. convenience: lifestyle tradeoffs renters and owners face

• Why equal monthly payments don’t always mean equal outcomes

We also run a reality-check segment where Leah walks Tracy and Tego through real-world scenarios to debate when renting makes sense — and when buying becomes the smarter long-term move.

This episode isn’t about pushing anyone into a decision. It’s about helping you understand where you are today, so you can make smarter moves tomorrow.

🎧 Whether you’re renting, buying, or somewhere in between, this episode is designed to help you think more clearly about what 2026 should look like for you.