In this episode, Jimmy and Justin break down the real numbers behind the buy vs. rent decision at every stage of the physician journey — from fourth-year med students who just matched, to residents weighing whether homeownership makes sense during a 3-4 year program, to new attendings figuring out how much house they can actually afford.
They cover Zillow’s break-even data (hint: it takes about 4-5 years on average for buying to beat renting), why that number swings wildly by city (Cleveland is ~2 years, San Francisco is 15), the dangers of the “2-3x gross income” rule of thumb in a 6%+ rate environment, and why keeping your mortgage under a third of take-home pay is a better guardrail. Plus: why renting your first year as an attending might be the smartest financial move you make, the risks of physician home loans with no money down, and what self-employed doctors need to know before applying for a mortgage.
Whether you just matched, you’re finishing residency, or you’re eyeing a job change, this episode gives you the framework to make a housing decision that doesn’t wreck your path to financial independence.
Every doctor needs own-occupation disability insurance. Get it from a source you can trust.
Check out the zillow white paper on buying versus renting.
Want a free copy of The Physician Philosopher’s Guide to Personal Finance? Snag your copy here.
