Quote from peilthetraveler:
If PITI is the same as rent, how is a house a black hole? I pay $1100 per month for my mortgage(PITI) and to rent would cost $1350 for the same size place. I definately dont spend $250 per month on upkeep as I cut the lawn and do any repairs myself, but even if I didnt, I cant imagine i would spend $250 per month to make it equal with renting. Not to mention about $300 per month is going towards equity, something that would be lost in rent, so in reality owning for me puts $550 in my pocket every month vs renting, not to mention that rent goes up about 2-4% per year taking more money out of your pocket.
I suppose there are some markets where its better to rent, but you cant just generally say owning is a black hole for money.