Rebates are often expressed as a percent of the loan.If you plan on keeping the mortgage for all 30 years, it is generally wise to pay the fees instead because you will recoup them over the life of the loan.  

If nothing else with average americans its as @Mike H. pointed out.. it makes financial sense over renting.... especially in the example Mike provides..

This person is an expat (American English teacher) with an employment contract and a work visa for at least 1-year, which is the period of the lease.  

There is a funny drug bust story by the Toledo Blade about this.Landlords expressed their concerns as some will donate their houses to charities for tax right offs as a cheaper alternative than fixing the problem.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/86-american-renters-cant-afford-000000211.html

There are 4 tabs that will figure yearly payments for 4 different loan types (5yr, 10yr, 15yr, 30yr) based on the 75% LTV.Obviously, you can tweak the percentages (or any other assumptions), but I'd save a 'golden copy' , before you start modifying it too much.All of this info is calculated to show you what your yearly cashflow will be - based on your rent, debt service, vacancy/repair percentage.Download it and look at it - I'll answer any questions I can and I hope this helps some of you.LGF Group Evaluation SpreadsheetOffered as an educational aid - no warranties express or implied, etc, etc, etc

Without the marginal all cash buyers of the world like Invitation Homes, American Homes 4 Rent, etc it would be really bad.  

The institutionalization of SFR ownership with Blackstone's Invitation Homes, Colony, American Homes 4 Rent, etc...has driving up SFR demand and home prices. 

Real Estate Express was great to use.

Having had a property that was in Glendale when I lived in Tucson, I just want to express what a big pain in the rear that rehab/rental became.