For many, the thought of homeownership is a lifelong goal. And after renting for a period of time, you may be wondering if the time has come to purchase a home for yourself. Although the idea can be appealing, financial stability and a steady job can be hard to pin down for the foreseeable future — and that alone can impact your odds of securing a mortgage. There’s no clear right or wrong answer about whether you should buy or rent. The best fit depends on your finances, lifestyle, and several other factors.