The Idiot Renter!

I have a friend that has been working the same job for the last three years, has over 30k in savings, lives alone, and has good credit. However, they just renewed another year on a 1100/mo 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment. As a realtor I'm offended personally. Especially since in this market I can put them in 2/2 and their payment can be less than half that amount.

My question is why are people scared to purchase? How do you make it make sense to someone like this?