Today is 11 years since I signed on the dotted line. Has it been a walk in the park? Nope. Would I do it again? Definitely.
I know I’ve shared various thoughts about being a homeowner here on the blog and I’m not sure I have anything particularly new to say. That said, I will probably repeat myself. Also, disclaimer that I am not a real estate expert at all, so please don’t take this as advice. Just my personal experience and the thoughts tied to it.
Thought 1
I think I chose the right first home for me at the time. I didn’t look at a ton of places, four total I think. But they all were within similar parameters, namely: close to my parents and of the townhome/condo variety, so I didn’t have to worry about grounds keeping and such.
Some bonus features: the price was right so I didn’t overextend myself, and I lucked out to buy at a time when interest rates were quite good. While the current market would be good for making a profit if I sold now, the interest rates have me hesitating to do it anytime too soon…
Thought 2
This is not my forever home. While I do think I chose the right home and I’m not in a rush to move because of certain economic factors, I do not want to live here forever. There are things that have become more annoying with each passing year: proximity to neighbors, lack of privacy, my specific parking situation, not having land to plant a proper garden, low natural light, shady front area, lack of control over certain things due to the HOA, said HOA’s almost always increasing fee…
That said, I am emotionally attached to this home: for it being my first, and also the fact that my dad helped me with a lot of things here over the years. And all the memories, of course. And I love this little house and how I’ve made it a home. I know it will be hard when I say goodbye, whenever that time comes.
Thought 3
Nothing should be unexpected. It’s Murphy’s Law, right? Just when you’re comfortable, going on a good stretch of easy times: boom! Your toilet won’t flush, there’s a water spot on the ceiling, there’s a hole and questionable cracking in the brick. The HOA slaps an assessment on everyone! The heater catches on fire! Yep, that one happened in January of 2020…
I’ve been both lucky and also proactive, that none of these things killed me financially. They weren’t fun to navigate though in the midst of them happening, but with support from my parents, and dipping into my savings bucket that is specifically for times like those, I managed to get through it. Knock on wood….
I know homeownership isn’t for everyone. I didn’t even think it was right for me! I do see the appeal of renting and understand the argument for it over owning, but despite unexpected problems and expenses, I’d do it again. And will.
Do you own or rent?
Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash