Twenty Years Owning a Home

Last month I contacted the courthouse  to request a copy of my deed. For some reason I misplaced my original  and  needed to replace it. As I was reading the copy they sent, it dawned on me that it has been about 20 years since I purchased my house. Where has all the time gone? As they say, time moves fast when you’re having fun.

Reflections on Purchasing Decision

I  reflected on the past. When  and why, I made the decision in the first place. What was happening  in my life at the time. The steps I took to finally get the house. The challenges  and rewards along the way. And today, how happy I am now for my simple yet cute piece of real estate, which is truly a home sweet home.

Next to my college degree, home ownership is another thing I am the proudest. The ability to have a place to call your own and have total control over is powerful and self-gratifying. When I made the huge step  to purchase property, rental rates were continuously increasing while mortgages  were not.

Benefits and Challenges of Homeownership

I reasoned why not look more seriously at home ownership. I thought about all the possibilities and positive outcomes. Things like a stable monthly payment. No more surprises when the landlord increases the rent  when time to renew the lease. The sense of permanence . The idea of something to call my own that was solely mine.

Then I also weighed the challenges. No more calling the landlord when  the toilet needed fixing or to service the air conditioning system in the summer. I would have to handle those tasks.

Of course, my disability played a major role in the decision but it was not a deterrent. I already knew people with vision loss who were homeowners and doing well. So, I knew it was possible. It was just a matter of educating myself, getting my ducks in a row and going for it.

Planning and Preparation to Purchase

I did just that with taking home ownership classes, reading audiobooks from the library  and talking to friends who were long time homeowners. Also, I got advice from my family because I grew up in a house. My family up to my great grandparents  were all homeowners so this was not totally unfamiliar  territory. I just needed to learn the nuts and bolts of home ownership. I needed to weigh the cost because once I signed  the mortgage contract it would be over. Unlike a rental lease, you can more easily  walk away.

More Challenges of Homeownership

There have been ups and downs over these 2 decades. Dealing with the housing and economic crash in 2008. That was pretty tuff with homes  foreclosing all around me. At one time I was one of two owners on my short street in my subdivision. It took time but over the next few years things improved.

Then it was dealing with noisy neighbors  which ended when they finally moved out.

Next it was the pandemic. I had already been working from home however others in my community  were now as well. At first, this meant  constant slow  neighborhood internet and power outages   which improved over time as we all adjusted to  this medical crisis. But because I was working in my home office, I was able to keep plugging away   with no more disruption to my life.

I also had to replace and purchase new appliances. First it was the dishwasher  . Next some years later it was my gas stove that died during the holiday season. Cooking my Christmas dinner   was a bit creative  because I had no working oven and had to use my microwave  more than usual. Recently it was my washer and dryer that I brought with me from my old apartment days.

Today, I am happy and at peace in my home sweet home. My little town house has served me well. I am proud of the decision I made to become a homeowner and I have no regrets.

National Homeownership Month

June is National Home Ownership Month and was created to celebrate the value  and joy of owning property. Do you own a home? If so, how has the experience  been for you? Would you encourage others to also become homeowners?