August 12, 2026 -
I know it is pretty much everyone’s dream to own their own home, but I honestly am not a fan. Almost three decades ago was my last rental experience. Since then I’ve been fortunate enough to have owned a house (to one extent or the other). The latest house, my house that I got on my own, was some of the worst stress I’ve ever had to deal with. Let’s just say that the infection I got a couple years ago, where I almost lost my leg, was nothing compared to buying a house. But I digress. This isn’t about buying a house, nor about infections, this is simply about owning a home and the utter drama involved in owning the “thing”. This house isn’t in bad shape, this isn’t some money pit thing. Besides the seller taking some shortcuts with painting and decor stuff, there isn’t anything physically wrong with the house … yet. But trying to keep up with things, maintaining the structure, dealing with little issues, it just feels overwhelming somedays — most days lately. I barely can get my car’s oil changed, and who knows if, or when, I’ll ever do any regular maintenance on that. The house … this building has far more items to check off then I have to even list for my car. I could easily start a list and probably forget half the things that I am currently avoiding, the list would then be woefully lacking. And I like making lists. Yes, I’m one of those “list” people. But this list, overwhelms, even me. This reminds me of the things we learn as kids that are parents try to teach us (which of course, we never listen too). I wish someone would have told me half the stuff I need to know before I went down this path. What I did hear was the opposite of what I needed to know, or maybe I should say, should’ve known. I probably wouldn’t have listened, and to be honest, I’m not listening now. I’m just overwhelmed. I honestly don’t know what the point of this post is really about. Yes, I’m frustrated, I’m so over owning a home … but … I couldn’t imagine still renting and paying for someone else’s property or dream. I’d do it again and I’d hate it just as much yet, I’d find it just as rewarding. I think, if anything, everyone should take the leap and do it. Know this though, life changes, and what you might have first thought you’d do, you might not want to do it in five or ten years. I had grand hopes for my home, but boy has all that changed and life is nothing like it was when I bought my home ten or so yeas ago.
