Front Porch ā€¢ February 15, 2024

Why So Many People Fall in Love with Homeownership

Chances are at some point in your life youā€™ve heard the phrase,Ā home is where the heart is. Thereā€™s a reason thatā€™s said so often. Becoming aĀ homeownerĀ is emotional.

So, if youā€™re trying to decide if you want to keep on renting or if youā€™reĀ ready to buyĀ a home this year, hereā€™s why itā€™s so easy to fall in love withĀ homeownership.

Customizing to Your Heartā€™s Desire

Your house should be a space thatā€™s uniquely you. And, if youā€™re a renter, that can be hard to achieve. When you rent, the paint colors are usually the standard shade of white, you donā€™t have much control over the upgrades, and youā€™ve got to be careful how many holes you put in the walls. But when youā€™re aĀ homeowner, you have a lot more freedom. As theĀ National Association of RealtorsĀ (NAR)Ā says:

ā€œThe home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.ā€

Whether you want to paint the walls a cheery bright color or go for a dark moody tone, you can match your interior to your vibe. Imagine how it would feel to come home at the end of the day and walk into a space that feels like you.

Greater Stability for the Ones You Love Most

One of the hardest things about renting is the uncertainty of what happens at the end of your lease. Does your payment go up so much that you have to move? What if your landlord decides to sell the property? Itā€™s like youā€™re always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Jeff Ostrowski, a business journalist covering real estate and the economy, explains how homeownership can give you more peace of mind in aĀ Money GeekĀ article:

ā€œHomeownership means you are the boss and have the biggest say in your lifestyle and family decisions. Suppose your kids are in public school and you donā€™t want to risk having them change schools because your landlord doesnā€™t renew your lease. Owning a home would remove much of the risk of having to move.ā€

A Feeling of Belonging

You may also find you feel much more at home in the community once you own a house. Thatā€™s because, when youĀ buy a home, youā€™re staking a claim and saying, Iā€™m a part of this community. Youā€™ll have neighbors, block parties, and more. And thatā€™ll give you the feeling of being a part of something bigger. As theĀ International Housing AssociationĀ explains:

ā€œ. . . homeowning households are more socially involved in community affairs than their renting counterparts. This is due to both the fact that homeowners expect to remain in the community for a longer period of time and that homeowners have an ownership stake in the neighborhood.ā€

The Emotional High of Achieving Your Dream

Becoming a homeowner is aĀ journeyĀ ā€“ and it may have been a long road to get to the point where youā€™re ready to take the plunge. If youā€™re seriously considering leaving behind your rental and making this commitment, you should know the emotions that come with thisĀ owning a homeĀ are powerful. Youā€™ll be able to walk up to your front door every day and have that sense of accomplishment welcome you home.Ā 

Bottom Line

A home is a place that reflects who you are, a safe space for the ones you love the most, and a reflection of all youā€™ve accomplished. Letā€™s connect if youā€™re ready to break up with your rental and buy a home.

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