Renting - Still a Wise Choice for Lots of Us
Jun 11 '00
FACT - I have lived in the same rental townhouse for well over 10 years.
FACT - I didn't plan it that way.
FACT - I have learned there is some wisdom in the adage "life is what happens when you're busy making other plans".
When I divorced several years ago and moved into the 2 bedroom townhouse I happily call home, like most people, I saw it as a temporary, albeit very pleasant place to hang my suits, dresses, jeans and T-shirts. (I didn't wear hats then, and still don't; to be filed under "useless information about this writer").
But I have not been a home-owner for a long time. During those first years back renting, I would experience that longing for my own home again - for a nice backyard, (which means to me, a much bigger perennial and vegetable garden than my little 10 by 10 foot one out front, a sun deck or patio, trees of my choice....). I'm still drawn to that; without a question. The pleasure of decorating a home with permanent stamps of my own identity certainly still appeals to me. And I believe it very likely will happen, given that I'm still in the first half of my life.
But what has evolved as a truth I'm comfortable with for now, is that home-ownership is no longer a HAVE-TO. Truthfully, right now, it would be extremely stressful, in many ways. I thought I would be working full-time for several years. I enjoyed my work and found great fulfillment in it. I was a Social Worker, in both Administration and Direct Service, However, about three years ago, it became necessary, after several knee surgeries, to accept that I no longer am able to work a 40 Hour week. I consider myself healthy, happy and whole. And I hope and pray I can describe myself similarly for the next 50 years. But life being what it is, unpredictable at best, my work-life has had to be re-prioritized, with other needs. And the result of this is that naturally my financial status has changed. And being a home-owner no longer is at the top of my goals today. Actually, I'd be kind of up that proverbial creek if I were living in a house right now.
I am fortunate to be living in a beautiful complex of townhouses in Western Michigan, near Lake Michigan, in a college town, that is considered a desirable place to reside. And with much gratitude, I find that still to be the case for me, after living here since l980, moving from Birmingham, Michigan, north of Detroit.
I owned 2 homes there during the 'married years'. I love being a home owner. The joy of tending to a B-I-G garden, wallpapering and painting and redecorating - having room to roam, privacy to listen to music at whatever decibel I choose - and so many more obvious joys of home-ownership were wonderful. I do miss them. There is no question there.
And this isn't a sob story - not by a long stretch. But what I have had to do is a re-alignment in viewing relative importances in my life. The hours I used to spend working full time plus, are spent doing other things that are just as fulfilling. Having a little less money, and a lot more time, if this is simply 'how it is' today, is fine with me.
As a renter, there are some definite advantages. Example: Last night I had company for dinner. Ever have the garbage disposal decide to shoot its treasure trove of cantaloupe rinds, coffee grounds, and egg shells, out of the second sink? Doncha hate when that happens? One phone call, and Trusty Tom from Maintenance is here. Ten minutes later, a guilty-looking popsicle stick is back where it belongs (but never was - in the trash can). No plumber's hourly charge, no wait, and dinner and an enjoyable evening with friends went on as planned. Those of you who are renters know what I mean. There is a certain relief in knowing those un-planned for expenses of home ownership won't ever have to be factored into the monthly budget.
No unexpected (or planned) expenses for new windows, garage doors, backed-up plumbing, roof repair, bathtub replacement, air conditioner updating, landscaping ---- I'm just thinking back to the things a close friend has had to spend a good portion of her salary on this year.
I pay a monthly amount, and everything is handled. I know I may be more fortunate than some renters; I do understand that. I used to manage a Transitional Housing Program for a couple years, finding low-income families safe affordable housing. Landlords may sometimes be difficult to deal with, the same as any of us can be at times. But when my toilet won't flush, I don't want to deal with a landlord's bad mood, or his or her dislike of their choice to buy and rent housing. It is a responsibility that I wouldn't want.....I admit that. While employed there, I saw the side of renters' complaints from a perspective that awakened an awareness in me. There are "bad tenants" as well, and much room for frustration from both sides. And yes, I do consider myself very lucky to be living in a complex managed by a large corporation. I'm sure that's part of the reason I've stayed here. It IS well-cared for. It IS a community of renters that take pride in their homes.
Do I want to live in a house next year? Or the year after? Or the year after that? Well, I just read the Sunday Free Press this morning and tore out Design J-16. It begins, "This home has cottage charm - a steeply pitched roofline, a gently arched entry and a columned front porch hint at a cozy cottage life within this design, Plan J-16, by the HomeStyles.com Designers Network. Its floor plan covers 1,496 square feet of living space"......and it goes on. Life being what it is, kinda dicey, unpredictable --- this beautiful home plan is going on my bulletin board, along with a few other aspects of my future, that may or may not materialize. I'll keep saving money. I'll keep working. And I'll keep visualizing that house, built maybe near a small lake??? Yeah, that's the ticket! Maybe with a jacuzzi off the master bedroom-with-a-view?
Meanwhile, I need to go water my ten year old,ten foot, temporary garden out front. The snapdragons need dead-heading, and the 'maters and broccoli need a touch of fertilizer.
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Epinions.com ID:
fiona32
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Member: Marty Lentz
Location: Michigan
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 57 members
About Me:
Former Alcohol-Drug Abuse/Family Therapist, divorced, live in W. Michigan - love grandchildren and Gateway!!
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