A guy I know says you’re a loser if you don’t own a house. He’s a prick, obviously, but he’s not the only one who says it.

Of course, owning makes better sense than renting for some people, but it’s not a universal truth.

You want to buy a house? Buy a house.

I prefer renting, and it’s not a temporary step while I save up to buy a house. It’s not because I can’t afford to buy a house (though I certainly can’t afford to buy a house). I’m renting because I don’t want a house, and
all the hassles, taxes, chores, repairs, and unexpected expenses that come with owning a house.

Renting is another valid choice, and it’s the choice I’ve made. Rent buys a roof, four walls, a door that locks safely, and peace of mind. It’s buys the freedom to be cheap and lazy.

When the pipes freeze, it’s not my problem. It’s my landlord’s problem. When the heat goes out or the air conditioning doesn’t work or when the faucet drips, it’s a phone call to the landlord. He get things fixed, and has the basement sprayed for cockroaches.

I’m guessing it was expensive when the yard needed to be dug up to replace the sewer pipes, but it was my landlord’s expense, not mine.

No worries. No surprise expenses. Same rent, every month. I’ll rent until I’m dead, and then rent an urn for my ashes.

6/1/2020

itsdougholland.com
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