Ok great. I'm writing these messages as a warning to those bystanders who are thinking about buying. It can be a way worse experience than I thought it could be.

But what do I know, I'm just MiSeRaBlE

[–] AquaTofana@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I'm on your side bruh. We've owned our home since 2013. It's appreciated $100K, but we also spent $60K last year alone in windows/siding/getting the whole house replumbed because there ended up being a massive leak in the foundation.

We had planned for the windows/siding, plumbing was just a nice bonus (it was noticed by our siding contractor actually).

We've also replaced the HVAC, leveled the foundation, replaced the HWH, replaced the roof (that was a lucky insurance thing though due to a massive hail storm), replaced the gutters, and the flooring over the years since buying.

So...if we ever decide/need to sell, we'll break even.

And we didn't buy a shitty house either. It was built in 1995. It was already 18 years old when we got it, and it's nearly 30 now. People don't realize that this shit doesn't last forever.

That being said, while I will be Team Renter when we leave this duty station, I'm also in a privileged position being that I'll have a pension. I completely understand people who don't have that safety net wanting a little more stability/security.

[–] TrickDacy@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago

That sounds like such a hassle! Worse than mine stress wise for sure but it sounds like you'll do a little better than I did financially. I bought a somewhat shitty house admittedly (built around 1960 and needed a bit of work but fully livable), and definitely lost money. I thought breaking even was the worst that could've happened...

The point I'm making is that owning is not a panacea, and has a whole host of its own issues. I'm glad someone else gets that!