#59 Home Ownership & Self Sufficiency

It is very tempting to say “independence,” but let’s be honest. We all depend at least in part on ˆsomething or someone” in our lives – regardless of stage or status!  Self-sufficiency is a bit more realistic; and, unlike independence, having the goal of a life that is relatively self-sufficient, in major aspects and function, is a goal that’s quite attainable.

Setting the goal to buy a home of your own takes you a giant step toward self-sufficiency!    And, achieving that goal brings a lot of perks and privileges.  Let’s just start with all the things you can’t do while living in rental property!  That can be a pretty substantial list.   Landlords, of course, have the right to call the shots (it’s their property, after all); it amounts to living with rules and restrictions with which you might not agree!   Most of those handicaps disappear when you own your own home.

The most obvious change is that you now have control of the place where you live, and how you wish to live there.  Except for compliances having to do with local laws, ordinances, building codes, permits and neighborhood considerations, you can relax into your preferred lifestyle.  Everything from pets to security are choices and decisions that you get to make.   However, some of your choices are possible and permissible only as long as they meet the required disciplines, standards and conformity decided by the community decision makers

Do you want to convert to solar power, plant a vegetable garden, and install fencing or a swimming pool?   Maybe you have lived in rentals where pets were prohibited or limited and involved paying large security deposits against damage or injury.   Now you will be able to have the animals you want on your own property.  There are some disciplines involved, of course, in consideration of neighbors.  The number of, or the kind of, animals might involve compliance with ordinances addressing sound, odor and the safety of neighbors.  “Farm animals” such as chickens might not be permitted in some closely built neighborhoods.   Those amenities are all matters you get to decide, develop and add to your responsibilities.

Another possibility is perhaps renting a room in your house as a way to help meet your monthly Mortgage loan payment.   If so, you then become the landlord who must establish the guidelines, rules and disciplines for the renter sharing your personal property.

Earlier in the process, when you and your residential Realtor were searching for your house, you were probably advised to learn about specific locations and any restrictions such areas might have, for instance, concerning the kinds of animals permitted, the number of dogs (or chickens!) that would be allowed, etc.!  Even the construction of fencing will, no doubt, have some specifications to consider.  Your residential Realtor can help you – even after the fact of your home purchase – to clarify, interpret and further advise concerning special circumstances with your new neighborhood and community.  So, don’t hesitate to ask; if they don’t have the answers, they will know who does!

It is easy to see the subtle nuances in the concepts of independence and self-sufficiency!    Even when you do acquire ownership and control over your living space and property by purchasing a home of your own, there will still be factors with which to comply, cooperate and compromise.  Because we are an organized society of communities, we do have control of our own property – but only as long as it doesn’t infringe on the same privileges of others. 

That’s where another form of your new control comes in: As a homeowner, you will have the opportunity to participate with the decision makers in your community that determine those laws, rules, ordinances, etc., with which all must comply and factor into their individual scope of personal control.   

It’s smart to be involved!