Why I Have Always Wanted to Own Instead of Rent

My first home in East Hill when I purchased it

When I was young, my family went through a period when we moved around a lot. Some homes we owned, and some we rented. There were times of stability and times of insecurity. As a child, I always craved stability. I think that is a big part of why I have always wanted to own instead of rent.

When I was younger and serving in the military, I rented apartments and houses but never owned a home. Looking back, I really did not think I could own one. We did not have those kinds of conversations in my family about what it takes to be successful or what you need to do to buy a home. I just thought this was life's natural progression: you work, you rent, and one day, when you have "made it," you buy a home.

I also realized in young adulthood that I was comfortable moving around, and I figured apartment living was the best way to do that. Had I known then what I know now about homeownership, I would have tried to get on that ladder sooner.

Figuring Out What Came Next

I served my time in the Air Force, and when I separated, I moved back home to South Carolina and rented. I got a job, rented a trailer, worked and, at that point in my life, partied. I was free of the military and left to my own devices. Uh oh. They did not prepare me for this.

After a few months, I realized I was not on perpetual vacation and needed to get my proverbial poop together. I started applying for adult jobs and looking for places to rent closer to said job. I quickly realized that apartments in my hometown were not what they had been in California, so I needed to find a house. So, I did. One thing you should know about me is that when I make up my mind to do something, I go ahead and start doing it.

Fast-forward a few years. I was back in health care, working in a larger city in South Carolina, when I got an opportunity to work at a children's hospital in London. I was super excited and started getting my ducks in a row. Then 9/11 happened. Did I let fear keep me where I was, or did I take the leap anyway? I took the leap. To this day, I remember it as the emptiest flight I have ever been on.

My First Place of My Own

I got to London and loved my job. After about a year of seasonal depression, I learned to love London too. Now I felt like I had made it, and I decided I was going to buy my first house. Only in London, it was a "flat."

I began my search and quickly realized I had not made it well enough to buy in the area I wanted, Clapham South. So, on the train I went to look at the countryside around London. I found the cutest ground-floor flat with a nice back garden because, as an American, I was determined to have a grill and an outdoor area.

Looking back, I cannot even remember how much I paid for the flat. But I was approved, and four short months later, it was mine. The feeling was amazing. I knew at that moment I would never rent again if it was within my control. Hanging all my photos and not needing permission to have my dog felt incredible. Every day when I came home, I smiled. I loved my little flat, and making it my own was the best part.

Finding My Way to Pensacola

Now, let's time-warp again, with a nod to Rocky. Years had passed, and I was back in the States looking for gainful employment after nearly eight years in the United Kingdom. I had several interviews and a few offers, and I decided to accept one in Pensacola, Florida. I had never heard of the place, but after one trip for interviews, I knew it was the place for me. I accepted the job, packed up my truck and headed to the Gulf Coast.

If you have purchased a home before, you know lenders look at your work history. Since mine was in another country, I would have to rent for two years before I could buy again. I decided that was what I would do, but I would find the perfect house in the area where I wanted to live and settle in for two years.

It was a lovely little East Hill house where I never hung one photo or piece of art. I did not want to love it too much.

The East Hill porch became one of my favorite parts of the house

The Southern Charmer That Became My Gateway Home

Time flew by, and almost two years to the day, I applied for a mortgage and began my home search. I quickly realized it could only be East Hill. Thank goodness that, back then, you could buy a good house in East Hill for under $200,000.

So, that is what I did. I bought the perfect little Southern charmer with a wraparound porch and plenty of room for my animals and plants. It was heaven, and I loved every minute I lived there.

The part I was not expecting was the insurance and utility costs that came with owning a home built in 1901. As a new homeowner, I loved my house, my garden and all my neighbors. I just wish I had done a little more research into what homeownership actually costs. An older home meant more maintenance and higher utilities. Being inside the city limits also meant higher taxes.

But none of that stopped me from loving it. I built a rabbit hutch and got some bunnies. Then I built a chicken coop and headed off to Tractor Supply. I loved my chickens and rabbits, and I hated the day I decided to move and could not take them all with me. The rabbits came along, but the chickens had to find a new home. Ask me later what else comes with chickens if you decide that is your next move.

The house after I had made the porch and front yard feel like home

It Was Never Just a Forever Home

I could go on and on about every home I have owned since that one, but the point of this story is that this is how I got my start. I bought the first one thinking I would stay there forever. Life happens, though, and things change. Instead of being my forever home, it became my gateway home.

Several homes and states later, I am now where I wanted to be, back in downtown Pensacola. Will this be my forever dwelling? I am not sure, but I think so, at least until I retire, if I ever retire.

If you are thinking about owning a home, my advice is to do it, but do the research. Learn about the taxes, the area, the schools if you have children, the shopping and the true costs of owning that particular home.

And if your home search is in Pensacola, my team and I are here to help. We do not mind answering every question we can, because sometimes the first home is not the forever home. Sometimes it is the home that opens the door to everything that comes next.

Thinking about buying your first home in Pensacola?

The Peacock Group is ready to help you understand the numbers, the neighborhood and the next step.

peacockgroup.info