Do we really NEED to buy a house to live a happy life?

Question

Why do people make it seem necessary to buy a house? Is it possible to live a happy life without that being a goal?

Answer 1

No u do not have to buy a house.

But over a 10 to year period chances are it will pay off.

Answer 2

Most people like the stability that ownership brings. Some people do not. You need to figure out what it is that will make you happy. A good friend of mine is 65 and has rented his whole life and it has worked out well for him. But I would not be happy with that.

Answer 3

You do not need to purchase and own a house to be happy.

There are several of my friends that are extremely happy being as renters.

Happiness is and come from within.

I have lived on both sides of the fence and as a renter. I personally prefer home ownership.

I hope this has been of some benefit to you, good luck.

"FIGHT ON"

Answer 4

Sure, for some people. Personally, I prefer a customized home.

Answer 5

It all depends on what you want. Some people like the concepts of ownership and the stability that comes with it. As long as you pay your bills, no one can ever come along and tell you that you have to move. Property taxes may go up and this may make your mortgage payments rise slightly, but at nowhere the rate of increase that rent will go up over 10 years, 20 years.....

Some people care less about that and like the idea of being free to leave and live somewhere else when their lease expires. They like the idea of not having to spend money on upkeep and taking care of the exterior and landscaping - it's all done for them. They don't mind (or are willing to tolerate) noisy or nosy or otherwise troublesome neighbors that live the other side of their walls or above them or below them.

It all depends on what you want in life.

Answer 6

To me this is like asking "Do I really need a car to get from place to place". The answer is no but it makes it alot easier for 90% of the people not living in major cities.

Answer 7

Not at all. In fact its totally individual which you prefer. Some people are happier in an apartment or condo or a trailer.

Answer 8

Sure it's possible. Buying a home is part of the "American Dream" because it's something many people want, but not all.
Many folks living in big cities live in apartments their entire life and are happy to do so.

Answer 9

Happiness is either inside of you or it is not. My (our) home is my castle. Nobody external tells me what, how or when to do anything and if I want orange paint I buy orange paint (I don't, but I could). We could sell it for a good piece of change but we won't because it is our home - it is where we live, not an investment in that sense. IN that sense, comparables around us were around a half million 10-15 years ago. Two years ago the inferior house next door to us sold for $900K. Happiness is inside of you. Buying a home is smart in every way if it is possible to do so.

Answer 10

I know plenty of people who would never think of buying a home...and others who think renting is crazy. Its all about what is right for you...not for them.