Homeownership, the American dream. You might be wondering what it’s really like and if it’s as great as it sounds. Clever’s recent homeowner study sheds some light on this. They surveyed 1,000 U.S. homeowners and found that 52% were caught off guard by the actual costs of owning a home. In fact, 53% said they would have done things differently if they’d known the real price tag.
The silver lining? Despite the unexpected expenses and time demands, they found that 7 out of 8 homeowners still believe that the perks of owning a home outweigh the costs.
Owning a house is a big deal, and it can totally change your life in some pretty awesome ways. Just like any big dream, the reality can be quite different. To give you a better idea, we asked current homeowners about the surprising aspects of homeownership and how it changed their lives. Here’s what they had to say:
You become more financial-savvy.
“I’ve become more disciplined with my spending, learned the importance of building an emergency fund, and started thinking long-term about investments and equity. It has taught me to budget like never before.”
You’ll likely become more financially responsible. You probably already are since you got approved for a mortgage or are able to save up for a home. You will have monthly mortgage payments, maintenance costs, property taxes, and insurance to manage, meaning you have to budget and plan carefully.
You become a long-term planner.
“From saving for future renovations to planning for property taxes and insurance, I’ve developed a knack for anticipating needs and setting realistic goals. It’s also helped me become more organized and prepared for whatever comes next.”
You tend to start thinking years down the line. You consider your employment, family planning, development around the area and more. Your home is an investment, so building equity and planning for the future becomes a bigger focus.
You gain maintenance skills.
“Before, I barely knew how to use a screwdriver, but now, I’m tackling all sorts of maintenance tasks around the house. From fixing leaky faucets to patching up drywall, I’ve gained a ton of new skills that save me money and give me a sense of accomplishment. It’s amazing how much you learn when you have a place of your own to care for.”
You’re probably on CleanTok for home maintenance tips and hacks. Taking care of your own place requires effort and attention and teaches you a lot about maintenance. You don’t mind putting on a little bit of elbow grease with cleaning, repairs, and general upkeep.
You have more freedom to DIY.
“Since buying my home, I’ve discovered a whole new side of myself. Owning a place gives you the freedom to truly make it your own.”
You take screenshots on Pinterest and Instagram for design inspiration. You might find yourself getting thrilled about painting walls, landscaping the yard, or tackling small renovations. Want to paint the walls neon pink or knock down a wall to create an open kitchen? Go for it! You enjoy the freedom to personalize and customize your living space.
You become more connected to your community.
“I’ve gotten to know my neighbors, participated in local events, and even joined the neighborhood watch. It’s amazing how putting down roots can make you feel so much more invested in the people and places around you.”
Being a homeowner often means you get more involved in your local community. You might attend neighborhood events, join a homeowner’s association, or get involved in community projects.
You feel accomplished and secure.
“Every time I walk through my front door, I’m reminded of the hard work and dedication it took to get here. It’s more than just having a place to live – it’s knowing that I’ve built a stable foundation for my future.”
There’s a real sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with homeownership. It’s a major life milestone that can boost your confidence and satisfaction. You don’t have to worry about rent hikes or landlords deciding to sell the place. It’s your safe space — where you can settle in and make it your own without that lingering feeling of impermanence.
Owning a house can lead to personal growth, making you more responsible, independent, engaged, and creative. It’s definitely a big step, but one that can bring many positive changes to your life.
Ready to make your homeownership dream happen? Let’s get talking and reach out to our agents at Broadpoint Properties.
