Owning a home does not mean owning a yard or extra space. You can own a condo, townhome, or small apartment. I've rented before, and when a hurricane came, I had to live in the resulting hell hole. Why? The landlord was cheap and didn't want to make the repairs even though she could afford it whether or not insurance paid. Owning your home is the peace of mind that you or you and a family have a comfortable and safe surroundings that is not subject to the whim of anyone else (i.e. landlord). Despite monetary value (housing prices have gone down from when we bought), you don't have to worry that tomorrow you'll be out on the street and at the mercy of someone else. Sure, you have legal rights in a tenant/landlord situation, but do you know how long it takes the wheels of justice when your legal rights have been violated? Been there, done that. I will never rent again for that reason.
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