You’ve caught me at a bad time, as they say. I’m in New Home Ownership hell, and it ain't pretty. Having spent an embarrassing number of years hiding out in rented bedrooms in other peoples’ houses, I finally decided to grow up and get my own place (aided by a much-needed cash influx). My friends and colleagues spurred me on, extolling the virtues of being able to “do my own thing” and share my home with guests which I’d never done before (possibly an ulterior motive?!). I completely agreed with them. Although I’d got quite comfortable in my little bedroom, I knew there was probably more to life.
So, here I am, 2 and a half months into the whole deal. And what a deal it has been: shady Hungarian contractors, incompetent mortgage brokers, poorly installed laminate flooring (don’t get me started), a negative mortgage with a monthly adjustable interest rate and I’m living in a home improvement work-in-(very slow)-progress. “But isn’t it nice to know it’s YOURS”, asks a friend recently. Frankly, no. I couldn’t care less whether it’s mine or someone else’s, as long as I can settle down and eat and sleep and see my friends and stay out of trouble. I’m wondering what on earth I have done to my nice, simple life.
I just read a blog prompted by a predicted increase in the interest rates in the Fall. The blog posed the question: Are young people rushing to buy property too soon and overextending themselves financially? (Repossessions are at an all-time high, apparently). In Europe, renting is much more accepted as the norm. It carries obvious benefits like more freedom to move around and much less responsibility for sustaining and maintaining a home.
I’m sure life will settle down eventually (wishful thinking) and my momentary light afflictions will be something to look back and laugh about. But, I still have a question, based on my friend’s original comment. Apart from financial incentives like the tax breaks for home-owners and the general good of the global economy, is there a philosophical reason why owning something just “feels better”?
Philomena (hoping to feel better…..)
A very interesting question Philomena. Why does it "feel better"? I'm not sure. I'll note, however, that these issues go way back. In a recent discussion on property rights one person pointed out "Thou shalt not steal" is a very early codification of respecting others property. Plus, God promises a land to His people--and Abraham before that--as inducement.
Of course, with anything good, it is only one step from bad. Property can lead to greed. Going from what we need to what we want can be a the mistake.
What is good beyond the feeling, however, and if you can keep greed in check, is the improvement to the world ownership allows.
Take your difficult remodel for example. Though painful, there will be one more dwelling in the world that is that much more beautiful, that much more inviting, that much more a place people gather at and walk away restored.
When you don't own something, you tend not to improve it. Ownership tends to naturally foster good stewardship, and makes places more welcoming.
The next step, of course, is to welcome people in and share your God-given bounty. Property, if used to help others, can be of tremendous value.
Posted by: Thomas More | September 21, 2006 at 09:46 AM
It's already very apparent to me that "more stuff" does not mean "more happiness". It's a useful reminder!
Don't worry, the More family will be invited to share my God-given bounty very soon:)
Posted by: Philomena | September 21, 2006 at 10:49 AM
I'll bring the laminate!
Posted by: Thomas More | September 21, 2006 at 11:01 AM
Sure, we'll bring the laminate. Maybe you could share some drywall since Mr. More and his buddy are downstairs knocking holes in our living room wall.
Posted by: Mrs. More | September 21, 2006 at 10:07 PM
One step backward in order to take two forward.
Posted by: Thomas More | September 22, 2006 at 08:30 AM
Do you Mores ever talk to each other directly??:)
But seriously, I'm beginning to wonder if the whole point of owning things is to be able to surrender them again. So, the things themselves are not the point (as usual) but the process is the important thing. If we don't own stuff then we can't serve others by sharing with them. ??
Posted by: Philomena | September 22, 2006 at 11:08 AM
Never in the history of the world has someone washed a rented car.
Good? Bad? I'm not sure.
But you can't give what you don't have...
Didymus
Posted by: Didymus | September 22, 2006 at 04:12 PM
I washed a rented car once. (see, I REALLY can't tell the difference;). I was in Alaska, driving to a concert in my bestest black dress, and the rental car was covered in Alaskan mud. I was compelled to clean it up!
Posted by: Philomena | September 25, 2006 at 07:08 PM
It's been a while since we had this discussion, but I was reading another article this morning that might answer my question i.e. "why does it feel better to own something (property)?". The article reiterated that we're all obsessed with home ownership, to the point where we're extended beyond our financial means. It suggested that, as home-owners, we have "the illusion of prosperity". The illusion being that we own our homes, when really most of us have so little equity in them that the bank owns most of it. But, apparently the illusion is good enough for us.
(Isn't that a happy thought...?!)
Posted by: Philomena | October 26, 2006 at 10:44 AM