I know you might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t the number one life goal to find inner peace, get married, achieve true happiness, or become a yoga guru?” And sure, those are all popular goals—but let’s talk about a truly achievable, life-changing goal that can actually fund your path to inner peace: Buy a house.
Why am I so sure that buying a house is the most popular life goal?
Because before everyone compared everything to Netflix as in “It’s the Netflix of…” I really did have a “Netflix of” startup.
SuperViva.com — founded in the Web 2.0 era alongside Twitter — was the Netflix for your life goals, past, present and future.
Way before I thought of becoming a real estate agent, my life list on SuperViva had goals such as “buy rental property” and “write a novel.”
Because I had already achieved my goal to buy a house when I created the website, I understood why buying a house was such a popular goal.
Buying a house gives you control over your future, over how you shape your space to your own taste, who you have living with you, and if / when you decide to move.
Today, as a real estate agent with a life coach’s approach to working with clients, I’ve seen firsthand how the simple act of purchasing a home can unlock all sorts of magical transformations.
It’s not just about the American Dream anymore—buying a house is about security, wealth building, and yes, even creating some financial freedom through things like renting out a room or cashing in on Airbnb. Let me break it down for you.
Why Does Everyone Want to Own a House Anyway?
Okay, so we’re not talking about buying a castle with a moat (unless that’s your vibe, in which case—go you, dream big). But why do we, as a society, feel this deep, almost primal pull to own a home? It’s not just because of HGTV shows that make it seem like every fixer-upper is a potential dream home. No, it’s more than that.
Owning a house represents a sense of stability. It’s like your personal anchor in a world that’s constantly tossing you around. Renters, you know the feeling—every time your lease comes up for renewal, you live in terror of the rent hike. But when you own your home? You’ve got that sweet thing called “fixed mortgage payments,” and you can breathe a little easier.
Let’s not forget the emotional rewards. A house gives you the freedom to create something that’s 100% yours—whether it’s through paint choices, renovation projects, or putting your kids in a school district you believe in. Owning a home gives you roots. It gives you a base from which to build a future, both physically and financiall
Homeownership and Wealth Building: It’s Like Planting a Tree… But With Equity
Here’s the thing: the real power of owning a house is that it’s one of the best wealth-building tools around. It’s like having a giant, money-producing tree in your backyard. Sure, it takes time to grow, but over the years, your home can increase in value. The equity you build in your property can then be used as a springboard for more investments. (Cue the sound of a cash register.)
Let’s get real: unless you’re sitting on a treasure chest of cash or a trust fund, the majority of us are going to need to rely on good old-fashioned appreciation of our homes to build wealth. But the beauty of it is, your mortgage payment is doing double duty. Not only are you paying for a place to live, but as long as property values rise (which historically, they do, over time), you’re essentially paying yourself. It’s like paying rent—except the landlord is you.
Want to get even smarter about it? Here’s where the magic happens…
Offset Your Mortgage with Rental or Airbnb Income: Making Your Home Work for You
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I’d love to own a house, but… money.” And I hear you. Buying a house can feel like a monumental financial challenge, especially with today’s prices and interest rates. But what if I told you there’s a way to make your house work for you? Enter rental income.
You can offset the cost of owning a home by buying a property with rental potential. Whether you’re thinking about renting out a basement suite, an in-law apartment, or even just a spare bedroom on Airbnb, there are ways to bring in some extra cash that can drastically reduce the strain on your budget. Imagine your mortgage payment being cut in half—or, dare I say, eliminated—because you’re collecting rent on a property that’s also your home? Sounds like a dream, right?
And don’t sleep on Airbnb. With the rise of short-term vacation rentals, the opportunity to make money on a second unit or even a spare room is bigger than ever. You could be in your pajamas on a Tuesday afternoon, and your guest is handing you cash for the privilege of sleeping in your guest bedroom. That’s some next-level hustle right there!
If you want to get even more creative, there’s the option of home swapping. You could spend a month in Tuscany (yes, please) while someone else stays in your place for free. Home exchanges are a thing, people. So, let’s talk about the possibilities: you could travel the world and live in a beautiful home you own. Money? You’re making it. Adventure? It’s happening. Homeownership? You’ve got it.
Owning a House Lets You Maximize Your Life Experiences!
Start looking for that dream house (even if it’s a modest starter home). Remember, homeownership is about making your life better, one brick at a time. And who knows? In a few years, you might just be swapping houses in Paris while your Airbnb or HomeExchange guests send you a “thank you” note from the comfort of your perfectly decorated living room.
Ready to make the leap or create a life list? Let’s do this. The keys to your new life are knowing the future you would love to create.
Tracking everything you’ve done is so amazing, too. Ask me for a copy of my Google Form & Spreadsheet I use to log all of the highlights of my year!
