As someone working on their late 40’s also, I see the world opposite than you.
My grandparents NEVER owned. They always had very nice townhouse style apartments back east. When they retired to San Diego they rented in a very nice part of north PB. It was great. Until the complex they’d lived in for 18 years condo-converted. My grandmother was forced to move under circumstances not of her choosing. It was a serious blow to her, emotionally. She ended up having to move 2 more times, in her 70’s.
That’s not how I want to spend my 70’s… I have a 15 year loan and only have 9 years left on it. My financial planning for retirement and for my kids college mandates that I get my biggest bill – the mortgage – paid off. (My kids are young despite my age – retirement and college will be concurrent expenses.)
I also like my house and don’t plan on moving. Soon it will be paid for. How sweet is that!
But I’m in the minority on this board, I think. I don’t look at my house as an investment that I expect to see a return on. Because I plan to live in it till I go to the old age home or die. What do I care if it is worth more or less. It’s a roof over my head that serves my needs well. It’s shelter.
