We don't have kids yet, but this year we got a house. Will it prepare us to be parents? So far owning a house has been fun, scary, exciting and while it has not been a drain financially, there have definitely been expenditures I didn't anticipate. I'd say we've spent about 75% more (post-close) than I planned for.
Based on our friends who have--or just had--kids, "fun, scary, exciting and financially interesting" seem to be the same range of emotions they associate with child-rearing. This got me thinking: is owning a house anything like having a kid?
The house inspection is like applying to schools: will it/they pass? Will we need to hire a contractor/tutor to get everything in shape? Closing day seems to be like leaving the hospital after the birth: sign a lot of forms, write some checks and bang, you're on your own. Good luck.
Then there are the day-to-day worries. Is the temperature right? Have we put the right fluids in the right places? Is the house/child properly insulated? Who is the house/child hanging out with? We have a security system for the house, but what about the child?
We think about the house a lot when we are not there. It is a source of joy, but also of worry. I imagine having a child will be much the same thing. My hope is that by having a house before a child, we will be better parents than if we did it the other way around.
--Posted by Evan
2 comments:
1. You cannot sell your kids to turn a profit
2. They will never be a source of equity
3. Houses dont have runny noses
Please leave all the administering of fluids to Lindsey when it comes to a child!!
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