Did j'ever reach a place where it was *all* all right?

[UTUSN]

Like, 25 years ago I assumed this little house/shack, what might be called a "starter", and have sunk bucks here and there, which are probably much more than most here or there might think are rational. Mostly an infrastructure thing. And the end result is not aesthetic. To the untrained eye, this is a dump. But cozy.

Anyway, it's small but cozy with the way the weather has been.

So. Some people travel, some people have mansions or MacMansions or whatever.

But there are moments when it's all all right (when there are storms, etc.) And that's what I feel about DU.

[handmade34]

1. ...

[True Dough]

2. I despise the term "starter home"

Not saying that to criticize you, OP. Just so happens you hit upon something that has long annoyed me. It's an industry concept that the home you're buying won't serve your needs for too long. Gotta keep trading up. That's what they want you to believe because it's good for their business.

It may be true if you have a growing family, but for couples with one or two kids (or no kids at all), or retirees, or single people, maybe that home is where they want to reside for the rest of their lives. Nothing wrong with that at all. Stick your "starter," realtors!

[UTUSN]

3. Hmm, never thought about it that way, just "needs (lots) of work!1"

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

4. I don't like that term either.

Early in my marriage I told my husband that when we did get around to buying a home, I wanted to buy one that would be more or less permanent.

We bought three different homes, because of moves. But each one would have lasted forever. The third one I lived in and raised our kids for 18 years, then the marriage ended and I relocated to another part of the country, where I bought a small place that is perfect for me. My ex, who remarried, is still in that third house. Personally, I think they're nuts to stay because it is much larger than they need for just the two of them, but it's their decision what to do.

I actually know several other people around my age who, in my opinion, should downsize, and I keep on being astonished that more people don't do so. Oh, well.

[True Dough]

5. Exactly!

Some people keep chasing that higher bar -- the larger home with all kinds of bells and whistles -- and then when the kids move out and it's just the two of them (or they split up or one of them passes on earlier than expected), they're left in this over-sized home wondering why their "forever" home isn't really all that desirable anymore.

A modest bungalow a split-entry can allow people to settled down for life, as you mentioned, so long as they're not caught up in the "starter home" mindset.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. So true.

And what makes the perfect home will vary. But as I'm getting older, I'm honestly astonished at how many people stay in a very large place long after the kids are grown. My sister at least has the excuse of grandchildren nearby who frequently spend the night, but even she would be better off in a newer and somewhat smaller place than she currently has.

I think I'm ruthless about what I need because of several moves, and plenty of people relocate a lot more than we did.

[lillypaddle]

7. My take away

Cozy is good.

DU thinks you're pretty "all right" too, if I may be so bold in speaking for such a large group.

[UTUSN]

8. Gosh/wow, you brought the glow back with you - thanks for that!1

[marble falls]

9. A person needs to realize when she/he is satisfied. I am satisfied, too.

[UTUSN]

12. Been happy with DU for a long time, too!

[Karadeniz]

10. So true!!! My favorite house was only about 800 sq.ft. We loved it!!! Had to move due to too many

Animal rescues. We still own it...maybe somedsy!

[UTUSN]

13. Post #12

[extvbroadcaster]

11. 950 sq feet

My current little home is 950 sq. feet. It is pretty well insulated, cheap, and quiet. Woods out back. Since it is just me and a cat, it works fine.

[UTUSN]

14. Post #12

[True Blue American]

17. I live in a small city

Yet have woods a couple of blocks away. and then,lots of open land.

[lunatica]

15. I know what you mean about DU

It has that hard to explain thing that makes you feel warmly secure.

[True Blue American]

16. You are right about DU

It really feels like a happy place.

As to homes we raised our family here for the most part. Kept up,remodeled over the years, I am told I should down size, but why? I have what I want, cozy, neat, and above all close to everything I need.

If you are happy, enjoy!

[KY_EnviroGuy]

18. Exactly the way my place is, UTUSN and I also feel at home at DU.

Our place is cluttered and I have one of everything but know where little of it is (but I'll damn sure find it). It's evidence of 60 or so years of various hobbies, professions, successes and failures (lots of them laying around). I'm comfortable with it but some that come around are not.

One advantage of having a cluttered home and getting older and forgetful is that some days are just like Christmas as a kid.....

Same with DU - it seems to be an amazingly diverse collection of various roots, races, cultures, religions (and non's), professions, economic attainments, and hopes and dreams......and I love how we get along!