We've heard it all. The well meaning, the pity, the encouraging. I can't say I blame those who wonder why we have lived in the same two bedroom apartment since we got married, nearly 7 years ago. Even Dave Ramsey, whose plan we follow closely, says after 5 years you need to move on. I get it. But for us, our plan looks different and that is okay! We've seen friends buy their first homes and have also seen some of those same friends move on to a second larger home. It can be discouraging to watch, but we have also learned to check our hearts. If we can't be happy for them what does that say about us?
So here is why we have been and continue to live in a little apartment (at least for a couple years).
1.) We are on our debt free journey and rental prices around here are hefty. Although our rent has been raised a handful of times over the years, it is still a great price and in an excellent location.
2.) We tried to rush the home buying process in the past and (thankfully) it did not work out for us. We have been approved for home loans twice and had no down payment. This means PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) would be tacked on to our mortgage to ensure the bank that we will pay each month. If you're unfamiliar with home mortgage loans, you need at least 20% down on a house in order to avoid PMI. If we would have rushed into the process we would surely be paying this monthly amount and losing so much money in that process each month. Money that could be paying off debt or put into savings or retirement.
3.) Our journey looks different, and that's okay! Leighton is 2 years 9 months right now. She's not complained about the space, and honestly her bedroom is lacking nothing that a girl could need! Although I do wish we had a backyard for her to run wild in and also paint in her favorite color on her bedroom walls, that's more what I want for her and not a request she's had. She is so young she'll likely not remember this apartment, or will hardly remember it. She will know that mommy and daddy decided to stay the course on debt payoff in order to change the trajectory of all of our lives.
4.) It's humbling. It truly it so humbling to invite friends or family over to a little apartment with old worn out furniture and carpet stains. I keep it clean, but a toddler lives here! Our apartment is very lived in. We play playdoh on the floor, Leighton helps me cook (often to the detriment of the walls and tile) and marker has been applied to many surfaces at this point. I try to focus and reflect on the heart of hospitality in this season. I can make a really great taco soup and corn muffins. It's easy to serve, if kids are over the corn muffins are good on the go and it's easy to box up and send home for them so they don't have to worry about dinner that evening! I also read an article several months ago that said how your house looks does not matter. It's how the guest feels when they leave that truly matters. So listening to guests, having good conversation and laughter and a safe environment for kids to play goes such a long way! I also love to cook for others and have developed several good meals for when we have visitors so that's always a nice bonus.
5.) Our time will come. Okay, we've said this for 7 years but as of two years ago we stopped doing Dave Ramsey-ish and became all-in on debt payoff. We actually have a plan in front of us instead of just hoping and not actually working toward our goal. It's developed a greater bond between Josh and I as we work together and dream together. First is debt freedom, then getting our emergency fund into place and then we'll begin saving for a home down payment with plans to get a Conventional fixed rate 15 year mortgage (This saves SO much money in the long run! And without debt payments, a 15 year mortgage is not impossible.)
I wish we had started this plan sooner, but I also know God's timing is so perfect. If we hadn't learned lessons we needed to learn in the years prior or gone through really difficult seasons we wouldn't have been ready to do this! So, little two bedroom apartment--we are grateful for you. You have welcomed us home after our wedding, honeymoon, our daughters birth, her first steps and all other milestones. I will truly be emotional when the day comes that we leave this place.
But I sure will enjoy that back yard :)
With heart from our home,
Jordan
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