Keep your home small – don’t build bigger barns

The American Dream includes owning a home

It is important that you have a place to call home. You should provide a safe place for your family to live in. Owning a home is also a sign of success. But, there can be a downside to owning a home. Many think the bigger the home the better. The area we live in is packed with neighborhoods full of huge houses. My recommendation is to buy a reasonably sized home, not more than you need. I bought a big house when you were young, and it was a mistake. It was a really nice house, and we enjoyed it. But, it was much bigger than what we needed. It cost a lot of money and caused financial stress for me. I should have bought a smaller house.

Several years ago I sold that home

I have moved multiple since then. I downsized where I lived. For several years, I live in a small condo in Reston Town Center. I didn’t even own the condo, I rented it. I loved it. The condo was big enough for the three of us, and Reston Town Center was a great place to live. RTC has lots to see and do and is conveniently located off the Dulles Toll Road. I stayed there for many years until Kim and I got married.

I don’t envy the rich anymore

One night I went to a party in a neighborhood full of very large houses on ten acre lots. The houses were beautiful and reflected the large amount of money that residents in our area make. While I make decent money, I do not earn the kind of paycheck required to finance a mortgage over a million dollars. Many years ago I would drive through these kinds of neighborhoods and dream of owning one of those mega-mansions. But I am no longer envious. I prefer to live in a nice reasonably sized home. To me – it is the better choice. I recommend you do the same.

Jesus told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.” “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This night your life will be taken. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

Luke 12:16-20

I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.