Something I never thought I'd do again

But I'm moving with a purpose.

Photo by Compagnons on Unsplash

When I pick up Parker from school today, I’ll share a life-altering update.

I can’t wait to see her reaction. To hear her precious preteen responses — the cool and the cringe.

She never would have expected what I’m going to tell her, because this was never our plan. What we’re about to do couldn’t be further from the path I mapped out.

That’s how I know this plan is the right one for us. It was handcrafted by a superior architect.

It’s why I’m swallowing my pride and trusting that the return will exceed my wildest dreams.

New information gathered while house hunting this week forced me to pivot.

It had nothing to do with sale prices or interest rates. The value runs much deeper.

I was introduced to an opportunity that could be a much better fit for me and Parker.

To see it, I had to shift my perspective. First, I needed to get comfortable letting go of the idea I’ve worked toward and talked about for more than two years.

It wasn’t easy.

But I didn’t hesitate.

That’s how much sense it made when I removed my emotions and thought it through. I decided in one day: This is our new plan.

On Wednesday, I applied for an apartment.

It had been almost nine years since I’d filled out an application, and I never expected to do it again. I was all in on buying a home, building equity and, for a time, collecting rent.

A note that’s been posted to my refrigerator for the past two years.

Getting in the game hasn’t been easy. That’s where prices, interest rates and inventory factor in.

And as it turns out, it wasn’t my time.

I was already cooling off on the idea of becoming a landlord. The more I weighed the reality, the more I felt ill-equipped to take on another very hands-on job. Besides, I’ve had enough excitement over the past three decades. I need my home to be a retreat, not another responsibility.

I just knew I’d own that home rather than rent it.

A small condo had become my focus. Nothing fancy. Something inexpensive, serviceable and, above all, below my means.

That day is coming. It will just have to wait a little longer.

Renting another apartment instead of finally planting roots through ownership feels like a setback.

It’s not.

We’ll be just as safe and snuggly, joyous and jovial, while paying rent. No shame in that.

Plus, I’m starting to see the bright side.

Renting gives me more options to move closer to Parker. I won’t have homeowner headaches. I can use my fixed housing costs to my advantage and continue to invest aggressively. And I maintain flexibility by not being married to a mortgage, interest rate or location.

I can always re-evaluate things in 12 months. By then, things will look completely different for us. Blessings I can’t even fathom will be pouring in.

I believe it.

But it must start here — with this once-dreaded decision that Parker won’t believe.

We’ll find out soon whether we get approved and handed the keys to this new life.