Here’s a bit about my life. I’ve lived in many different places over the years. I started out in a car and, after getting married, spent two years in an apartment, then moved to a single-family home. After college, my wife and I moved into a single-family home. Later, we upgraded to a nicer, upper-class home. When the Great Financial Crisis hit, we ended up living in a van. From there, we slowly moved up again—first to a small cottage we bought, then a bigger cottage, and eventually back into a single-family home. We’ve been here for the last ten years. Now that I’m older and my health isn’t great, we plan to stay here for the rest of our lives. I’ve made good money since the crash, but we haven’t moved to a bigger house. We’re happy with what we have. Bigger homes are harder to maintain and cost more. We could afford to move, but I’m content here, and my wife wants to stay. So, this is where we’ll stay.

Here is a list of different housing situations. Where are you on the list? Are you happy where you are?

1. Living and sleeping on the street is the lowest level of housing. It costs nothing, but people sleep right on the ground or sidewalk. There’s no real bed, just cardboard or old mattresses. You’re out in the open with nothing over your head. I experienced this myself for a short period during the financial crash. Sleeping outside with only a blanket or a piece of cardboard was tough and made me realize how important a roof really is.
2. Living and sleeping on the street, but in
   1. Tents cost a little money, but they give you some protection from the weather. You’re still sleeping on the ground, though.
   2. A car is a step up because you can move around. It costs more for things like maintenance and gas, and the car is often not registered or insured. Still, you have a solid roof over your head, even if it’s cramped. You can also use the car to make money, like delivering for DoorDash.
   3. A van is better than a car because it gives you more space for you things. When I was living in our van, I learned that it helps to park near a gym so you can take showers and use the restroom. I also tried to keep my important things organized in bins, so space didn’t get too cluttered. All furniture and some personal items were put into storage. When we moved into the van, I wondered whether my wife would divorce me.  She did not.  Ask her later, why not?  She said she had faith in me and that I would figure it out. She has been with me for 52 years.
   4. A motor home is bigger and might have a kitchen and a working bathroom. You need to find a place to park it. Maintenance is either not needed or very cheap, but when they break down, they usually stay in one place.
   5. A boat is similar to a motor home. It might have dock hookups so you can connect to utilities.
3. Many people today rent a room in someone else’s house, often from family. These ‘kids’ are usually grown adults. Some pay rent and help with utilities. Many grown children live this way now, often in the basement or back bedroom. This trend has become more common due to rising housing costs, student debt, and economic pressures, making it harder for adults to afford their own place. Living with family sometimes offers a practical solution while they get back on their feet or try to save money.
4. Some people live with extended family, like an aunt or a sibling. They might pay rent and help with utilities.
5. An extended-stay hotel room is usually in an older hotel rented by the week or month. The rooms are small, and some have a kitchen with a small oven and fridge. Some hotels offer laundry facilities and a pool. Seniors on a fixed income can sometimes afford these, hoping Social Security covers rent and leaves a bit for food and clothes. Utilities may or may not be included.
6. Apartments come in different sizes, from studios (like hotel rooms) to one-, two-, or three-bedroom units. Some buildings have laundry rooms, pools, or gyms.
7. A rental home is a single-family house you rent. You can rent by the day, week, or month. These homes come in different sizes, like townhomes, cottages, or standalone houses.
8. A single-family residence is a home you buy, so you don’t pay rent. You own the property, and the size or location usually depends on your income.
9. An upper-class single-family home is a large house, usually on a big lot with a two-car garage.
10. A large single-family residence is a bigger home with three to five bedrooms and a garage for three or more cars.
11. A mansion is a much larger single-family home. It has a multi-car garage, many bedrooms and bathrooms, and sits on about an acre of land.

So, where are you now? What has been your experience over the years you’ve lived? Tell me in the comments.

Dennis Dahlberg
Private Hard Money
DBA Setabay/SetabayLoan/Level 4 Funding
26731 N 90th Drive
Peoria AZ 85383
Matt@Level4Funding.com
Telephone: 623-582-4444
NMLS 2062278 NMLS 1118493

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