Kenmore Undressed

Readjusting Our Priorities: What’s a House For?

According to Steve Kerch, the award winning real estate journalist of Market Watch, the current drop in home values should remind us that house aren’t really “investments.” In his article, entitled Core Values, Mr. Kerch asks us to consider the following:

“At its core, a house is a shelter. Unless the roof caves in, there is always some economic value in that. But most people when they dream about a house or start looking for a house or actually buy one think about value in a whole different way: they think about the fireplace they can gather around with their families, the kitchen where they can show off their culinary skills, the bathroom that they won’t have to share, the schools they will be able to send their kids to, the neighbors they will be able to entertain in the backyard, the parks they can bike and hike and the community events they will be able to attend.”

The current financial turmoil has forced lots of Americans to do some important soul-searching about their lifestyles and spending habits. Many now know that they can’t use their house as a piggy bank. They can’t continue to carry balances on 10 credit cards. They also know that we are all living a little closer to….well…..home.

Recently, one of my neighbors approached me, worried a bit about the softening housing prices. “I’m afraid I’m losing value in my house.” I asked him if he was moving anytime soon and he said no. I asked him if he liked living in our neighborhood. He said absolutely, yes. I then asked him if he liked his home. He said: “I love my house.” I then told him what I’ve always told my clients: unless you’re planning on moving, houses are where you raise your children, where you cultivate joy and togetherness and celebrate life. In general they do increase in value over a long period of time, but they have a much deeper value, a value I hope Americans can rediscover.

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