I own my home outright. I love having a garden where I can grow whatever I want. I would never subject myself to an HOA or the whims of a landlord. My house is brick with a slate roof and vinyl windows so maintenance is barely an issue. The smartest investment decision I made was to buy a house in a choice location. When I sold it, I had enough to buy my new house with cash. It’s also in a choice location and has increased in value steadily. I don’t plan to move, but if I ever need to, I will have no problem selling.