And I think that's the point. If a person can't feel stable in their housing, then they need to live light and free. Which means other things need to be sacrificed. Possessions, opportunities, and ultimately relationships/friendships.
To put that into perspective. I was gifted an immersion blender. I like it. I make better tasting, more healthy food, but I only use it 2 or 3 times a month. And if I need to live a life where I'm moving routinely, guess what isn't sticking around.
Just experienced firsthand the hopelessness created by the Canadian housing crisis. I booked a pre-approval meeting, and based on my financials, I can't realistically afford to meaningfully live in this city.
So what's the alternative: renting. Renting is not terrible, it's all I've ever known. But because I don't own my place, I am the mercy of the owner. Hell, what triggered my desire for pre-approval was my rental was appraised, which means two things: refinance or sale.
Because I am on a contract, my current salary can't be factored in. I was asked if someone who could help me financially. The answer is no. I also didn't grow up with wealth, and my parent is in worse shape financially than I am.
I have been working here for 10+ years, make above-average salary, have an above-average savings. And still, my pre-approved mortgage figure is not high to take on a home/condo that won't require either exorbitant fees and/or repairs.
"Are homeowners willing to lose 10% equity if it means more people can buy into the market?" With this type of rationale, it's game over eventually. Homes should never have been turned into investments.
https://t.co/Sae1RWb8k4
(paraphrase) "Housing should not be an investment, but instead a home to live."
For most, these things have to line up for home ownership: parents as backups, 0 student loans/debt, have a partner, good job, good credit,... https://t.co/i4nHmEvxUT
We won’t stand by and watch a genocide unfold in Gaza. Neither should our MPs.
Email your MP and spread the word: https://t.co/t4WW6NxaF6
#ceasefirenow#freepalestine#gaza#cdnpoli#hoc
Often overlooked, but worth considering, is the cost of the Israeli extremist ideology on the humanity of its citizens. Mandatory IDF service means that everyone gets run through their meat grinder of dehumanization and indoctrination.