Quinn and Rowan have very different visions for themselves as adults. As their Aunt and avid advocate of homeownership (I am a Realtor after all!), I frequently invite them to think about their future-adult-self and Home. They excitedly weave their vision of soccer star (Quinn) and well-to-do artist (Rowan) into homeownership. Beginning to understand already, that Homeownership is for everyone.

MY TACOMA HOMEOWNERSHIP STORY

My first “real” job was working as a Barista at Starbucks. I was 16 years old and a Junior in High School. I fixated on purchasing an espresso machine of my own and made it a goal – “before I leave for college, I will purchase an espresso machine!” What I didn’t know at the time was my new espresso machine would start a 5 year journey of want-to-be-homeowner that helped motivate me to purchase my first home when I was 22 years old.

During my Junior and Senior year of High School, one of my closest childhood friends would make lattes when we visited (shout out to Dan Tilley whom I still consider family). Whether walking on the waterfront, or lounging at home, having a homemade latte made our time spent together complete.

But who has an espresso machine in their dorm room?! It seemed silly to bring such a nice and “adult” thing to college where it might be thrashed. But I didn’t have intentions of using it… yet. Like new clothes that sit in my closet until the right occasion presents itself, I didn’t know when I would use my espresso machine. At the end of my freshman year of college, I decided that I would put it to use, only after I purchase my first home. That’s right – I decided that my new espresso machine would remain unopened through my college years and only opened when I purchased my first home. Once I made this decision, I felt excitement and was inspired by my new found long term goal – I committed to being a homeowner when I was 18 years old.

While at college, every morning when getting ready, I would open my closet and see the espresso machine. This was my daily reminder. When coursework was difficult I was motivated to keep working with a much larger goal in mind – Homeownership and building financing stability.

BECOMING A HOMEOWNER IN TACOMA

One month before I turned 23 I purchased my first home. And finally took my espresso machine out of the box. It was bitter sweet AND slightly anticlimactic. My espresso making skills were rusty and I still preferred Dan’s lattes, but I did it – I was a Homeowner at 22 years old.

EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF HOMEOWNERS

While I don’t remember having goals or vision for a soccer field or hot tub at my home when I was Quinn and Rowan’s age, I do remember envisioning the home I would live in. In large part because my parents spent a portion of every weekend caring for their home; our home. As my sister and I got older we established a chore list. Caring for our home was something that gave us pride and joy. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to own a home.

I thought a lot about these lessons of hard work and smart investing as a young girl. Adulthood and higher education strengthened my understanding and the importance of owning a home. But I wonder with the growing trend of unaffordable housing how my nephews will get their foot in the door. Since purchasing my first home in 2012 the median price of a home in Pierce County has more than tripled – wages have not. Will my nephews be able to purchase their first home with strong work ethic and education like me? I’m not sure, but what I do know is that talking to them about homeownership, involving them in our daily housekeeping routines, (mundane or otherwise), is what sparked the fire in me to care about our family home. Homeownership was a part of my vision of success.

“YOU ARE A REALTOR IN TACOMA, OF COURSE YOU TALK TO YOUR NEPHEWS ABOUT HOUSES”

I have a feeling you are thinking this, so I am beating you to the punch! Yes, conversations around our dinner table frequently turn to the Real Estate Market. Of course our Market is not what inspires my nephews (or me quite frankly). It’s the fun stuff (soccer fields, hot tubs, lavish indoor aquariums and hardwood floors to slide!) that captivates their attention and keep them dreaming. As they mature to understand the very real cost of larger homes, I am sure these wants will change.

Quinn and Rowan are, without question, going to face a very different circumstance and larger hurdles to become a homeowner – I can’t change that. But I can provide inspiration and be apart of the foundation to dream big and do good. They are on already doing that.