California

Property taxes went up $300.00 since last year. House insurance went up. I paid $4500.00 to get the trees trimmed, and $2100.00 for a hot water tank and new faucets in the bathroom.

I got an LOC loan, which I can draw on for 10 years, and I'm using that to cover some of the costs. I think the roof needs a repair and there are other things that need to be done, if I can find a contractor who will do the work.

Anyway, even if the house is paid off, it is still my biggest expense. If I sold it, I couldn't afford something as decent. I can see why others in my age group are having trouble, whether they were homeless a long time, or just can't afford housing since they retired. It is a pretty good bet if you see a house with a yard full of cars, that the house is used by several families, or a group of people--the only way they can keep a roof over their heads.