Guest Commentary: You don’t have to pay a king’s ransom for a house

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


Buying almost anything today is expensive because of the current supply and demand. Prices are too high on everything. Inflation is going through the roof.

Speaking of a roof, everyone needs one over their heads. A place to live is a common need and growing dilemma.

An elderly friend says she has had other elderly friends ask if they could move in with her? Her response is always, "I don’t want anyone else living with me," and she seems very happy.

Having to move in with family or a friend is less than ideal and is usually a strain on all involved. Sometimes it happens. Typically, the shortest possible tenure of the residency is better for all.

Renting is popular. Millions are renting apartments and houses. The average rent in the U.S. is $784 per month. Thirty-five percent of Americans rent. They pay just a little less than homeowners each year for their rent, maintenance costs, and renters insurance which averages $9,477.

Renting seems like a good plan because you shouldn’t have to worry about maintenance. Remember, everybody is short staffed these days and you may wait a while before someone shows up to fix your leaky toilet. Renters routinely complain about having to beg the property owner to do maintenance. Rent is not a secure way to live. Rent costs usually increase. The owners want to make more money.

Senior citizens rent apartments not far from where I live. They started out paying $550 for an apartment that included all the utilities. Most of them were thrilled. A lady who lives there now says they have increased the rent to $850 and she expects another increase this year. She moved out of her house that was paid for to live the so called "carefree" senior apartment life. It’s not turning out to be carefree.

Apartment owners set the rules. They might not allow pets or even children. You won’t be able to play your radio loud and there will be limitations on what you can do to the rental property. Plus, an apartment owner can decide they want to use your apartment for something or someone else and ask you to leave. This might be improbable, but it’s possible and who needs this kind of life insecurity?

Buying a house is expensive and this may not be for you today. New three-bedroom houses are selling for over $400,000 in a nearby Indiana neighborhood. Down the street a neighbor put his house up for sale asking $250,000 and there was a bidding war from others who wanted the property. The sellers reported they made much more than their asking price.

You don’t have to pay a king’s ransom for a house. Years ago, I bought a four-bedroom house for $80,000 with no money down on a land contract. The interest rate was 10 percent but it was mine and when I sold it, I made $10,000 on the deal.

A modest house on a small piece of dirt can become your castle. You can work on it along the way. Overhaul the bathrooms, the kitchen and do some painting. You can redo the floors but all in your time and on your schedule. You just need a place where you can stay warm, dry, and rest. Owning your own house is not cheap. Paying for it, maintenance and property taxes all have to be considered, but at least it’s yours. If you want, you can have a pet, kids, or loud music. You can sleep in peace.

If you are renting, you are not alone. Most of us have rented at one time or another. I lived in an apartment for over four years. You do what works for you at this time in your life.


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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of Grandpa's Store, American Issues, and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.


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Commentary: The whole world leads a life of uncertainty


Guest Commentary by Lefcothea-Maria Golgaki

When I am asked why is it that I like my routine so much, the answer is always the same. 'Well, I do, because there is a relative safety in it'.

I am both the scriptwriter and the leading actor and this is my morality play’. Naturally, there are things beyond my competence which I can neither comprehend nor eschew. Nevertheless, I am grateful because every night I go to bed, I retain the faith, somehow, I enjoy the confidence that the next morning the sun and the moon will still be in their places, an asteroid impact will be avoided, an alien will not land on my doorstep.

Yet, it is mathematically certain that at one point we are all going to be faced with some unpalatable prospects. Does this mean that it works to our benefit if things indefinitely remain the same? Literally, this is impossible. Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher believed that change was central to the universe. 'Everything flows, nothing stays still.'

Personally, I like change. To be honest, I often pursue it as it makes me feel alive, it makes me feel powerful.

There have been many times in the past that I took key decisions that resulted in me turning my whole life upside down. The reason was simple; I could do so, because I chose to do so. Therefore, I, a negligible yet complex molecule in the vastness of the universe, can alter my fate, can be master of my own destiny and have the power to dream and plan. So, allow me to summarize.

I have a life, I go through my familiar routine which I adore because it grants me the right to move freely in my sphere of safety and at the same time, I assume full authority to intervene in it whenever I want or need. FULL STOP!

But what happens when my fate is predetermined and placed in the hands of other forces?

Is this always the case and I just deceive myself by having the misconception that I pull the strings? Do I pull my own strings or does a puppeteer manipulate me? And if this is the case, what might happen if the puppeteer decides to go up the stage and start improvising?

Does this mean that if he fancies, he can grab and toss me in the air, or squeeze me and do whatever he wants with me? My fate is then going to be decided in the last minute and I, the poor puppet, face contorted in agony, will have to go up the stage, forever unaware of the outcome of the play. At that point, I am nothing.

Everything I was taught about who I can be or how my decisions affect me and the others, all these are proven ultimately futile. Why? Because now, I do not know the script! I am not the leading actor; not even an extra. Ergo, worse to being controlled, is not having a clue about what will happen next.

Assuming that the puppeteer exists, bound I am not to provoke his wrath. This leaves me with no other option but to hate him.

My friends, it is the year 2020 and now the whole world leads a life of uncertainty. Fear of what is happening has been surpassed by fear of what the future has in store. The consequences of the unknown loom large in this ancient Greek play which can only be described as DRAMA.




About the author:
• Lefcothea-Maria Golgaki has been an ELT teacher for the past 22 years and at the same time works as a freelance writer on English language books, poetry and teaching material for English, American and Greek Publishing Houses.

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