A house always wants something
- Laura Moore: Housebroken
- July 8, 2025
- 427
Many years ago I fell in love with houses and have continued that love affair to this day. There have been several houses with whom I have lived intimately, and others that have been just a passing fancy, but all have intrigued me.
There are myriad articles and books available that offer information on how to buy, sell, decorate, remodel and improve your home. This column will offer sympathy, empathy, insight and encouragement to everyone out there currently owned or aspiring to be owned by a house.
Houses should never be taken lightly. Trust me houses have feelings and personalities. If its basic needs of love and attention are met, a house can be a lifetime of joy. A mistreated house can become a monster and cause problems on a grand scale.
However, there is a fine line between treating a house well and spoiling it rotten. A spoiled house, like a spoiled child, is a pleasure for no one.
Houses are built to provide shelter to people and in return will take most of our money, a great deal of our time and lots of our energy. This is a fact of life with houses and is best understood from the very first meeting.
Think of it in a parenthood mode. You can build it yourself or have it built. Either way, you have acquired a tax deduction for the next 15-30 years, depending on maturity.
Be forewarned, home ownership is something you have to experience. Renting or leasing a house does not really prepare you for home ownership. Buying is a commitment that separates the renters and leasees. It is proclaiming to the world that you have made your choice for better or for worse.
It is the nature of houses to be demanding. They want it all now. You must be firm and not let your house take advantage of you. You have taken on great debt to be able to move into your new house. Allow yourself time to settle in and get to know your place.
A house will always want something — new paint, wallpaper, et cetera. You must establish you will be the one to make priorities. Your house has illusions of grandeur and wants to outshine all the other houses on your block. Be firm! Let your place know who is the boss. Ask your house what it can do for you, not what you can do for it.
Laura Moore can be emailed at lehmoore1@gmail.com.