Home Ownership

My Home Ownership Journey

A Story of Faith, Finance, and Fixing It Up

At the very foundation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is shelter, a basic human necessity that gives us safety, stability, and a sense of belonging. Yet for many of us, having a place we can truly call our own feels like a distant dream. Living with parents or relatives may be practical, even necessary at certain seasons of life, but it often comes with limitations: lack of privacy, unspoken expectations, and the quiet feeling of being “temporary” in someone else’s space.

Image Source: Simply Psychology website

Like many people, I longed for a home not just as a physical structure, but as a space where I could grow freely, make decisions without guilt, and build a life with intention. I wanted a place where rest felt real, where my values could take root, and where small improvements could reflect personal victories. This desire wasn’t about luxury, it was about dignity, independence, and peace of mind. That dream, though simple, required faith, careful financial choices, and a willingness to learn things the hard way.

This blog series documents my home ownership journey: from searching and financing, to moving in, fixing things up, and learning lessons along the way. It’s a story of trusting God while doing the math, of starting small, and of turning an ordinary house into a meaningful home through patience and persistence.

Here’s an overview of the series and what each part will cover:

In This Series

This part shares the realities of searching for a home within a limited budget. From setting realistic expectations and choosing between pre-selling and RFO units to listening to both logic and intuition, this chapter is about navigating doubt, waiting, and finally committing to a place that felt right despite the uncertainties.

Homeownership doesn’t happen without confronting numbers. This part walks through the loan application process, financial sacrifices, setbacks, and the moments where faith had to meet discipline. It’s about learning that believing is not enough, you also have to plan, prepare, and persist.

Moving in is more than carrying boxes. This chapter captures the emotions of the first night: relief, gratitude, fear, and hope all at once. It marks the transition from dreaming on paper to finally living in the space that once felt so far away.

A home doesn’t become personal overnight. This section focuses on small, hands-on, budget-friendly improvements that slowly transformed the space. Each project tells a story; not just of aesthetics, but of learning, mistakes, patience, and the quiet joy of doing things yourself.

Small Front Garden Make-Over
DIY Bamboo Fence
DIY Pallet Fence
Painting with Limewash Paint

This part shares how I made the decision to refinance my bank housing loan through a PLI’s APDS loan. By restructuring the loan, I shortened the repayment period from 20 years to just 5 years and significantly reduced the total interest, saving approximately ₱1.8 million. More than a financial strategy, this chapter reflects the tension between risk and discipline, and how redefining “good” and “bad” debt helped me regain control, clarity, and peace of mind.

The final part looks back on the entire journey and the lessons it taught me about patience, stewardship, gratitude, and trusting God in both small repairs and big decisions. It’s a reminder that a home is not defined by perfection, but by purpose.

This series is for anyone who dreams of having their own place but feels limited by circumstances. It’s for those willing to start where they are, use what they have, and believe that slow progress is still progress. My hope is that through this story, you’ll find encouragement, practical insight, and the courage to take your own next step, whatever that may be.

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