Growing up, my dream was always to achieve homeownership. I yearned for a house that I could truly call my own.
In 2006, I made that dream a reality by purchasing my first home with a VA loan at a 6.25% interest rate. Since then, I’ve owned three homes and recently secured a significantly lower mortgage rate.
I feel incredibly lucky to have locked in such a favorable rate and to have made responsible financial decisions throughout my journey. I served my country, utilized my VA benefits, and chose to refinance when the market was right. Yet, I must admit, along with pride, I carry a sense of guilt.
### My Journey in Homeownership
When I bought my first house, I was unsure if 6.25% was a good deal; I was just thrilled to fulfill a lifelong dream of homeownership at the age of 30. A few years later, I refinanced to a 3.25% rate and felt ecstatic as I reduced my monthly mortgage payment. I lived in that first home for nearly a decade before selling it in 2015.
In 2016, I acquired a second home using my VA benefits, but I didn’t stay there long—about a year and a half. After selling that home, I quickly bought my third home with another 6.25% rate.
Then came 2020, when the pandemic hit and mortgage rates fell dramatically. I refinanced to a historic low of 2.25%.
### Refinancing: Peace and Guilt
As the youngest of my siblings, I’ve seen each of us work hard to secure our futures. Yet, despite my success in home buying and refinancing, none of my siblings have managed to purchase a home.
Given the current state of the housing market, I often ponder their situation. I want the best for my siblings, including the opportunity to buy homes someday. Their financial realities make me question why fortune has favored me and not them.
I attribute part of my success to my conscious efforts over the years, seizing opportunities as they arose. I relocated for jobs and took on leadership roles that weren’t always easy. I utilized my VA loan benefits whenever I could. However, I still feel guilty being the only one among my siblings who has purchased three homes.
What’s troubling is that I don’t consider myself uniquely deserving of this good fortune. I simply found myself in the right place and time, equipped with the necessary background and the agility to act swiftly.
### The Weight of Rising Home Values
Now, in 2025, mortgage rates are climbing again, making it difficult for first-time homebuyers to enter the market. Home values are soaring, and competition is fierce. When I bought my current home in 2018 for $240,000, its value has since risen to approximately $403,000 — a nearly 68% increase.
Around my siblings, I hold back from discussing anything related to homes. While I’m proud and grateful for my achievements, I wish to avoid reminding them of what they don’t have, especially during such challenging times in the housing market.
I genuinely hope one day my siblings can experience the joy and benefits of homeownership just as I have.