Wednesday, 28 August 2013

It's my house

Today is the end of a very long journey, one that I didn't want to take when I first set off in 1976. When I signed on the dotted line I felt as though I was signing my life away. That it would be the end of freedom as I know it. I felt that I would be carrying a massive burden for the rest of my life, that it would weigh ,me down, and I would be trapped with no way out.

But now, 37 years later, I have found the way out, I carry that burden no more, it has gone. Now I have my freedom back, and it feels pretty darn good. Chuffed? You bet I am. Chuffed that I stuck it out, chuffed that I worked hard, and chuffed that I never missed one payment in all that time. Today, I made my very last mortgage payment, and the house I sit in belongs to me.

I don't care that nearly everything in it is second hand. I don't care that my furniture is old fashioned. I don't care that I don't have a massive TV or a leather sofa. I don't care that the chair I am sitting on was given to me. I don't care that I wear second hand clothes, or cut my own hair, or buy out of date food. I don't chuffin care that my house is ex council, and not in the posh street on the other side of the village. It is my house.

These walls that could do with a lick of paint are my walls. This roof which has a few tiles missing is my roof. The old tumbledown garage which needs updating is my garage. The crumbling driveway with weeds poking through, is my driveway. The light that doesn't work in the kitchen, the guttering that leaks when it rains, the bath that isn't sealed properly around the edge, the shower that doesn't work, the toilet seat that is broken, the single glaze window which needs replacing, the front porch where the wood is rotting, and the small window in the outside store that is about to fall out, are all minor details that I can live with. They may or may not get fixed, I don't care.

Tonight I am proud to sit in my house.
Lots of love, Ilona xxx  
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86 comments:

  1. VirginiaC28 August 2013 at 23:14

    Congrats Ilona, you've done it....paid off your mortgage. It must be a great feeling....good for you.

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  2. Anonymous28 August 2013 at 23:20

    Congratulations! I achieved this earlier this year and it's a wonderful feeling, so I'm very happy for you. In my case, it's the bathroom light that doesn't work, the porch door is disintegrating, and the central heating has ceased to work. But who cares? It's MY house! May you enjoy your house for many long happy years.

    By the way I've been reading your blog for several months and I really like it!

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  3. tana5028 August 2013 at 23:28

    Congratulations! That is a very big achivement. May you be happy and content.

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  4. Louise28 August 2013 at 23:29

    That's great. I always thinks it's funny now - most people are desperate to pay off their mortgages but people like me are just desperate to be given one - and I mean enough of one to actually buy a house now. I remember you saying when we went for that walk that you had about a year to go - you were spot on :)

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  5. Linda Metcalf28 August 2013 at 23:36

    Feels just great doesn't it? Maybe that payment money could now be put back and saved for the needed repairs...

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  6. Anonymous28 August 2013 at 23:41

    I think that's wonderful! Congratulations! Martha from Kansas

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  7. Sunnybrook Farm28 August 2013 at 23:51

    Wow I don't know when I have heard of anyone paying one off, amazing! Happy Times!

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  8. menopausalrunninggirl29 August 2013 at 00:09

    I LOVE this post xx well done YAY!!

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  9. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 00:11

    Oh, well done, Ilona. Having done it myself, I can truly appreciate the sense of freedom & accomplishment you feel. Cheers...JudeinOz

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  10. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 00:28

    Well done Ilona, it's been well worth it now.
    Maybe an extra trip this year!
    Eilidh

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  11. Cheapchick29 August 2013 at 00:34

    So very happy for you! We paid off our own mortgage earlier this year, primarily by moving and downsizing. Never again! It is such a wonderful feeling - Enjoy it!

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  12. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 00:48

    Congratulations Ilona - if you feel like it you will be able to use your 'mortgage payment' money to fix up some things - or not! One of my neighbours paid off her mortgage earlier this year and has big plans to save up and knock a wall out now. Maybe you should spend it all on Magnums.....

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  13. Eileen M29 August 2013 at 00:55

    That's bloody fantastic ! I am chuffed for you.

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  14. Gill - That British Woman29 August 2013 at 01:19

    well done, we paid our last payment last Friday. Does indeed feel good to fully own your home.

    Gill

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  15. Quinn29 August 2013 at 01:21

    BIG congratulations, Ilona! For many years, I used to say I owned the front step and anything that was broken, and the bank owned the rest. Making that final mortgage payment is a marvelous feeling!

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  16. Judy Y29 August 2013 at 01:43

    Well done, that's wonderful news!

    xx

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  17. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 01:48

    You go, girl!

    sweetiesuzy@aol.com

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  18. Jane and Chris29 August 2013 at 01:56

    FABULOUS, Ilona!! Congratulations.I'm going to toast you with some bread pudding (no champagne!)
    Jane x

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  19. Paul Mullings29 August 2013 at 01:56

    Good for you Ilona, you have every reason to feel proud of yourself and people will wonder what you are smiling at as you pass ;)

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  20. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 02:09

    Congratulations, Ilona. I paid my mortgage off a long time ago. Money experts advised against it at the time because interest rates were high and as the mortgage dwindled down, you were better off to invest the money and keep paying the mortgage, but I wanted to own the house. And I'm glad I did. I never refinanced, just kept plugging along. It's a good feeling.

    Maggie from USA

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  21. annie29 August 2013 at 03:05

    Congratulations! Praise God!

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  22. Kearnygirl29 August 2013 at 03:10

    Congratulations! It's a great feeling to own a house outright. We paid off our house a couple of years ago and we celebrated. Never thought I'd see the day. Hope you keep enjoying your house every day for a long time. You deserve it.

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  23. Jan29 August 2013 at 04:00

    Congratulations! It's one of the best feelings in the world! Hope you enjoy many happy years living in your home.

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  24. Unknown29 August 2013 at 05:12

    Hey Ilona, congratulations on paying off your mortgage. You deserve to enjoy what you have worked hard for. It must be such a great feeling knowing that it is yours.

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  25. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 05:45

    Congratulations!!!! I think it was the happiest day of my life and nothing in the world can make me risk it or lose it!

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  26. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 06:03

    Very well done! That is such a big achievement, Queen of your own world, answerable to nowt! Congratulations Ilona.

    Best wishes from
    Red the Elder

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  27. Joyful29 August 2013 at 06:35

    Congratulations! What a great day for you.

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  28. Kitty Greene29 August 2013 at 06:42

    My house is falling down too MQ - but I have to pay a fortune to live here and the landlord won't do anything !

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  29. Tania29 August 2013 at 07:14

    That is fantastic, well done you! I cant wait to get where you are, hopefully very soon :)

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  30. Carol29 August 2013 at 07:31

    Congratulations. Maybe you can continue to save that money and get a few jobs done?
    Carolx

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  31. Trudie29 August 2013 at 07:37

    Congratulations Ilona - I'm like you I paid a mortgage on my own but as a single parent and without having anyone else to support or help with any of those mortgage payments and it is a great feeling to think that it now belongs to me - for weeks after the mortgage had finished it would hit me - gosh I own this and the land and mine is a little 160 years old cottage- nothing large or special - enjoy the feeling ilona - youve worked hard for it xxx

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  32. janipi29 August 2013 at 07:39

    Brilliant post! You deserve to be very proud.:)

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  33. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 07:58

    Well done! We paid ours about ten years ago, having now lived here for thirty three years. It's home, I can't imagine living anywhere else.
    Started reading your accounts a few days ago. Very interesting. Those inspirational stories are quite humbling.
    Best wishes,
    Angela

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  34. Dianne - Hereford29 August 2013 at 08:19

    Congratulations. Well Done. Pure inspiration.
    Dianne - Hereford

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  35. Vix29 August 2013 at 08:26

    Well done, it's the best feeling! Here's to second-hand furniture, home-cut hair and a debt-free life, what could be better? xxx

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  36. Morgan29 August 2013 at 08:38

    Well done, Ilona - I hope you have many more happy years in your house.

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  37. Kath29 August 2013 at 08:45

    well done girl! x

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  38. saraband29 August 2013 at 09:18

    It's a brilliant feeling, isn't it. By some kind of happy synchronicity we paid off our mortgage and celebrated silver wedding, daughter's 21st and son's 18th in the same year.

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  39. Unknown29 August 2013 at 10:08

    Oh HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to you Ilona! Savour that wonderful feeling, you did it!

    Sft x

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  40. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 10:11

    Hello Ilona from House fairy
    A BIG WELL DONE:) what an achievement.
    Make a plaque or rosset with your crafting and stick it on your wall.
    Have a party.

    Congratulations

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  41. Miss Piggy Bank29 August 2013 at 10:46

    Congratulations. I'm at the other end , I am just a year into my new mortgage but I hope to overpay as & when money allows. How do you plan to spend your mortgage money ; save/renovate or party ? You've earned it so enjoy regardless xx

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  42. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 11:03

    good work ilona...fab
    enjoyxxxxxxxx

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  43. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 11:22

    BIG congratulations to you!!! Each time you close that front door, you can do so with the peace of mind that your home is yours. Well done to you! I've just started overpaying my mortgage and have a way to go yet but can't wait for that day to come! Louise xx

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  44. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 11:55

    Oh well done Ilona - what an achievement paying it off on your own. Great feeling isn't it. Best wishes Sandy in NZ

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  45. Campfire29 August 2013 at 12:09

    Great feeling Ilona, certainly an achievement!

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  46. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 12:47

    Well Done YOU are A STAR. What a girl, Very proud of you.
    Ivy

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  47. Jane Le Galloudec29 August 2013 at 12:48

    Congratulations Ilona. It's a wonderful feeling to be mortgage free! Now that you no longer have to pay the mortgage.. I would consider getting the guttering and roof tiles fixed... leaks can cause damage that you might not be able to live with and would cost an arm and a leg to fix... a stitch in time as they say but I am sure you know all that. Enjoy being Queen of your castle!

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  48. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 13:12

    Best wishes ilhona, what an achievement x

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  49. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 13:18

    Congratulations!

    Looking fwd to reading all about your plans for the future; you are the most independent and "git 'er done" person I know : )

    Chris

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  50. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 14:09

    It's official - you are a Happy Home Owner! That is often said tongue-in-cheek but you seem to be the real thing today. Congratulations!

    Anne in Pennsylvania

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  51. Montridge2u29 August 2013 at 14:33

    I'm so happy for you. Congrats!!!

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  52. Connie29 August 2013 at 15:44

    Congrats MQ! Being without that monthly payment seemed very "freeing" when I achieved same. Extra cash for more fun excursions perhaps? :)

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  53. Heleng29 August 2013 at 16:55

    Amazing achievement, Ilona. That must feel incredible. Like you our house has loads that needs doing to it, but we can afford the repayments and we are currently overpaying while interest rates are low and hoping to have it payed off completely within 5 years. We have no other debts and it will be wonderful when we can finally say we are completely debt free.

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  54. Kiwijo29 August 2013 at 17:11

    Well done you! :o)

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  55. Barbara29 August 2013 at 17:26

    Congratulations!!

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  56. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 17:43

    Pleased as punch for you. Very well done! You are an inspiration.

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  57. JanF29 August 2013 at 18:21

    What happy news! Everyone here is rejoicing with you!
    Jan

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  58. Mum29 August 2013 at 18:53

    Yeah!
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  59. Sals View29 August 2013 at 19:20

    A big woohoo for you ;)

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  60. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 19:26

    ( Danneke here)Maybe the roof tiles should be first on the repair list, I am sure you will have bilder pal who can do the roof at a cheap rate for a friend or even a barter job, Maybe an extra little treat for the kitties now you are IN THE MONEY and mortgage free bracket, its a lovely feeling when you know the property is yours alone. Determination pays off in the end, you are living proof of that my friend. Well done

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  61. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 19:47

    We were so delighted to know you are mortgage free now. It is a wonderful achievement and you deserve to sit back now and congratulate yourself.
    Wendy (Wales)

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  62. Jane and Chris29 August 2013 at 20:03

    Well done Ilona but remember to maintain your house properly - then there will be less problems in the future.
    Jane

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  63. Aril29 August 2013 at 20:15

    Well done Ilona- it's the best feeling once you know your home really is all yours!
    Arilx

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  64. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 21:13

    Hi Ilona, Congratulations, you now own the house instead of it owning you.
    One less thing to worry about and a bit extra money in your pocket.
    Dave.

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  65. Frugal Hill29 August 2013 at 21:15

    Yay! Well done you.

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  66. KittyKittyWeaselFish29 August 2013 at 22:17

    Congratulations Ilona, and well done! It's a good feeling to know that no matter what, the roof over your head is yours :)

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  67. janzi29 August 2013 at 22:26

    How joyful to be free of mortgage, whilst you are still young enough to enjoy the feeling!! Well done you, feel very jealous as we still have another 3 years to complete ours, but i the meantime, I just had to send you wishes and congrats as I know you are feeling so good about being free... good on ya*** janzi

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  68. Sue29 August 2013 at 22:26

    Wow, that's fantastic Ilona, well done, and never a payment missed. You truly are the proud owner of all you survey. Sleep well tonight in YOUR house.

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  69. Loose Ends29 August 2013 at 22:36

    So very pleased for you Ilona ~ you should be VERY proud of yourself!!!

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  70. Loose Ends29 August 2013 at 22:38

    Well done Ilona ~ very, very pleased for you! Thank you for inviting us all into your life & mortgage free home ;-)

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  71. momsav29 August 2013 at 22:45

    Wecome to the club! Hard work does pay off!

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  72. Unknown29 August 2013 at 22:48

    What can I possibly add to what everyone else has put already? Great news! You have every right to be chuffed.

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  73. Beryl Ament29 August 2013 at 22:48

    Congratulations. Enjoy each task—it is all for you!

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  74. talliethecat29 August 2013 at 23:06

    Congratulations x

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  75. shadypinesqltr29 August 2013 at 23:46

    Well done, Ilona. I am so happy for you but also concerned about that roof and windows! As someone else said, "a stitch in time...".

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  76. Jillian30 August 2013 at 00:34

    Well done Ilona, a big congratulations, and thank you for sharing so much of your journey with us, and for teaching us a more frugal way of living.
    Enjoy your home, and God Bless. X

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  77. chris30 August 2013 at 00:41

    Well done x You have every right to feel proud

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  78. Unknown30 August 2013 at 06:22

    Congratulation and from all the photos I've seen, I think your house is very comfortable and homely. You own it, and it's yours!

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  79. Anonymous30 August 2013 at 10:30

    Wonderful, wishing you many happy and healthy years in your home! :) xxx

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  80. Unknown30 August 2013 at 12:54

    Good for you! I can't imagine how great you must feel, I'm still waiting to get started!

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  81. Mary30 August 2013 at 14:25

    Congratulations.

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  82. Anonymous30 August 2013 at 20:31

    As someone living in an apartment longing for her own home, this brought tears to my eyes....so happy for you and your kittys! Jan

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  83. Anonymous31 August 2013 at 07:11

    Congrats Ilona! It has to be a good feeling of achievement - enjoy it! Ex-council houses tend to be a lot better built than some hastily-built new homes anyway.

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  84. Anonymous31 August 2013 at 18:48

    I remember when I was kid hearing about "mortgage burning parties" where you would burn your final payment stub/booklet outside with friends and dance around. I don't know if they still do this but I think you should party in some way, Ilona!
    Nancy from Northern California

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  85. Anonymous1 September 2013 at 02:33

    Congratulations!
    barbara (in Tennessee)

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  86. CrystalMoonCat1 October 2013 at 18:42

    Ilona, just catching up with your blog. This post has brought a little tear (of happiness) to my eye. So very, very proud of you Linda xxxx

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