How to snag a house without shackling yourself to a mortgage (unless it's a shackle made of money, which would be pretty sweet)
Let's face it, forking over a small fortune for a house every month can leave your wallet feeling a bit lighter than a Kardashian's conscience. But fear not, intrepid homeownership hopefuls! There are ways to swing a sweet abode without getting tangled in the sticky webs of mortgage lenders.
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So, ditch the mortgage and move on up (or down, or sideways, really, there are no rules here) with these cunning strategies:
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Become a Millionaire (Overnight) This is the simplest solution, though admittedly, the trickiest to pull off. Unless you have a hidden talent for winning the lottery (or convincing your wealthy great-aunt that you're her favourite, non-existent relative), this option might require some serious hustle. Maybe take up competitive pie-eating or yodeling? They're bound to be lucrative... eventually.
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House-Sit Your Way to Homeownership: Think of yourself as a real estate guardian angel, swooping in to keep an eye on vacant mansions while their jet-setting owners are off cavorting with international playboys (or just at their dentist appointment in Cleveland). While this strategy might not work for a starter castle, it could land you a cozy (and possibly haunted) Victorian townhouse for free! Just be prepared to explain the disembodied laughter to potential dinner guests.
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Bargain Like a Boss: Channel your inner garage sale ninja and hone those negotiation skills! This could involve convincing a seller to part with their prized beach bungalow for a slightly used sock collection and a promise to name your firstborn child after them (Harold? Mildred? You decide!). It's a gamble, but hey, a house is a house, even if it comes with a lifetime supply of questionable porcelain figurines.
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Inherit a House (From a Long-Lost Relative You Never Knew Existed): Okay, this one relies heavily on some serious plot points from a bad soap opera. But hey, if you discover you have a fabulously wealthy, house-hoarding grandmother in Tuscany, then who are you to argue with destiny (and free real estate)? Just be prepared for a house overflowing with questionable bejeweled leisure suits and enough porcelain cats to rival a museum.
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Become a House Flipping Guru (Without Actually Flipping Any Houses): This might sound ambitious, but hear me out! Instead of the risky renovations and late-night DIY disasters, focus on the flipping part in the metaphorical sense. Turn your attention to flea markets and thrift stores, becoming a connoisseur of all things vintage and slightly dusty. With your newfound treasure trove, you can transform any house into a buyer's dream (even if the dream involves a talking parrot lamp and a shag carpet the colour of sunshine after a nuclear war).
Remember: Owning a house without a mortgage may require a little creativity and a dash of wackiness. But with a sprinkle of these tips and a whole lot of luck, you might just find yourself the proud owner of a perfectly imperfect home (complete with its own set of quirks, maybe even a ghost or two... but that's just character, right?).