Why Kids Love Househacking

Most people think househacking is for young, single guys. The rest of the people don't even know what househacking means. I've been househacking since I was born, and only became familiar with the term 34 years later. Househacking is sharing a portion of your primary resident with another other person who pays you for their occupancy.

Growing up 30 miles north of Seattle, my real estate minded parents lived in a tri-level home with a daylight basement suite. This little studio had a kitchen (with some sweet swivel bar stools bolted to the floor) and a separate entrance. We lived in an established neighborhood close to town, the community college, the hospital, the naval base, the papermill, and Boeing, so the place was always rented.

I have fond memories of all the different tenant experiences we had in our home. Of course, one lady worked at night and didn't enjoy our Saturday morning shenanigans, but the college student became my younger brother's evening chess buddy and even took us to his family farm, and the space gave us opportunities to support friends going through difficult situations. And when it looked like the addition was going to wipe out the studio, we built another. It was a childhood of good memories of people that enhanced our lives, and helped us continue to live more financially free.

In my adult life, I have lived in plenty of mother-in-law units of homes. It was my favorite way to rent because I would get the opportunity of a home feeling without the price tag or the maintenance. Hello to having my own top story suite of a $2 million house in the best part of town!

Househacking is a win win situation for everyone, and it's not just for young guys trying to rent out a room. Families can enjoy the many benefits of househacking and it doesn't have to be a burden to children. Especially as housing become more and more expensive in desirable areas, sharing a home is a great idea for families. And as an experiences househacker, I can vouch that it was a greatest thing my family could do for me.