Mortgage-free, tiny home on a housekeeper's salary 

Thank you Kristen for updating us!!! I really wanted to know after seeing his recent video, which was very informative as well.😁😊

That’s one of my favorite places in the world but very expensive to live live there

Why if housing is unfordable, homeless are ilegal and they denied permits?? 😭

Great story It shows that people can have their dream of home ownership without being a slave to the system It gives me hope Thanks for the upload and continuing to chronicle this man's journey ☺💝🎆

Thank you. I've come back to this video few times over the years. It's honestly one of your most important ones...

In Brazil, many people do the same way that the Men did. Its not fast, but its safe. I did the same, after college i saved money for about 10 years, spending the minimum amount possible, and bought my 2 bedroom flat oh cash, when i was 35.

FocusFanatic banks never panic because...when a threat arise for them, they just need to lobby polititians. “Magically” regulations are then enacted in their favor to protect and make sure their speculations can go on.

I hear the tiny house is cheaper than a 120 grand house

@@davidacosta147 Of course, it is cheaper if it is much smaller.

@@davidacosta147 it's also cheaper in a long run with heating, taxes, electricity etc.

nice!

Take your time, there is no rush:-)

Yess!!! 😁 keep on pushing. You're on the right track.

Comment is two years old. How’s the home coming along? I have a 600 sq ft one bedroom I’m working on.

I pray you will finish it. Once you're done, you'll be even more proud and comfortable- living mortgage free!

This man should be teaching a course to young people on the smart way to buy a house. You can start small and add on later. Agree with Judy. Staying out of debt will change one's life.

No one has to be in debt for 30 years are ever, that's what he was telling you

I just learned so much from this man than I ever did from a financial planner or realtor. I am in this pressure of needing to own a home, but the way he explained it... damn. Land and tiny home seems a good, smart way to go.

Jayme Capurso Unfortunately years later the city came down on him hard, I think mostly for the shower setup and soap going into the septic system (?) His blog is at Granola Shotgun if you want to read more; he's come a long ways since this video.

ahh thanks for the info, I will check it out, also allowed me to notice and fix a typo in my comment :)

Yes, but couldn't the city force him to complete the whole project or be fined daily until he does??

@@valeriehancotte-galan4790 Depends on if the laws have been amended to allow for such things where he is.

Good reminder

Without greed, need would have less of a chance

Tell that to Jeff Bezos!

Never heard that before.

Trump 2020

BTW, my monthly payments actually went down when I refinanced from a 30 year loan to a 15 year loan due to the lower interest rate. Everything just fell into place for me, so some of it was planning and some of it was taking advantage of luck that came my way.

I'm glad for you. However, I think it's truly terrible that people literally work nearly every day of their adult lives, and are considered lucky if they can afford to own their own dwelling after 30 years. Where does all the money go?

@@racekrasser7869 Like the OP, folks need to do some goal setting and short and long term planning. At 38, after three layoffs in my thirties, getting completely wiped out each time, starting over from scratch each time and almost becoming homeless the last time, I decided that I needed reassess where my life was going. I had been living paycheck to paycheck until that time with no life plan. I decided that I needed to make a life plan and set some goals. After some thinking, I decided I wanted to own a house, become financially secure and retire before age 65. So, I did some research and made a long term goal and a 25 year plan with some short term goals for how to accomplish my long term goal. I decided I needed a college degree in a certain field to become employable and competitive and I needed to move someplace where I could afford to buy a house. I relocated to a less expensive area that had an affordable university program. I lived in a damp one room basement apartment for five years while I worked my way, class by class, through a bachelor degree and part of a masters degree. I worked part and full time and paid for my classes as I took them, incurring no student loan debt. I had decided to start the masters degree because it would make me even more competitive if I became unemployed again and was competing with others in my new field and because I now had good study habits from my bachelor degree work and was used to being a poor college student. I had moved to an area with two large companies about 40 miles apart that employed people with my new skill and part of my long term goals was to work for one of these companies. I applied to both companies and was eventually hired by one of them at age 43 after going to college for 13 straight semesters with no breaks and no life besides work and studying. After a few years at my new company, I asked my employer if they cared if I had a masters degree and they said they didn't but I decided to finish it anyway in case I was laid off again and I finished it at age 48. Eventually, there were rumors of possible changes at my company which could result in downsizing, so I did more research and decided to get a second masters degree in a different field, so if I was laid off, I would have two potential job skills to fall back on. I started that degree at age 55 and finished it at age 59, taking one class at a time. Luckily, my company did not downsize while I was working there and I was able to complete 20+ years with the company retiring at age 63 and I never needed to use either of my masters degrees. While I was working I lived modestly, lived on a budget, saved into multiple retirement funds and regularly calculated my financial progress toward being able to retire to ensure that I would meet my long term goal. Now I am retired, financially secure and own a home. So, the OP and I had different life plans, and very different goals about how to achieve them, but we both made plans and set goals for achieving our life plan. We both decided to control our lives not let our lives control us. Of course, no plan is fool proof, but I made multiple contingency plans and made sacrifices to deal with the unexpected things that might happen on the way to achieving my long term plan. Sorry for the long post, but I wish someone had told me this when I was 28, not 38. It would have made my life a lot easier.

I totally agree

My dream!

@@alexandersupertramp1293 That's not entirely true. Let's say this house cost him $50,000 in cash over 10 years (it was probably less because by being patient he was able to source materials for less). You are saying he should have gotten a loan for a $100,000 house, paid over 30 years. At current rates (much lower than what he would have had then), he would be paying 3.92% interest. His total payback on $100,000 would be $170,213. In 10 years he would have paid $56,737. So he would have already paid more than for his current house and will still owe 2/3rds of the loan. I think he had the right idea.

Yes now he's going back to his roots it took mom and dad yrs to furnish, yadda yadda yadda it's ok you don't have to have everything now, today....

@@alexandersupertramp1293 I'm sure he made his choices about having children long before this house. Many people don't want children. This planet has a finite amount of resources and in case you didn't notice we're not doing a really good job taking care of it. So those big ugly mcmansions that the taxes are literally $140,000 a year here where I live Plus whatever you're paying for a mortgage that's insanity he's happy! Happiness is so much more important and I don't think he has a problem with parking or anything else you can see the joy in his face and what he ended up with I would take any day over a 7-bedroom mcmansion in this dump of a affluent neighborhood I live in

@@gomezaddams6470 can I ask where the authority for US to take care of it comes from ? Who gave US this authority ? Your thinking is scary. Limited resources ? The one who made all of this is able to provide. Remember the loaves and fishes ?

@@06hilltopper Would be smarter to buy less, and you can sell and collect capital gains in 2 years if you want.

That's the right attitude!

yes! better late than never is right!

I had to live in the city and after 20 years was able to sell my house in a good market and pay cash for a house by a lake on a hill so no flood worries like the coast

49 years old is not late. Good for you!

Not too late. 49 is not old anymore. Get it!

Cecília Nagy Regular sized homes in Europe are not 400sq feet aka 38 meters.

True, but they are smaller than the ridiculous MacMansions cluttering up the American landscape.

@@TheLastProzacNation for one person, yes they are.

@@TheLastProzacNation European here, central Edinburgh. My home is about 20 by 20ft plus attic. Before me, a family of 4 lived here. It's small but perfectly formed!

Houses in Europe are mostly around 1100 to 1500 sq feet. If that is the size of a tiny house in USA I would really laugh.

I also appreciate Johnny's view of the world. He recently started a blog: granolashotgun.com where he's doing his own stories (and videos) about "urbanism, adaptation and resilience". Enjoy!

Kirsten Dirksen I just bookmarked it, so I'm excited to follow his musings.

Andrea Plaid I love his story too. This is a strategy I may have to use in order for me to do this in NYC!

I love the house! A Murphy bed would be good!

+AhhhsoNeo That is how civilized societies do it. People think the Western world is so civilized but how civilized is it to trap people in 30 year mortgages. We all need to go back to community based debt free living.

Yes, I would say the Western world is civilized. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

AhhhsoNeo same in south America

We have serious problems providing affordable housing for people in the US, and this explains many of the reasons why. When I went to Mexico, I saw lots of houses that people built themselves, a room at a time, as they could afford it. I envied them, because they had homes they owned. In the States, unless you can save a lot of money for a down-payment and also find a stable, good-paying job, you will be trapped paying rent forever. I love this guy's way to work around the problem of not being allowed to build small!

That’s the best way to own a home. It’s paid for when you finish. No staying awake at night wondering how your going to pay the bill.

TheSamVala that is awesome. I am happy for you that you are living "the smart way" and doing it on a cleaners salary. This gives most of us hope. Can I ask how you found the home that you can afford to pay off in 14 years? Is it a tiny home, or was it a much older home, etc...? So glad for you.

@@girlygirl1890 live cheap but smart. Buy Good quality that last but less off things that you don't need. I like the minimalistic approach and that helps me a lot. Learn as mutch as possible by youself. Saves a lot. Cook, clean, cut the trees to make to Wood, pick berrie's etc. Things like electricity and water är 2 things that I normalt leave to proffesionals but most other things you can learn IF you study

@@TheSamVala Thank you for your wise words.

It's not difficult for anyone except those who live beyond their means and purchase things that will own THEM.

I, too, will have my home and property paid off at the 14 year mark. 2500 square foot home with two car garage, two acres. Life is not as hard as people make it.

Yeah...I caught that! LOL!

+Leslie Ann Taylor-Bjarnson I agree, this really could quite literally save lives, and certainly enrich many of them.

+Bloodclotzzzzzzzzzzz I agree he is a smart man!

Blue Bird Yes he should be a Teacher,for Highschool,jest amazing!!Blessings to him and you!!!!

Universities don't want to teach that. They are part of the system that teaches you have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for an education that leaves you unemployed and over qualified. He is doing simple jobs and is more content. Universities don't teach being simple and content.

He seriously should!

EXACTLY!

Mkitten Not that It matters he is a wonderful soul,but he likes Mann!!You know this!But way does it matter he is wonderfull like many Gay Mann!!

He's a smart and generous guy to share how he did it, regardless of his romantic expressions! Lol

@@rosisunny9302 you are very, very stupid.

@@rosisunny9302 What does it even matter??? Is this seriously an issue? Oh, I am SO refraining from saying what's on my mind - and the tip of my tongue! Thank God I have grown up!!!!

6 more years 👍

All the best to you!!

you can do it!

What a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing so we can start too!

I have been thinking of building my home, even before leaving college. I live in Jamaica and even a pastor told me I cannot save to build/buy a home. There is a way to do this without being trapped by the bank.

but it's like he said (most) people want instant gratification! so, they get a loan with interest almost as high as the mortgage and when the loan insurance is yet added to this, they couldn't pay it off in their lifetime and when it's left to their (children) they say, sell this piece of junk, I don't want it if there is any money after the sale, give it to me!

This is what / how I was taught. My sisters along with their DH's and me & my DH all built homes this way. We did the "pay" as you go method....sure, it took awhile,but in the long run, we have a nice retirement fund, our homes are paid for, we drive nice "used" cars ( and we own only ONE car) etc. So many think today that you need two cars, you don't. Here's another tip to help those of you who like this idea and way of living.....each week when you get paid, put $20 in a separate savings account. After you get $1000 start putting it away in CD's......make sure you PAY YOURSELF first. If you learn to do this, instead of going out to eat, or other things you really don't need....you will have a nice retirement and or other things you want after you retire. Another things, most of you snicker at the way people like the Duggars live, but if you get into the mindset of buying 2nd hand, think of all the money you'll save, and put the s

Blake Kirby -community means laws, rules and ordinances, government control of everything. Not my dream

Blake Kirby GT b

Già Dato s

It's easy if you stop trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Buy a cheap mobile home...problem solved.

Jesse Taylor b

TheWisdomtooth well said all the mansions and celebs. Ufff. Why? We need to re consider life.

I like the way this guy did what he did.

TheWisdomtooth : Let's avoid the word "scam," even tho you're just repeating what others might have said, bc a scam is illegal but this man's actions weren't. Until the banking system is reformed to enable lots of people to do something this sensible, people have the right to use the rules that are in place -- as he did -- to create sane solutions. He has no debt that endangers anyone; smaller homes are ecofriendly; etc.

@@JJ21210 I agree with you

Define "some", what are you talking about? Don't be vague, say what you mean asshole.

Sheila meri God bless I hope we can all get where we would like to be ! This video always makes me so hopefull ! Goodluck

Mine too I have watch it a few times.

winluv winluv been watching it the last few years :/...one day !

You should also follow him he has a blog it's called Granola Shotgun it also gives you great ideas.

forgedabouted: You should subscribe to his blog Granola Shotgun it's full of ideas.

Yes, he has got a very clear insight on the "own-a-house" trap.

Maria m.m.

Lisa N - you agree, so it's "right thinking" Heil

👍

People always are experts with other people's money. Lol. But if it doesn't sound or feel right, then don't do it.

jim K you were very smart to do what you did

Prime example of trusting your own instincts

jim K we bought a three bedroom, 2 bath house ,during that ‘07 crash the house

The stock market is nothing but a scam, was from day one. Ive never personally seen good come from it, wish i did but reality always interferes.

dont put your kids in public school

reachforacreech I sent my child to a Waldorf School.... THAT was the best decision we ever made. In fifth grade their project was to build a SOD House... just like on the old prairie. THose kids worked so hard... and it really expanded their horizons. Academically they far excelled their rote learning counterparts.

reachforacreech homeschool using the Bible.

thepostnihilist the bible is ok.but you cant just interpret it as is.it contradicts iteself,and also leaves people in a dumb state.They dont think logically.

thepostnihilist Or... one could use BOTH the Bhagavad Gita AND the Bible... and compare the two .... listing ALL the similarities. My children benefited greatly from taking a class in Comparative Religions. It really helped expand their awareness and gave them a much better sense of the various ways that humans approach THAT Divine One.

Very clever

💕

L

@Paul Floyd you could get away with it by having a futon. Just looks like a couch from a glance. Plenty of people in tiny houses actually have a homemade futon and they look really comfy.

@@taylorbritt499 There's nothing about a futon that comfortable. Just saying. :)

Brilliant......his video should be shown in every high school in America.....everywhere, actually. Society has become so greedy, self-centered, entitled that it seems no one thinks like this guy. So time to share his way of thinking and most importantly, "getting it done his way," an affordable way.

Right?! People need to stop keeping with the Joneses.

Or in this day and age....the Patels

I agree, I wonder if he still feels the same after all this time, he seemed to really know what he wanted out of life so I'm thinking he's still happy & living in Hawaii.

@@sdmsdm7926 He has a blog called Granola Shotgun.

knittingknut I noticed that too!

Really??? I didn’t know that. I thought he was doing it a weird way.

Happy Dandelion 11:11 he folds them like they do in stores

@@knittingknut Interesting. I’ll have to try it out next time 😊

Epith D Aweee...cool.! Good luck, make a video on it and show us please...can't wait to see it. Hope it's awesome... :)

Epith D should make a video would love to see finished project

+Epith D GOOD FOR YOU (no sarcasm, honestly impressed)

Will you be painting it up like the Partridge Family one?

Lauree Jankowski make a step by step video!! All the best for you!

Please don't box yourself in by saying you're too old. Maybe you could write a blog about your ideas for building and outfitting a little house, and adding to your knowledge that way. Maybe living in a tiny house isn't in your plans now,, but your ideas could take root in others who could use your insights.I'm 65 myself and bursting with ideas.

Susan Porter I love it!! I want a tiny home so bad!!

Me, too!

Alguien m puede decir dónde puedo comprar una estufa como esta estás si aguantan el peso de OLLAS PESADAS GRACIAS

Soy de Mexico

Same here.. I've watched it 100 times tgis yr. He is my motivation for buying a house u need

same with me

Veddy Diaz same

So true..

Agreed!!

Trump 2020

@@tripd4949 why, what does trump do for you ? Make you poorer while he gets richer? Vote Bernie He actually cares about equality and fairness

You are a blessing!

Great story, great choice! U are an example for me. Many blessings:)

Zeynep Busbee well done you 👍👍👍

This is about his life, not yours. Let him have the attention. We don't give af about you. We clicked on this for his life story.

You are my role model :) your story is very inspiring

So wish I had bought property when I had the chance at great price!! Of course with recent event on Big Island...could be wiped out now!?! Smart man!!! Most of society is too impatient!! If you are this kind of person, watch out who you marry!! All my hard work, gone!!!

ubeemylove Most of the locals, like this guy’s neighbors, are in poverty. Hawaii sucks for the locals.

seededsoul I grew up in Hawaii, Oahu. I’ve now been on the Mainland for years however and was referring to society as a whole, not the locals.

Wonder Woman I was talking to the other poster. Glad you are enjoying life.

ubeemylove: He doesn't live there year round. He lives in San Fransisco.

Mary Parisi wow you are a hero. Wish I too was in the US. Five years is small time compared to the decades I lost and nothing over my head other than diseases. Peace ✌.

Good for you too!! I'm happy for you!

I thought of that too.

This is on kauai more than likely. Looks like hanalae beach in the beginning. No volcanic activity

Kinda sounds like you hope the opposite

I PRAY NOT

Watch the video in the end screen. 7 years later (Feb 2019) he has a property in Sonoma County. He's doing wonderful things there. Amazing man!