The Renter's Journey

-Meet Simone, our fictitous character representing real world struggles.

Simone, a 29-year-old veterinary assistant, loved her cozy apartment in a bustling neighborhood. For years, it was her sanctuary—a place where she could unwind after long days at the vet clinic, cuddling with her rescue cat, Luna, and dreaming about her future. But lately, that dream has felt more like a treadmill she can’t step off. Last week, a letter from her landlord arrived, and her heart sank: her rent was jumping $200 a month. That was the final straw.

Reality Check: Your Rent Will Increase And Possibly Dramatically

Simone’s paycheck already felt stretched thin. Working at the vet office, she earned enough to cover her bills, but the rising cost of living was squeezing her dry. Groceries were pricier every week—$100 used to fill her cart, now it barely covered essentials. Gas, utilities, even her coffee runs were creeping up. The rent hike wasn’t just a number; it was late nights worrying about how to make ends meet, skipping dinners with friends to save cash, and feeling like she was working harder just to stay in place.

You're Stuck!

Renting had lost its charm. Simone was tired of the instability—landlords could raise rent or sell the property with little notice, leaving her scrambling. Last year, her neighbor got a 60-day notice to vacate because the building was being converted to condos. Simone couldn’t shake the fear that she’d be next. She was also fed up with the restrictions: no painting the walls her favorite sage green, no hanging shelves for her plants, and don’t even think about getting a dog to keep Luna company. Renting meant pouring money into someone else’s pocket while her own dreams stayed on hold.

The $200 increase was a wake-up call. Simone started imagining a different life—one where her monthly payments built equity, not someone else’s wealth. A home of her own, even a small one, could be a foundation for stability. She pictured a backyard for Luna to chase butterflies, a kitchen where she could host potlucks, and walls she could paint any color she wanted. More than that, she craved the security of knowing her housing costs wouldn’t skyrocket on a whim. A fixed mortgage payment sounded like a lifeline in a world of rising prices.

Make The Decision & Map It Out!

Simone wasn’t ready to buy yet—she needed time to save for a down payment and research the process. But she was done waiting for “someday.” She started small: cutting back on takeout to boost her savings, downloading home-buying apps to browse listings, and booking a free consultation with a mortgage advisor her coworker recommended. She even joined a first-time homebuyer workshop at the local library to learn about grants and low-down-payment loans. For the first time in months, Simone felt a spark of hope. She was taking control, step by step, toward a future where her money built her dreams.

Renting had been a chapter, but Simone was ready to write a new one—a story of roots, stability, and a place to call her own.

Understanding The Renter's Journey Means Knowing Why Renters Like Simone Are Tired of Renting:

Rising Rent Costs: Unpredictable increases, like Simone’s $200 hike, strain budgets and make financial planning impossible.
Lack of Stability: Landlords can sell properties, issue eviction notices, or change terms, leaving renters vulnerable.
No Equity Building: Rent payments enrich landlords while renters gain no long-term financial benefit.
Restrictions on Personalization: Rules against painting, decorating, or owning pets limit renters’ ability to make a space their own.
Rising Cost of Living: Higher prices for groceries, utilities, and other essentials compound the financial pressure of rent increases.
Desire for Control and Security: Renters want predictable housing costs and the freedom to plan for the future without landlord whims.

Share on Facebook