>>Expand the basement? Sure! Get a bunch of dogs? Why not! Commit to getting to know the neighbors? Sounds great. All while not having to worry about a landlord doing whatever they want at the end of a lease.

It's funny that two out of the three things you said are additional expenses that the house enables.

Of course, we aren't disputing the emotional value of owning a home. We're just saying that it's a poor financial decision most of the time.