💰🏠 Tiny Houses, Big Financial Hurdles (Day 5/7)


Hey Reader,

I left you hanging 🤦🏼‍♂️.

Several weeks ago, I started a series on the challenges of tiny house living and stopped after day 4. So now it's time to get back in!

First, catch up on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4. Then dive in.

Today, we're tackling the financial headaches that can come with tiny living. How's your wallet feeling?

Financial Headaches: The Tiny House Mortgage Maze

Remember how Bryce mentioned financial challenges in his video? Well, he wasn't kidding. Let's break it down:

The Mortgage Conundrum: Trying to get a mortgage for a tiny house? Good luck with that.

  • Traditional lenders often balk at financing tiny houses on wheels
  • Most tiny houses don't qualify for conventional mortgages
  • When financing is available, interest rates can be sky-high

Aubrie Gibbons from Atlas Cottages explains why:

  • Traditional mortgages require the home as collateral
  • With tiny houses on wheels, you can "drive off and no one will find you"
  • This mobility makes banks hesitant to offer traditional mortgages

Here's what Aubrie had to say:

"As traditional mortgages are currently structured, you usually need to use the home as collateral in order to fund that. And with the tiny homes you can drive off and no one will find you."

The reality? Many tiny housers end up using personal loans, RV loans, or good old-fashioned cash.

Listen to my full conversation with Aubrie Gibbons about mortgage-eligible tiny houses

The Hidden Costs: It's not just about the house itself:

  • Land costs can quickly inflate your budget
  • Utility hookups might be more expensive than you think
  • Don't forget about insurance - it's a whole new ballgame with tiny houses

The takeaway? A tiny house might be cheaper, but it's not always cheap.

But here's the silver lining: these challenges are pushing the tiny house community to get creative. From tiny house-specific lenders to innovative insurance policies, solutions are emerging. Some companies, like Atlas Cottages, are even developing modular small homes that can qualify for traditional 30-year mortgages!

Here's what I want to know: What do you think is the biggest financial hurdle for tiny house enthusiasts?

A) Securing traditional mortgages

B) Hidden costs (land, utilities, insurance)

C) High interest rates on alternative financing

Just hit reply with A, B, or C. Your input helps us understand what matters most to our tiny house community!

Remember, where there's a will (and a tiny house), there's a way!

Until next time,

If you're looking for additional support, here are some ways I can help you:

  • Book a 1-hour consultation call with me. I've helped countless aspiring tiny house dwellers make their dreams a reality.
  • Download your copy of Tiny House Decisions. It's got all my best thinking about how to plan your tiny house in one place.

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Today's Newsletter is Sponsored by Roamwell Tiny Homes

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Ethan Waldman

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