Thanks for sharing your thoughts Doug.

FWIW, I’ve had to replace one of my home’s AC units, which would have cost $3k (not $30k!), except that with my home warranty was $100.

Roof replacement I haven’t had to do yet (despite owning homes for a combined 25 years), but the cost is $5k — $11k (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/cost-to-replace-roof/), not necessarly $10k+, and a home warranty or homeowners insurance can help (https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/does-a-home-warranty-cover-the-roof).

Sewer line replacement can cost as little as $1250, and if your property is a rural one with a really long line may cost $25k or more. However, (a) again, in 25 years of combined home ownership I haven’t needed it, and (b) if you live in a city or have a modest suburban home, your cost will likely be a few thousand dollars, not $30k+ (https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/reviews/sewer-line-replacement-cost).

Property taxes can indeed increase, but at least where I live, those increases are capped to no more than 10%/year.

Having said all that, this is certainly an example of where personal finance is indeed that — personal. If homeownership isn’t for you, then you should indeed rent!