Every now and then I get an urge to look at real estate listings. I assume it’s another side effect of the biological clock, because owning property sure as hell isn’t on the immediate horizon.

In this latest round, there were a TON of listings that I would consider affordable. As in, affordable on one income with plenty of room for guests and a miniature rhinoceros.  Some of the joints even had spa tubs and fireplaces.

Of course, a lot of them were marked “Foreclosure alert — bank-owned,” which is why a 6-bedroom house is not entirely out of reach on my salary. The thought occurred: Would I be happy living in my first home, choosing paint colors and window treatments and doing laundry without cards or quarters? Or would I be haunted by a faceless, homeless family without whose suffering I would still be renting?

Where do you stand?