Mortgage-free, tiny home on a housekeeper's salary

Johnny Sanphillippo has never made more than $20,000 per year (he works as a housekeeper, as well as, a gardener and house painter), but he knew like "any other American" that he wanted to own his own home.
When he talked to bankers about qualifying for a home loan, "they look at you and their eyes glaze over and you realize, they're going to give me a lollipop and send me home, which is pretty much what happened". So he decided that if he went far enough away from his hometown of San Francisco he could find something he could afford to buy with cash.
He finally heard about a deal in Hawaii (back when oil was cheap and airline tickets were $99 from SFO) and for $3000 cash he bought himself an empty lot in a failed subdivision on the Big Island.
Without a loan, he knew he couldn't afford to build a conventional home. He'd always loved tiny houses, but the permitting office wasn't as enthusiastic about allowing him to build small. So he had plans drawn up for a conventionally-sized home, plus a 400 square foot garage. He just built the garage.
Once the inspectors signed off on his fully-equipped garage (which included a bathroom, utility sink, electricity, septic system, and rainwater capture), he let them know he wasn't planning on building the house. Then he set about swapping the garage door for sliding glass and the utility sink for a regular kitchen.
Instead of relying on a loan to buy a house up-front, he had to do it the slow way, in stops and starts as he worked to pay off each step of the process. First, he saved up for a foundation, then the shell, then septic, etcetera, and today, 13 years later, the home is complete.
Johnny Sanphillippo's blog: granolashotgun.com/
Original story & more info: faircompanies.com/videos/view/...

[@kirstendirksen]

To all those asking, Johnny sold this home. We've done a follow-up video with him at the home he owns in Sebastopol, CA: "Bottom up urbanism" kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGnbZXaNd7Kmhsk He lives in San Francisco and blogs about architecture/urbanism granolashotgun.com/

[@Cottage-Reader]

Thank you Kristen for updating us!!! I really wanted to know after seeing his recent video, which was very informative as well.😁😊

[@Melody_On_Pawz1]

That’s one of my favorite places in the world but very expensive to live live there

[@mariarobles6426]

Why if housing is unfordable, homeless are ilegal and they denied permits?? 😭

[@laurastrobel718]

Great story It shows that people can have their dream of home ownership without being a slave to the system It gives me hope Thanks for the upload and continuing to chronicle this man's journey ☺💝🎆

[@mairedaly4548]

Thank you. I've come back to this video few times over the years. It's honestly one of your most important ones...

[@MsLia32]

The moment you realize the bank did him a huge favour by refusing him a loan.

[@jcdmodena]

In Brazil, many people do the same way that the Men did. Its not fast, but its safe. I did the same, after college i saved money for about 10 years, spending the minimum amount possible, and bought my 2 bedroom flat oh cash, when i was 35.

[@italiani41]

FocusFanatic banks never panic because...when a threat arise for them, they just need to lobby polititians. “Magically” regulations are then enacted in their favor to protect and make sure their speculations can go on.

[@davidacosta147]

I hear the tiny house is cheaper than a 120 grand house

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

@@davidacosta147 Of course, it is cheaper if it is much smaller.

[@minastirith997]

@@davidacosta147 it's also cheaper in a long run with heating, taxes, electricity etc.

[@judya.shroads8245]

Love him, his ideas and not being in debt for 30 yrs. Smart man.

[@sharonfarris1282]

This man should be teaching a course to young people on the smart way to buy a house. You can start small and add on later. Agree with Judy. Staying out of debt will change one's life.

[@ravenhummel8202]

No one has to be in debt for 30 years are ever, that's what he was telling you

[@circe...]

I just learned so much from this man than I ever did from a financial planner or realtor. I am in this pressure of needing to own a home, but the way he explained it... damn. Land and tiny home seems a good, smart way to go.

[@zxtraterrestrial]

Perfect example of ‘living within your means’ I love it!! 👌

[@kwqd54]

When I bought my home at age 43 (i.e., got my 30 year loan) the banker said I was under buying based on my income in my new job. I had just gotten out of college after retraining myself for a white collar job. Most people like me were buying McMansions. But, I wanted an old Victorian in walking distance of stores, downtown, etc., so I wouldn't have to rely on a car when I retired. It was not the "cool" part of town and I got a lot of sneers and negative comments. After five years, interest rates dropped to 5% so I refinanced to a 15 year loan which would be paid off the year I retired and the payment was actually less than for my previous loan. So I basically started at age 43 with absolutely nothing and retired at 63 with a home that is paid for and no bills except utilities. You can do it, you just have to plan and live within your means or below your means and save what you can.

[@kwqd54]

BTW, my monthly payments actually went down when I refinanced from a 30 year loan to a 15 year loan due to the lower interest rate. Everything just fell into place for me, so some of it was planning and some of it was taking advantage of luck that came my way.

[@racekrasser7869]

I'm glad for you. However, I think it's truly terrible that people literally work nearly every day of their adult lives, and are considered lucky if they can afford to own their own dwelling after 30 years. Where does all the money go?

[@kwqd54]

@@racekrasser7869 Like the OP, folks need to do some goal setting and short and long term planning. At 38, after three layoffs in my thirties, getting completely wiped out each time, starting over from scratch each time and almost becoming homeless the last time, I decided that I needed reassess where my life was going. I had been living paycheck to paycheck until that time with no life plan. I decided that I needed to make a life plan and set some goals. After some thinking, I decided I wanted to own a house, become financially secure and retire before age 65. So, I did some research and made a long term goal and a 25 year plan with some short term goals for how to accomplish my long term goal. I decided I needed a college degree in a certain field to become employable and competitive and I needed to move someplace where I could afford to buy a house. I relocated to a less expensive area that had an affordable university program. I lived in a damp one room basement apartment for five years while I worked my way, class by class, through a bachelor degree and part of a masters degree. I worked part and full time and paid for my classes as I took them, incurring no student loan debt. I had decided to start the masters degree because it would make me even more competitive if I became unemployed again and was competing with others in my new field and because I now had good study habits from my bachelor degree work and was used to being a poor college student. I had moved to an area with two large companies about 40 miles apart that employed people with my new skill and part of my long term goals was to work for one of these companies. I applied to both companies and was eventually hired by one of them at age 43 after going to college for 13 straight semesters with no breaks and no life besides work and studying. After a few years at my new company, I asked my employer if they cared if I had a masters degree and they said they didn't but I decided to finish it anyway in case I was laid off again and I finished it at age 48. Eventually, there were rumors of possible changes at my company which could result in downsizing, so I did more research and decided to get a second masters degree in a different field, so if I was laid off, I would have two potential job skills to fall back on. I started that degree at age 55 and finished it at age 59, taking one class at a time. Luckily, my company did not downsize while I was working there and I was able to complete 20+ years with the company retiring at age 63 and I never needed to use either of my masters degrees. While I was working I lived modestly, lived on a budget, saved into multiple retirement funds and regularly calculated my financial progress toward being able to retire to ensure that I would meet my long term goal. Now I am retired, financially secure and own a home. So, the OP and I had different life plans, and very different goals about how to achieve them, but we both made plans and set goals for achieving our life plan. We both decided to control our lives not let our lives control us. Of course, no plan is fool proof, but I made multiple contingency plans and made sacrifices to deal with the unexpected things that might happen on the way to achieving my long term plan. Sorry for the long post, but I wish someone had told me this when I was 28, not 38. It would have made my life a lot easier.

[@reginafisher9919]

I totally agree

[@namsahejsongbird6837]

My dream!

[@jedics1]

getting approval to build a house with a 2 car garage and then just building the garage is pure genius and appeals to my sensibilities and resentment towards being told what to build by people that arent going to be living there. You are my hero of the week.

[@signalfire6]

Jayme Capurso Unfortunately years later the city came down on him hard, I think mostly for the shower setup and soap going into the septic system (?) His blog is at Granola Shotgun if you want to read more; he's come a long ways since this video.

[@jedics1]

ahh thanks for the info, I will check it out, also allowed me to notice and fix a typo in my comment :)

[@valeriehancotte-galan4790]

Yes, but couldn't the city force him to complete the whole project or be fined daily until he does??

[@jedics1]

@@valeriehancotte-galan4790 Depends on if the laws have been amended to allow for such things where he is.

[@k.m.9418]

even though it took him 10 yrs, 10 yrs (pd off) is better than a 30yr mortgage. fabulous!

[@06hilltopper]

@@alexandersupertramp1293 That's not entirely true. Let's say this house cost him $50,000 in cash over 10 years (it was probably less because by being patient he was able to source materials for less). You are saying he should have gotten a loan for a $100,000 house, paid over 30 years. At current rates (much lower than what he would have had then), he would be paying 3.92% interest. His total payback on $100,000 would be $170,213. In 10 years he would have paid $56,737. So he would have already paid more than for his current house and will still owe 2/3rds of the loan. I think he had the right idea.

[@balderasvivian]

Yes now he's going back to his roots it took mom and dad yrs to furnish, yadda yadda yadda it's ok you don't have to have everything now, today....

[@gomezaddams6470]

@@alexandersupertramp1293 I'm sure he made his choices about having children long before this house. Many people don't want children. This planet has a finite amount of resources and in case you didn't notice we're not doing a really good job taking care of it. So those big ugly mcmansions that the taxes are literally $140,000 a year here where I live Plus whatever you're paying for a mortgage that's insanity he's happy! Happiness is so much more important and I don't think he has a problem with parking or anything else you can see the joy in his face and what he ended up with I would take any day over a 7-bedroom mcmansion in this dump of a affluent neighborhood I live in

[@patcola7335]

@@gomezaddams6470 can I ask where the authority for US to take care of it comes from ? Who gave US this authority ? Your thinking is scary. Limited resources ? The one who made all of this is able to provide. Remember the loaves and fishes ?

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@06hilltopper Would be smarter to buy less, and you can sell and collect capital gains in 2 years if you want.

[@onthehill3381]

My mom never refinanced her home like he says people do. I remember a lot of people were doing it at one point and she kept saying how stupid it was. She was reupholstering her old sofa herself when her friends were buying new furniture every other year. She paid off the home she lives in (3 bedroom ocean/mountain view) in 30 years. My father died (in a plane crash) three years after they bought it. She was was paid insurance money from that and used it to buy an investment property. Paid that off too and has a nice rental income. She was always very simple and never spent on things she didn’t need.

[@agashawn]

Love how in 2020 the tiny movement is huge 😁 he was just ahead of his time

[@nichicatseven1044]

Thank you for showing people that commonsense will never go out of style.

[@nicolegavrilov6128]

This makes me feel normal. We have been living in an unfinished 700 sqft home that we are building as we go with cash for TWO YEARS and counting.

[@maryjanegreen7601]

nice!

[@woofolliesmydog8628]

Take your time, there is no rush:-)

[@Max0429.]

Yess!!! 😁 keep on pushing. You're on the right track.

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

Comment is two years old. How’s the home coming along? I have a 600 sq ft one bedroom I’m working on.

[@ShiaGirl18]

I pray you will finish it. Once you're done, you'll be even more proud and comfortable- living mortgage free!

[@MR-tn5kv]

My favorite one so far because of the guy’s honesty and reality. Perfect size

[@elviradonaghy5422]

YOU SON, HAVE A GOOD SOUND MIND. MORE POWER TO YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU.

[@ahikernamedgq]

This is still one of the most inspiring videos!

[@babettedetwiler7427]

Jesse Taylor b

[@IfWeRanTheWorldXers]

Johnny Sanphillippo is my Tiny House hero! Thank you, Johnny, for showing another way to live and finance our own American Dreams!

[@kirstendirksen]

I also appreciate Johnny's view of the world. He recently started a blog: granolashotgun.com where he's doing his own stories (and videos) about "urbanism, adaptation and resilience". Enjoy!

[@IfWeRanTheWorldXers]

Kirsten Dirksen I just bookmarked it, so I'm excited to follow his musings.

[@tinyhouseinthecity520]

Andrea Plaid I love his story too. This is a strategy I may have to use in order for me to do this in NYC!

[@deborahwoods2361]

I love the house! A Murphy bed would be good!

[@lisabolo26]

This man has truly found Paradise. Bravo!!!!

[@cecilianagy3562]

Smart man. btw America's "tiny homes" are regular sized homes in Europe, where whole families live happily...

[@TheLastProzacNation]

Cecília Nagy Regular sized homes in Europe are not 400sq feet aka 38 meters.

[@SwedeProof]

True, but they are smaller than the ridiculous MacMansions cluttering up the American landscape.

[@daniabadeister1526]

@@TheLastProzacNation for one person, yes they are.

[@alifloydtv]

@@TheLastProzacNation European here, central Edinburgh. My home is about 20 by 20ft plus attic. Before me, a family of 4 lived here. It's small but perfectly formed!

[@happysailor5397]

Houses in Europe are mostly around 1100 to 1500 sq feet. If that is the size of a tiny house in USA I would really laugh.

[@merlin8499]

I was very inspired by this story, I've been putting away $50 a week to do this in 8 years. Thanks!

[@j.c.nightwalker5322]

6 more years 👍

[@Eidann63]

All the best to you!!

[@akikoito1383]

you can do it!

[@AneliyaDimitrova123]

What a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing so we can start too!

[@ShiaGirl18]

I have been thinking of building my home, even before leaving college. I live in Jamaica and even a pastor told me I cannot save to build/buy a home. There is a way to do this without being trapped by the bank.

[@hannahlipka5266]

"So I had to fool the county." *extreme zoom in* lol

[@pathan232]

Yeah...I caught that! LOL!

[@TheSamVala]

He is not The only one. I pay everything by myself and within 14 years after I bought The house I Will own it. I have 7 years left. I live on a cleaners salary

[@girlygirl1890]

TheSamVala that is awesome. I am happy for you that you are living "the smart way" and doing it on a cleaners salary. This gives most of us hope. Can I ask how you found the home that you can afford to pay off in 14 years? Is it a tiny home, or was it a much older home, etc...? So glad for you.

[@TheSamVala]

@@girlygirl1890 live cheap but smart. Buy Good quality that last but less off things that you don't need. I like the minimalistic approach and that helps me a lot. Learn as mutch as possible by youself. Saves a lot. Cook, clean, cut the trees to make to Wood, pick berrie's etc. Things like electricity and water är 2 things that I normalt leave to proffesionals but most other things you can learn IF you study

[@girlygirl1890]

@@TheSamVala Thank you for your wise words.

[@ravenhummel8202]

It's not difficult for anyone except those who live beyond their means and purchase things that will own THEM.

[@ravenhummel8202]

I, too, will have my home and property paid off at the 14 year mark. 2500 square foot home with two car garage, two acres. Life is not as hard as people make it.

[@dreamlife2351]

I’m 65 and building my first home …… like this….. in Hawai’i, in 3 months ! I’m so happy to see this video because my obstacles are people that tell me I have to this and/or that. I continue to say NO, I want to go smaller NOT BIGGER!

[@akaurb]

His story reminds me of a saying "there's always enough for man's need but never for his greed".

[@lifereceiver3661]

Good reminder

[@majesticmojo3823]

Without greed, need would have less of a chance

[@mjohnson1741]

Tell that to Jeff Bezos!

[@TaxTheChurches.]

Never heard that before.

[@tripd4949]

Trump 2020

[@shobamacintyre6856]

Dude, you make absolute sense. I totally get it.

[@andrew6846]

I randomly come back to this video every few months just because it puts me in a good mood. The American dream is to live your life in whatever way you see fit (conventional or otherwise). This man’s story is truly inspiring and I wish others would join this wave.

[@hvwees]

Nice how this guys “fooled” the system.... lovely home .... well done !

[@sarahaugustine4185]

I love his attitude, nothing 'entitled' about it. Bravo!

[@hailetrekker]

I wish I had met this guy when I was 30. At 49, I've dramatically changed my thinking about home ownership to put myself in his position. Better late than never, I guess.

[@akikoito1383]

That's the right attitude!

[@sdmsdm7926]

yes! better late than never is right!

[@bellasue02]

I had to live in the city and after 20 years was able to sell my house in a good market and pay cash for a house by a lake on a hill so no flood worries like the coast

[@tbd5082]

49 years old is not late. Good for you!

[@Mexicobeanpole]

Not too late. 49 is not old anymore. Get it!

[@Supergirl-oo5lr]

The is the best video I have seen so far. Gives me hope that someday I will be able to get my own tiny house. I love the fact that he made the choice to accept a lower salary to get a happier life and still managed to realise his dream. I completely relate to this! Thank you

[@patcola7335]

Buy a cheap mobile home...problem solved.

[@michaelkwan-davis9321]

You're an inspiration. We live in a 550 sq ft one bedroom and we love it. You can be creative in a small space and be happy with it. We have been in de-cluttering stage lately and got rid a large clunky furniture that just took up too much floor space and got pieces that made more sense. This is truly what affordable housing is as about.

[@mkitten3643]

This man is my soul mate! So smart. He eliminated the stress from his life and does whatever he enjoys. Put his heart soul and life into his home, making it a true labor of love. I wish we were all like him!

[@fountainmedia4683]

EXACTLY!

[@rosisunny9302]

Mkitten Not that It matters he is a wonderful soul,but he likes Mann!!You know this!But way does it matter he is wonderfull like many Gay Mann!!

[@devilinav7494]

He's a smart and generous guy to share how he did it, regardless of his romantic expressions! Lol

[@fetterkater7484]

@@rosisunny9302 you are very, very stupid.

[@sunshineklow1224]

@@rosisunny9302 What does it even matter??? Is this seriously an issue? Oh, I am SO refraining from saying what's on my mind - and the tip of my tongue! Thank God I have grown up!!!!

[@LisaN]

I really love this. His thinking is right thinking.

[@dudanunesbleff]

Yes, he has got a very clear insight on the "own-a-house" trap.

[@marciatedder887]

Maria m.m.

[@wolfpak8228]

Lisa N - you agree, so it's "right thinking" Heil

[@tracycolleran80]

👍

[@billymccaughey3741]

Every time I see this video I watch him. He is grounded and humble. Absolutely love him and his energy.

[@honesty5964]

Good for him for living the way he wants

[@thewisdomtooth1832]

Some say its a "scam", but he did not hurt anyone, he use his honest money to build a house that fits him, the only people will have problem with this is banks and wall street, just imagine if everyone does this, those big corporate CEO will lost their multimillion salary.... this materialistic society is the scam, not this guy.

[@nikhilsukumar23]

TheWisdomtooth well said all the mansions and celebs. Ufff. Why? We need to re consider life.

[@rebeccagreen9240]

I like the way this guy did what he did.

[@JJ21210]

TheWisdomtooth : Let's avoid the word "scam," even tho you're just repeating what others might have said, bc a scam is illegal but this man's actions weren't. Until the banking system is reformed to enable lots of people to do something this sensible, people have the right to use the rules that are in place -- as he did -- to create sane solutions. He has no debt that endangers anyone; smaller homes are ecofriendly; etc.

[@rebeccagreen9240]

@@JJ21210 I agree with you

[@flybeep1661]

Define "some", what are you talking about? Don't be vague, say what you mean asshole.

[@YlvaBjarnson]

The fact is that you should be teaching college kids a class in everything you have discussed. It's critical and doesn't exist. You are really analytical and we need you. I love your home!

[@Bloodclotzzzzzzzzzzz]

+Leslie Ann Taylor-Bjarnson I agree, this really could quite literally save lives, and certainly enrich many of them.

[@focusedfreebird]

+Bloodclotzzzzzzzzzzz I agree he is a smart man!

[@rosisunny9302]

Blue Bird Yes he should be a Teacher,for Highschool,jest amazing!!Blessings to him and you!!!!

[@Dachdogoriginal]

Universities don't want to teach that. They are part of the system that teaches you have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for an education that leaves you unemployed and over qualified. He is doing simple jobs and is more content. Universities don't teach being simple and content.

[@sallyanspach1713]

He seriously should!

[@incredulouskirk]

love how you completely cut out the machine and did it your own way. the system is corrupt and unsustainable anyway.

[@ravenhummel8202]

It's easy if you stop trying to keep up with the Joneses.

[@rachaelwinston3016]

Love it! I admire you so much! Great job outsmarting the criminals who run mortgage companies and banks!!!

[@Sheilamaizi]

This is my favorite tiny house story on youtube. First of all his garage is larger than many tiny homes on wheels. It is wonderful that he found this land. I love listening to his story because it gives me hope. I have a small salary too and worry that I will not be able to buy what I want. I am living in a condo now in Florida. It has its pros and cons.

[@forgedabouted]

Sheila meri God bless I hope we can all get where we would like to be ! This video always makes me so hopefull ! Goodluck

[@winluvwinluv3734]

Mine too I have watch it a few times.

[@forgedabouted]

winluv winluv been watching it the last few years :/...one day !

[@winluvwinluv3734]

You should also follow him he has a blog it's called Granola Shotgun it also gives you great ideas.

[@winluvwinluv3734]

forgedabouted: You should subscribe to his blog Granola Shotgun it's full of ideas.

[@purringinmyear]

It would be great to get an update on this story😊

[@sdmsdm7926]

I agree, I wonder if he still feels the same after all this time, he seemed to really know what he wanted out of life so I'm thinking he's still happy & living in Hawaii.

[@oaquino829]

@@sdmsdm7926 He has a blog called Granola Shotgun.

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

What a beautiful mindset for living. He has enough. Perfect!

[@TatteredAndTornPages]

Brilliant! And it's exactly what my hubby & I did, but, at 900sqft we're in a mansion!! No mortgage! Crazy how people pay 1000's for a monthly payment. Zero disrespect, just not for us♡

[@AhhhsoNeo]

I grew up in a small African country and this is how most people built their homes. It takes longer, but u r mortgage free!

[@moonunit1980]

+AhhhsoNeo That is how civilized societies do it. People think the Western world is so civilized but how civilized is it to trap people in 30 year mortgages. We all need to go back to community based debt free living.

[@PlannedObsolescence]

Yes, I would say the Western world is civilized. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

[@paxsmile]

AhhhsoNeo same in south America

[@devilinav7494]

We have serious problems providing affordable housing for people in the US, and this explains many of the reasons why. When I went to Mexico, I saw lots of houses that people built themselves, a room at a time, as they could afford it. I envied them, because they had homes they owned. In the States, unless you can save a lot of money for a down-payment and also find a stable, good-paying job, you will be trapped paying rent forever. I love this guy's way to work around the problem of not being allowed to build small!

[@barbarabrantley4779]

That’s the best way to own a home. It’s paid for when you finish. No staying awake at night wondering how your going to pay the bill.

[@JohnSmith-iu3ts]

This Guys is a Rebel with a cause!

[@mkite715]

You are an inspiration. I used to want the huge house, but no longer. I’m saving up to buy a home in cash in 3-4 years. I’ll be debt free in May or June, I’ll have a six month emergency fund saved by December, then I’ll start saving up for my house. I learned it all from Dave Ramsey last year, and also by watching people like you on KZbin! A big problem in America today is everyone wants things now and the culture we live in tells us to borrow, borrow, borrow. People buy things they don’t need, with money they don’t have, to impress people they don’t even like. I cut up my credit card several months ago. I will never borrow again.

[@yourroyallioness6607]

Very smart guy. Unlike most Americans, he was very realistic about his needs and wants. Salute.👍

[@sdrfz]

This guy is a genius. I could listen to him for a long time.

[@daddykirbs]

... you start thinking "What do I need and how can I help the people near me get what they need?". I really enjoyed this man's story about how he build his small house over a course of 10 years without a mortgage. We can do this with a mindset of "community".

[@clintsteel446]

but it's like he said (most) people want instant gratification! so, they get a loan with interest almost as high as the mortgage and when the loan insurance is yet added to this, they couldn't pay it off in their lifetime and when it's left to their (children) they say, sell this piece of junk, I don't want it if there is any money after the sale, give it to me!

[@June-rb1nx]

This is what / how I was taught. My sisters along with their DH's and me & my DH all built homes this way. We did the "pay" as you go method....sure, it took awhile,but in the long run, we have a nice retirement fund, our homes are paid for, we drive nice "used" cars ( and we own only ONE car) etc. So many think today that you need two cars, you don't. Here's another tip to help those of you who like this idea and way of living.....each week when you get paid, put $20 in a separate savings account. After you get $1000 start putting it away in CD's......make sure you PAY YOURSELF first. If you learn to do this, instead of going out to eat, or other things you really don't need....you will have a nice retirement and or other things you want after you retire. Another things, most of you snicker at the way people like the Duggars live, but if you get into the mindset of buying 2nd hand, think of all the money you'll save, and put the s

[@wolfpak8228]

Blake Kirby -community means laws, rules and ordinances, government control of everything. Not my dream

[@jeankirk132]

Blake Kirby GT b

[@jeankirk132]

Già Dato s

[@extremekitty8111]

So proud of this man! I am inspired by his perseverance & unwavering positive attitude. If he can do it, any one can!

[@Shofargirl1]

THE MORAL TO THIS STORY IS , LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS! IT IS SOMETHING I BELIEVE IN! STAY OUT OF DEBT!!!🌹 Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.

[@elizabethtimothy4776]

Right?! People need to stop keeping with the Joneses.

[@patcola7335]

Or in this day and age....the Patels

[@quartzthoughts]

This blew me away! I would love to live in that home. This guy's attitude really speaks to me.

[@ebfabulous]

Thinking outside the box. LOVE it !! They need to be teaching this kind of nimble thinking to children...not how to temporarily vomit out information for a test .

[@reachforacreech]

dont put your kids in public school

[@faithrada]

reachforacreech I sent my child to a Waldorf School.... THAT was the best decision we ever made. In fifth grade their project was to build a SOD House... just like on the old prairie. THose kids worked so hard... and it really expanded their horizons. Academically they far excelled their rote learning counterparts.

[@thepostnihilist]

reachforacreech homeschool using the Bible.

[@reachforacreech]

thepostnihilist the bible is ok.but you cant just interpret it as is.it contradicts iteself,and also leaves people in a dumb state.They dont think logically.

[@faithrada]

thepostnihilist Or... one could use BOTH the Bhagavad Gita AND the Bible... and compare the two .... listing ALL the similarities. My children benefited greatly from taking a class in Comparative Religions. It really helped expand their awareness and gave them a much better sense of the various ways that humans approach THAT Divine One.

[@riseevolution]

Me: i want to build a small house. Companies: you cannot. Me: so.. lets Change the thing... I want to build a Garage! Companies: you can!!!

[@geaninaschiopu5911]

Very clever

[@firequeen2194]

💕

[@voutoo7899]

L

[@taylorbritt499]

@Paul Floyd you could get away with it by having a futon. Just looks like a couch from a glance. Plenty of people in tiny houses actually have a homemade futon and they look really comfy.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@taylorbritt499 There's nothing about a futon that comfortable. Just saying. :)

[@irina5276]

You are a positive,pleasant man. I wish you long life in her lovely home

[@veddylicious01]

Very smart indeed!!! This is my concept of being rich

[@pawsnotclaws2772]

Veddy Diaz same

[@buzzweebee8685]

So true..

[@llc1976]

Agreed!!

[@tripd4949]

Trump 2020

@@tripd4949 why, what does trump do for you ? Make you poorer while he gets richer? Vote Bernie He actually cares about equality and fairness

[@KAT-th5eh]

Smart, Resourceful & Patient😂. Excellent HOME & Garden, Cudos Brother👍

[@GwenMotoGirl]

I saw this video when it was posted in 2012. I was very inspired. I bought an old defunct restaurant that had an old building that was a chicken coop. The place had been vacant for 13 years. Banks wouldn’t touch this place. The owners had planned to open a restaurant, but plans changed and the properties sat untouched. Parts of the roof on both buildings had blown off and rain caused more damage. In the end, the owners financed for me on a 7 year loan at 7% interest when interest rates were lower, which allowed them to get a decent return. It was good for me and good for them. I turned the coop into a kitschy little guest house and lived there while I worked on turning the restaurant into a home that I’m doing my best to renovate with cash and lots of DIY. As I write this, I’m sitting on a ladder in the “restaurant” (now a residential house) taking a break from putting up trim and painting. Every square inch of this place needed work. It needed new electrical, plumbing and sewer. There has been so much drama with dishonest contractors and other failed projects. But today, I still consider this the best decision I’ve ever made. I saved money by living here in an RV at first. Then I moved into the guest house. Then I got the restaurant building just good enough to move into it so I can work on it a little at a time. Technically, the RV wasn’t allowed, but the city decided that this was better than having a trashed property. I now have a good amount of equity and will have two residences to rent out when I entire in 3 years and travel. I appreciate Kirsten so much for showing me a different and better way to live.

[@landrecce]

Good for this guy! Beat this system and not for selfish reasons! Very inspiring! Well done my friend!

[@levaillant1]

Brilliant......his video should be shown in every high school in America.....everywhere, actually. Society has become so greedy, self-centered, entitled that it seems no one thinks like this guy. So time to share his way of thinking and most importantly, "getting it done his way," an affordable way.

[@kgaerr]

very refreshing to see someone realistic and pragmatic achieving their dream. So hopeful for people on a small salary. And his home is absolutely beautiful.

[@eik4494]

SMART, SMART, SMART.....is all I can say! Kudos to you!

[@NationandState]

This made me cry. I'm so happy to see this. It's hopeful and inspiring. Thank you.

[@lunasangria]

Love your tiny home! Good for you for sticking with your dream. :-)

[@pammyrogers]

I like that you didn't put your bed in a loft like I see in so many "tiny" homes. If you plan to live there into old age, you do not want stairs or ladder. Thanks for sharing your very clever story. I hope more people take up this route and way of living. Who needs all this "stuff"? You can't put a price on this type peace of mind.

[@laszlohorvath8637]

You are a genius and inspiration to many. Thank you for having the guts to present what others were afraid to want less. 🙏

[@CPR4THEBODYlivingaenrichedlife]

Many wish they could have this peace and life today!! Thats why its alwats best to do what makes u happy! Everything else will fall in place Now there is a TINY HOUSE MOVEMENT

[@jaybird5001]

I bought myself a school bus to renovate! It already came with a kitchen, and greywater and freshwater tanks. It's my summer project and I hope to get it finished this year to actually live in.

[@chiron63woundedhealer47]

Epith D Aweee...cool.! Good luck, make a video on it and show us please...can't wait to see it. Hope it's awesome... :)

[@Hitman-tk6en]

Epith D should make a video would love to see finished project

[@xxmightyonexx]

+Epith D GOOD FOR YOU (no sarcasm, honestly impressed)

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

Will you be painting it up like the Partridge Family one?

[@paxsmile]

Lauree Jankowski make a step by step video!! All the best for you!

[@d.n.4079]

I think I've watched this about 30 times over the years and I never get tired of it. What a great attitude Johnny has and so smart looking ahead and planning. His life will be so much more pleasant without excess stuff and debt. Cool guy!

[@peggyprose]

Me, too!

[@zulemagonzalez6821]

Alguien m puede decir dónde puedo comprar una estufa como esta estás si aguantan el peso de OLLAS PESADAS GRACIAS

[@zulemagonzalez6821]

Soy de Mexico

[@sravanthipericharla527]

Same here.. I've watched it 100 times tgis yr. He is my motivation for buying a house u need

[@jaglinuxmint]

same with me

[@robbiethornton-peek7899]

This so awesome!!! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@gaylebrown5216]

Congratulations, young man. I, as a single parent bought a home & paid off the mortgage in 20 years. That was my priority as everyone said that I couldn't do it. Only my mother believed in me. Now as a senior citizen I only have property taxes, utilities & food to pay for. I end up at the end of the year with about 10 grand to just salt away. Living the dream, like you lad.

[@miranduri]

Definitely my favorite small house story. What a pleasant and beautiful place.

[@jimk9892]

great story. Personally...I lost a home in a fire. I was under insured. So when it came time to buy a home again, there just was not much money there to work with. I had an employer that told me to buy a house with as little down as possible. To invest the money I would have spent in the home instead into the stock market. I decided against that. I invested the bulk of the money into a small house. He was very disappointed in me. Telling me that my mortgage would not be much more per month if I kept the money out. Then the crash of 07 happened. I paid off my house early just a few years later. He lost a ton in the market. I will take living tiny and not paying into my retirement years. Good video.

[@Dachdogoriginal]

People always are experts with other people's money. Lol. But if it doesn't sound or feel right, then don't do it.

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

jim K you were very smart to do what you did

[@YourGrace_06]

Prime example of trusting your own instincts

[@bettyhouk8727]

jim K we bought a three bedroom, 2 bath house ,during that ‘07 crash the house

[@mikemower1939]

The stock market is nothing but a scam, was from day one. Ive never personally seen good come from it, wish i did but reality always interferes.

[@janen7668]

I love your philosphy the house the size EVERYTHING! Thankyou for sharing !!

[@claudiastockman8438]

Smart practical man, living within your means who cleans homes for a living and truly enjoys what he does! I love his example

[@annblack3146]

I have done the same thing with the exception I own several properties.I only work around 8 months out of the year part time.I have no regrets on not getting a bank loan.

[@ColinBurnside]

You are a very wise man. You can only eat one meal at a time and you can only sleep in one bed at a time. Thank you for your video.

[@captainsukycannon1167]

I just love your home’s warmth and how you accomplished making your home!!!

[@Loralane75]

Brilliant. You are giving me hope and inspiration

[@lorrainejacobson6737]

Nobody wants to help you have a small house, which is a blessing--you get a home without the mortgage.

[@CheekySuper]

I love this Hawaii house - for some reason it doesn't seem small at all, just right. The owner seems like a really nice person.

[@michellelogreco3351]

Your house is just beautiful! You shove so proud!! You fed the little business in the process! You must be so thankful and satisfied!! 💕🙏🏻

[@knittingknut]

And you fold towels the ‘right’ way too. 😁

[@mrsmadtux]

knittingknut I noticed that too!

[@Cassie_-rw9ik]

Really??? I didn’t know that. I thought he was doing it a weird way.

[@knittingknut]

Happy Dandelion 11:11 he folds them like they do in stores

[@Cassie_-rw9ik]

@@knittingknut Interesting. I’ll have to try it out next time 😊

[@joyamartin9]

I also have a tiny house. Two years ago I bought it for a song and survive with the same outlook & lifestyle as this guy. Well& septic= $0, taxes are only $1,000 a year, I use cash to do diy projects & save to get things done by a professional (electrician, plumber etc). I grow as much as I can.love this life.

[@susanporter2336]

How things have changed in just a few years!!!!! Now "Tiny Homes" are all the rage!!! I love watching all the videos showing all the many many floor plans for Tiny Homes. Alas, it's all too late for me. I'm 72 and live in senior housing, but oh! how I'd love to live in one of the tiny homes with a loft and much less square feet than even Johnny has. I love what he did and how he did it ---- and he thought of it BEFORE the era of Tiny Homes! Good for him!

[@cruithne6021]

Please don't box yourself in by saying you're too old. Maybe you could write a blog about your ideas for building and outfitting a little house, and adding to your knowledge that way. Maybe living in a tiny house isn't in your plans now,, but your ideas could take root in others who could use your insights.I'm 65 myself and bursting with ideas.

[@pawsnotclaws2772]

Susan Porter I love it!! I want a tiny home so bad!!

[@Rita-yw2tn]

I LOVE IT I think that it's gorgeous !!! He's a very smart man !!!

[@saltspress7984]

I love this I think I've watched it about 20 times, so relaxing and just seems an ideal simple life.

[@jbello9398]

hahaha yes, it's like a message of hope

[@ubeemylove]

To be admired! No mortgage and lives in Hawaii year round. Smart Man!

[@wonderwoman6019]

So wish I had bought property when I had the chance at great price!! Of course with recent event on Big Island...could be wiped out now!?! Smart man!!! Most of society is too impatient!! If you are this kind of person, watch out who you marry!! All my hard work, gone!!!

[@seededsoul]

ubeemylove Most of the locals, like this guy’s neighbors, are in poverty. Hawaii sucks for the locals.

[@wonderwoman6019]

seededsoul I grew up in Hawaii, Oahu. I’ve now been on the Mainland for years however and was referring to society as a whole, not the locals.

[@seededsoul]

Wonder Woman I was talking to the other poster. Glad you are enjoying life.

[@confusedwhale]

ubeemylove: He doesn't live there year round. He lives in San Fransisco.

[@yournorthstar]

Love this and would enjoy an update on him!

[@faithrada]

I am hoping he was no where near the lava flow. : (

[@cherimyorsolino9577]

Faith Rada I think he lives in the island of Kauai, Hawaii

[@mikis623]

I really like the fact that he tried to think and choose his own way to build a house. This video popped up in my top page and made my day☺️ thank you✨

[@zina6653]

He is very smart and seems happy and content with his life...well done! I love his ideas, attitude and want to be like him when I grow up

[@jayhudspeth1521]

I loved what he had to say and the thought and time he put into making his dream come true!!!

[@Hollijasmaja]

Well done! Your place is lovely and so livable! I am also "housing small" although living large, with my partner and we love it. We would never go back to the "big house" lifestyle. Aside from not wanting a mortgage, life is so much more manageable-less to clean, maintain and worry about when we travel the world. But explaining this to people who are still waiting to win the lottery so they can live even larger than they are and/or pay off their existing monster mortgages is like speaking a foreign language. Very well done, you!

[@Sagwafu]

I keep coming back to this video because I love the way he speaks and I enjoy him as a human.

[@skatingcanuck9837]

Thank you for posting this inspiring story. Johnny was ahead of his time on the small home movement. This gives me hope as a transition to a happier but less lucrative career in the arts.

[@birdsongvalley]

My husband and I did something similar. We built a 20 by 24 foot room under a huge packing house on his fathers farm. We built it nxt to the existing bathroom and attached a hallway and we closed in a small bedroom. It cost us about 15,000 dollars (including all the appl.) and it was built to code

[@drmshyamala]

He just literally spoke my heart out!! So heartwarming!!

[@vilmat.gonzalez2759]

I've watched your video a few times and have always loved it! Hope your well!

[@victorialadybug1]

I always come back to this video. So inspiring! Hope he is still doing well!

[@Bonniemish]

Good for this guy. They Gov. shouldn't be able to say if he wanted to live in a telephone booth!

[@michellemarie1197]

and this is amazing and to be honest you are doing a hell of a lot better than my friends parents who are rich and live in a gated community, yes their house may be paid off BUT they live in a private neighborhood and still pay utility bills and their neighborhood is on a golf course so they have stupid HOA fees and they are only two people! they really don't need a huge house and they are the types of people who throw their money around, and what angers me is that they don't care about the environment and you know what? having a high paying job will not lead to happiness you have proved that you can be happy with something simple like housekeeping even if it doesn't make a lot of money and you can still own your home and have everything be totally free, you sir are my hero.

[@patarcher1813]

It's their money to do with it what they want. Your rant screams sour grapes.

[@LaDayna04]

pat, do you know the people he is talking about?

[@faithrada]

Likely many times it is a combination of the two. My parents had two modest homes in SUPER locations...with no mortgages. They were 'snowbirds' who took early retirement and were EXTREMELY frugal. I mean frugal to the point where us kids went hungry at times and had very few clothes...so 'we' paid a price. Once on my own however I was able to modify that extreme behavior and hubby and I built / sub contracted our own med. sized house with no mortgage. It took well over 10 years ... for a long time we had sheets for ;inside doors, we cut firewood from our own lot, etc. We chose to make sacrifices that many would never do... but NOW... we have the pay back. We are Comfortable in our retirement with no mortgage... no debt at all. Some are blessed with a long "Time Line"... while others demand instant gratification. I guess what made it work for me is that I was doing it because I wanted to...as a personal challenge, not because I HAD to. One's mental approach to "Frugality" is really important. I was blessed in that I was shown an alternative way to procure a house... via blood, sweat, and tears.

[@KPopDiwata]

Wow inspiring story. Thank you for sharing💛

[@HomeEF]

Lovely video. I enjoyed so much watching it and he provided so many make sense / good ideas ! I absolutely will follow him ! ♥️