<p>"I am interested in what your market is like that encouraged you to put, what I assume was enough for a deposit on a home, into paper instead."</p>
<p>It wasn't a lump I put in paper at any one time but steady saving of the difference between rent and a mortgage. Yes some is in retirement accounts and protected but then who has a pension anymore except government workers and folks in unions?</p>
<p>I understand that most folks think owning your own home is a great investment, but I have never been completely convinced. Certainly some folks see massive appreciation, especially in smaller homes, but it can be really hard to realize those gains unless you are willing to pack up and move to a slower growing region as you well know.</p>