After getting out of the military and coming home to Texas, Tierra had one rule: no 30-year mortgage. At 30 years old, she found her answer in a $76,000 tiny home and her total monthly costs, mortgage and all, come in around $1,400. Less than what many people pay for an apartment. And it’s hers. Tierra spent nearly two years searching for the right community. The Pines didn’t have space for her 15-wide when she first found it, so she waited. Then they built out more lots, and she got in. She wasn’t settling. She was patient.
source.image: Tiny Home Tours
- Home base price: $59,000
Total with upgrades (porch, raised ceilings, stainless steel appliances, taxes): $76,000 - Financing: 21st Mortgage Mortgage: $750/month
- Lot rent: $650/month (includes water)
- Electricity: $50-$70/month
- Total monthly: ~$1,400
- Home width: 15 feet no loft 10-ft ceilings in bedroom
- Skirting: $3,200 (required at most tiny home parks)
- Community: The Pines (Texas)
She didn’t take the standard package. Tierra sourced her own island narrower than what came with the home, so it keeps the kitchen and living room both open. She upgraded to a farmhouse sink with built-in grates, swapped in a glass-top stove, brought in her own full-size fridge, and skipped the backsplash entirely so she can add her own when she’s ready. Every change was intentional. Every square foot is accounted for. No loft means 10-foot ceilings in the bedroom and a living room that breathes.
source.image: Tiny Home Tours
A 55-inch TV in the living room and another in the bedroom. A queen bed oriented for walking space with storage underneath. Washer and dryer tucked into the closet to free up the storage area near the entrance which now handles dog gear, overflow, and whatever else life brings in. The bathroom has a tub, not a walk-in shower, because Tierra wanted the option to take a bath and bathe her dogs.
Out front, a screened 15×8 porch she DIY’d herself, with roller blinds for privacy and patio furniture and a TV. She recommends hiring a professional for the screening. She will not be doing it again.
Veteran’s "Genius" 15ft Wide Tiny Home: No Loft, More Space! - YouTube
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Veteran’s "Genius" 15ft Wide Tiny Home: No Loft, More Space! Tiny Home Tours
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Tierra’s neighbors are mostly retirees. She’s the youngest in the community by a wide margin. They look out for her. She loves it. She turned 30 in March. She got out of the military. She came home to Texas. She bought a $76,000 home and she is paying it off. No 30-year commitment. No living paycheck to paycheck. No regrets.