I and siblings reside abroad and have no intentions of relocating back home. We decided to build a 3 bedroom bungalow in our city, that way, when visiting, we have a place vs having 3 different homes or renting. We share the upkeep and expenses. This works for us.
Fact is it has to be based on individual preferences. While I agree to some of your thoughts in this video, I find the video quite generalizing. My thoughts are basically focussed on individual path to happiness. What makes a person happy? What is the value of your money if you cannot indulge in what you really want? Few years ago, I completed a bungalow and currently live in it 50/50 USA& Nigeria. The idea of a bungalow was solely based on the thoughts of old age and my retirement goals. However, I began to miss a multi-level house with balconies @ each rooms fully en-suite , overlooking a large size veggie garden and fruit tress! Guess what? I am almost done completing that one because it makes me happy to live that way now and upon full retirement. Two master bedrooms upstairs and downstairs in place and why not if I can afford it? My recommendation here is for people to ensure their retirement investments and incomes are set up properly, and then spend some cash to live your life on your own terms and not on what other people think you should or should not do.
Thanks for your insight. For those who may want to or can only build one house, they need to consider the factors discussed before their building decision. Having enough in retirement is definitely key. Congratulations to you on living life on your own terms! I appreciate you watching!
That is so true, one should consider things carefully before laying a foundation back home when you live abroad......I have a Nigerian friend in the UK. She is married with 5 children. All are adults now and they dont intend to go back to Nigeria to live. Her husband has grown old and has passed away. But before he passed he built a 12 bedroom house in Nigeria, the house has been locked for many years now. My friend occasionally visits but she stays with her sister in Lagos and doesn't even visit the village where the 12 bedroom house is located. She said she's afraid of being kidnapped and so on. Her adult children are now settled in UK, some are marred with kids. God alone knows what will become of that mansion the husband was so determined to build back home.
Thanks for sharing. Wisdom is really profitable to direct. May God grant us the wisdom we need to make the right decisions. I appreciate your comment🙏🏾
You are right about building a bungalow instead of many stories house. My Aunty can't get to her bedroom upstairs now because of the arthritis in her knees.
I always love your videos. As a builder, I personally advise my clients not to build all those 5 bedroom duplexes instead build a town house of 2 bedrooms and let them out while you live in one of it.
Femi Bello ~ I thank God for your wisdom and the sense of humour in the presentation as factual as the points made . We build these mansions back home and the children abroad don’t want to know at least for now. Our prayer is for our country to continue to develop to such a standard that will inspire her children to return home. Please keep up the good work.
That's when u still hv the vitality, otherwise with age related mobility issues stairs can be a falls risk- often a fatal incident in advanced ages. There are many other ways of exercising within the limits of age related issues than stairs- Stair lift installation is now a booming business because seniors need help going upstairs, which defies the whole exercise purpose, and adds to cost, including maintenance, lol. I hv clients who are stuck downstairs bcoz they can't access their upstairs bedroom! Many downsize to one floor smaller homes for practical reasons as they age and acquire chronic conditions. Best is for each person/family to weigh these things intelligently before they decide what is most practical for their specific reality.
Hmm, not in old age. I have a number of Seniors around me, and they would enjoy their lives more if they don't have to climb the stairs. They can do other exercises that do not involve climbing the stairs. Plus, it becomes a hazard/safety issue as you grow older. Thanks for watching!
Very interesting topic. All you said is right. I raise the same questions when I see people building these massive houses. They transfer what they live in USA to Africa without thinking of how they will look in their old age
Great video. I have been in Canada for 26 years and yiu seem to be speaking my language. I built a small container home in the village and some people thought I was crazy. Now i thank God because i go home once or twice a year and the maintenance cost is very low for me. We have been able to invest elsewhere including almost being mortgage free. Thanks for all you're doing. The information is very apt and useful. Blessings
My fellow long-term Canadian, indeed, we seem to be of the same tribe! I laughed at your 'small container house' description 🙂. I can just imagine the comments from the people in the village. You made a good choice. Paying off your mortgage gives you such financial freedom that I don't know why people don't prioritize it more. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
A lot of Nigerians spent all their lives working abroad and never prioritize their health. Prioritize your health while trying to make money. 60 years and you can’t climb stairs is not a good look
Ma I just watched this your video I understand where you're coming from but the thing is that how many African people have the mind of helping others it's just very few of them and those few of them that I talked about they are ready to come by
Some use all their life savings to build back home and have nothing to live on, they never enjoy life not even take a vacation, eat good food or take good care of themselves. It’s a mindset and unnecessary competition. I like your advice a word is enough to the wise.
This is a good advice. You will not believe this; some people never sleep one night in some of the houses. C R A Z Y. This talk will only benefit the wise.
Buy a flat or apartment in a very good area of lagos and rent it out getting good rent or use it for Airbnb. This will bring In money constantly as you're abroad, when you visit home you can stay in the flat, when you return abroad the short let service will continue
@Michael.P247 That's a great idea! I think an Airbnb will probably be better, so it would not be an issue getting renters out when you need to visit. But then, you will need someone trustworthy to manage the place while you are away 🤔. I appreciate your input. Thank you!
So many people run Airbnb with their apartments in lekki specifically, yes you’ll need a trustworthy manager but lagos has advanced a lot. The apartments are in high demand and go for like N60k to N120k per night …. I run one in Lagos already and I’m blessed with an okay manager. Selling the apartment when you want to is also easier compared to houses. They’re all serviced with generator, security and other amenities. They’re a good investment compared to houses. The managers are not 100% honest but you’ll still make some millions yearly
There’s no amount of rent that I can generate in Nigeria that will make it worth my while. I’d rather buy a nice small fully serviced duplex and use it for myself.
I will still buy a small duplex as well, for now a flat is okay for me….the ultimate would be a small duplex. The flat MUST be in top places in lagos for ur investment to keep up with inflation: LEKKI, VI, Ikoyi, Oniru, Ikate…. That’s the secret, those areas stay in demand. I’m from Ikeja so I can’t live elsewhere than Lagos ….
You're making a good point but building a house back home is very necessary as a foreigner in another man's country anything can happen at anytime, so better to prepare yourself before is too late. One thing is, never depends on any family members to build your house for you, do it yourself without letting them know. Avoid them if not they'll rather kill you and take the house. There are Many Many cases concerning such issues in Africa here. Open your eyes wildly in this 21st century. We're living with wicked people, be careful but put up a good house if you can, leave it for 3 or 4years, sell it, make some profit and start building another one. Forget about expensive cars, in this world, there's nothing better like owning a house.
True, anything can happen at any time, even back home (if people can actually kill someone for their property🙁). Instead of going through all that hassle of buying and selling under those circumstances, why not invest in something else, and if you ever need to get a house anywhere, you have the money to do it?. Just a thought. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this.
Depends on individual preference and purpose. if its for dual purpose of housing parents and also your visits , then build, and also if you are planning to return then you can do it when about to return or make one that is easier to maintain as houses in africa depreciate fast but the land appreciates, if you will return in a box to be put 6 feet , and have no need to seen as a vagabond whp returned dead and useless, then do nothing at all, and also if you dont have any surplus you shouldnt be trying to put a mansion. But if you have surplus and would Love to , Please Do it and do it graciously , that means you also have ,more money to keep traveling and you have a great presence at home,. Dont make your decision on people who have long term plans to never ever return to homes yet as for you you are planning to go back , Make your own life
Definitely, different strokes for different folks. Everyone must consider the factors discussed and make the best decision that will not be a waste of resources or detrimental to them in old age. Thank you so much for weighing in on this very important matter.
Maybe they want to rent rooms one day. This is an individual choice. I have heard a lot of this philosophy from Canada. When a person buys a nice house or car or anything very nice, Canadians have a comment unlike anything I have ever heard in America. They say, " Did he that" That's like saying did you need nikes, just settle for bobos from Payless. And they seem to say this often. But they get what they want. It;s very strange to me. Socialism
Hmmm, interesting. We can really delve into the differences between Americans and Canadians, but that is a topic for another day 🙂! But seriously, there is socialism and there is pragmatism. I may be Canadian, but I am far far far from being a socialist. I appreciate your comment!
@@ThisSideOfLifeWisdom I meant to say many Canadian always say 'Did he or she need that ?" I always found that to be odd. somebody may think that your house is too large it's not a matter of what a person needs,. The Word of God says that God will give us the desires of our hearts. God blessed Solomon with a house with 9 swimming pools. he had hundreds of chariots. Also he said that he will give us the knowledge to create wealth. also that we should leave an inheritance to our children and our children's children. I'm just saying, sometimes we are called to put together much so that we can help many. When much is given to use, much is require of us- also from the bible.everybody has their own perspective. that.s all sister.
Isn't it shameful that many people here think that building houses back home isn't a good thing all in the name of migration. Sometimes, I wonder the communities most of you came from. This is a cultural norm for us to build back home. Especially in our villages. But I can understand that some of you came from undeveloped, swamped communities that vehicles can not get into. For those of us who came from developed communities, we enjoy building houses back home in our villages, and we love traveling. It all depends on the town you came from. My Igbo brothers and sisters can relate to what I'm talking about. Especially those from Anambra State. I live in Canada as well, and I have my dual citizenship, but do I want to retire in Canada? Nope! How many Canadian that are not African decent migrate to Nigeria or Africa, let alone retirement. Who cares who inherits the homes when you're gone? I just don't understand this negativity. If you don't want to build, then so be it... but don't discourage the people who are building. Do what makes you happy. You want to retire in Canada at old age as cold as Canada is, when most of them run to Florida during winter and return summer. Please don't get me started.
Thanks for weighing in. I love that you said do what makes you happy. I completely agree with you. You need to accept that what makes you happy may not be what makes other people happy. Wishing you all the best with your plans. I appreciate you watching!
Some use all their life savings to build back home and have nothing to live on, they never enjoy life not even take a vacation, eat good food or take good care of themselves. It’s a mindset and unnecessary competition. I like your advice a word is enough to the wise.
I and siblings reside abroad and have no intentions of relocating back home. We decided to build a 3 bedroom bungalow in our city, that way, when visiting, we have a place vs having 3 different homes or renting. We share the upkeep and expenses. This works for us.
Good one! I like this idea. Thanks for sharing!
Great idea I love it
Fact is it has to be based on individual preferences. While I agree to some of your thoughts in this video, I find the video quite generalizing.
My thoughts are basically focussed on individual path to happiness. What makes a person happy? What is the value of your money if you cannot indulge in what you really want?
Few years ago, I completed a bungalow and currently live in it 50/50 USA& Nigeria. The idea of a bungalow was solely based on the thoughts of old age and my retirement goals.
However, I began to miss a multi-level house with balconies @ each rooms fully en-suite , overlooking a large size veggie garden and fruit tress! Guess what? I am almost done completing that one because it makes me happy to live that way now and upon full retirement. Two master bedrooms upstairs and downstairs in place and why not if I can afford it?
My recommendation here is for people to ensure their retirement investments and incomes are set up properly, and then spend some cash to live your life on your own terms and not on what other people think you should or should not do.
Thanks for your insight. For those who may want to or can only build one house, they need to consider the factors discussed before their building decision. Having enough in retirement is definitely key. Congratulations to you on living life on your own terms! I appreciate you watching!
That is so true, one should consider things carefully before laying a foundation back home when you live abroad......I have a Nigerian friend in the UK. She is married with 5 children. All are adults now and they dont intend to go back to Nigeria to live. Her husband has grown old and has passed away. But before he passed he built a 12 bedroom house in Nigeria, the house has been locked for many years now. My friend occasionally visits but she stays with her sister in Lagos and doesn't even visit the village where the 12 bedroom house is located. She said she's afraid of being kidnapped and so on. Her adult children are now settled in UK, some are marred with kids. God alone knows what will become of that mansion the husband was so determined to build back home.
Thanks for sharing. Wisdom is really profitable to direct. May God grant us the wisdom we need to make the right decisions. I appreciate your comment🙏🏾
You are right about building a bungalow instead of many stories house. My Aunty can't get to her bedroom upstairs now because of the arthritis in her knees.
Agreed. multiple stories are not for seniors. Thanks for providing a real-life example!
A Good Engineer Can Create A Stairs Free Access For Aunty. Is Very Simple.
I always love your videos. As a builder, I personally advise my clients not to build all those 5 bedroom duplexes instead build a town house of 2 bedrooms and let them out while you live in one of it.
@@vk-lc9xy Smaller is definitely better and a more efficient use of resources. Thank you very much for always coming back to watch. I appreciate it!
Femi Bello ~ I thank God for your wisdom and the sense of humour in the presentation as factual as the points made . We build these mansions back home and the children abroad don’t want to know at least for now. Our prayer is for our country to continue to develop to such a standard that will inspire her children to return home.
Please keep up the good work.
Thank you, uncle, for your input.. I really appreciate it 🙏🏾
Climbing the stairs is good for health
A duplex or triplex will force you exercise every days; as a result, this will help your health
That's when u still hv the vitality, otherwise with age related mobility issues stairs can be a falls risk- often a fatal incident in advanced ages. There are many other ways of exercising within the limits of age related issues than stairs- Stair lift installation is now a booming business because seniors need help going upstairs, which defies the whole exercise purpose, and adds to cost, including maintenance, lol. I hv clients who are stuck downstairs bcoz they can't access their upstairs bedroom! Many downsize to one floor smaller homes for practical reasons as they age and acquire chronic conditions. Best is for each person/family to weigh these things intelligently before they decide what is most practical for their specific reality.
Hmm, not in old age. I have a number of Seniors around me, and they would enjoy their lives more if they don't have to climb the stairs. They can do other exercises that do not involve climbing the stairs. Plus, it becomes a hazard/safety issue as you grow older. Thanks for watching!
@@ThisSideOfLifeWisdomtotally agree 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
You are a honourable vessel on this; voicing out what’s on my mind. Greatly appreciated.
I am grateful for the feedback. 🙏🏾 Thank you for watching !
Great topic and much needed discussion. Thank you
Thank you!
Very interesting topic. All you said is right. I raise the same questions when I see people building these massive houses. They transfer what they live in USA to Africa without thinking of how they will look in their old age
True. May we all get the wisdom we need to make the right decisions for now and for the future. Thank you so much for watching!
We Have Duplex And We Created A Stairs Free Access From One Of The Room To The Hallway Upstairs.
Interesting. Must it be a duplex? Why not a bungalow, and you wouldn't have to do that? Thanks for sharing!
@@ThisSideOfLifeWisdom That was the decision of oga.
Great video. I have been in Canada for 26 years and yiu seem to be speaking my language.
I built a small container home in the village and some people thought I was crazy. Now i thank God because i go home once or twice a year and the maintenance cost is very low for me. We have been able to invest elsewhere including almost being mortgage free.
Thanks for all you're doing. The information is very apt and useful.
Blessings
My fellow long-term Canadian, indeed, we seem to be of the same tribe! I laughed at your 'small container house' description 🙂. I can just imagine the comments from the people in the village. You made a good choice. Paying off your mortgage gives you such financial freedom that I don't know why people don't prioritize it more. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Do you really need this much space... true words. weldone ma for this valuable content.
Thank you!
A lot of Nigerians spent all their lives working abroad and never prioritize their health. Prioritize your health while trying to make money. 60 years and you can’t climb stairs is not a good look
True, we do need to take better care of our health. Thanks!
Hey 👋👋 James from Kenya 🇰🇪🇰🇪 like your videos very much how is your mom is she still in canada just say hey to all
Hey James. Yes, she is, and she also says hi🙂
Ma I just watched this your video I understand where you're coming from but the thing is that how many African people have the mind of helping others it's just very few of them and those few of them that I talked about they are ready to come by
May God help us. Thanks for watching!
Some use all their life savings to build back home and have nothing to live on, they never enjoy life not even take a vacation, eat good food or take good care of themselves. It’s a mindset and unnecessary competition. I like your advice a word is enough to the wise.
This is a good advice. You will not believe this; some people never sleep one night in some of the houses. C R A Z Y. This talk will only benefit the wise.
Big Auntie! Ese ma! I appreciate you❤️
Buy a flat or apartment in a very good area of lagos and rent it out getting good rent or use it for Airbnb. This will bring In money constantly as you're abroad, when you visit home you can stay in the flat, when you return abroad the short let service will continue
@Michael.P247 That's a great idea! I think an Airbnb will probably be better, so it would not be an issue getting renters out when you need to visit. But then, you will need someone trustworthy to manage the place while you are away 🤔.
I appreciate your input. Thank you!
So many people run Airbnb with their apartments in lekki specifically, yes you’ll need a trustworthy manager but lagos has advanced a lot. The apartments are in high demand and go for like N60k to N120k per night …. I run one in Lagos already and I’m blessed with an okay manager. Selling the apartment when you want to is also easier compared to houses. They’re all serviced with generator, security and other amenities. They’re a good investment compared to houses. The managers are not 100% honest but you’ll still make some millions yearly
There’s no amount of rent that I can generate in Nigeria that will make it worth my while. I’d rather buy a nice small fully serviced duplex and use it for myself.
I will still buy a small duplex as well, for now a flat is okay for me….the ultimate would be a small duplex. The flat MUST be in top places in lagos for ur investment to keep up with inflation: LEKKI, VI, Ikoyi, Oniru, Ikate…. That’s the secret, those areas stay in demand. I’m from Ikeja so I can’t live elsewhere than Lagos ….
Thank you ma’am
Thank you!
Great advice 😊
Thank you so much for watching!
Very true.
I love this channel I wish I discovered it sooner
I appreciate that very much! You are welcome to the channel. Thank you so much for watching!
Thanks for letting us know
Thanks for watching!
There people who built in Africa and never lived in them, their children can’t go back to inherit them families are enjoying it .
True.
Building a home back in the old country is definitely a Liability, you're much better off renting whenever u visit.
Thank you! 🙏🏾
You're making a good point but building a house back home is very necessary as a foreigner in another man's country anything can happen at anytime, so better to prepare yourself before is too late. One thing is, never depends on any family members to build your house for you, do it yourself without letting them know. Avoid them if not they'll rather kill you and take the house. There are Many Many cases concerning such issues in Africa here. Open your eyes wildly in this 21st century. We're living with wicked people, be careful but put up a good house if you can, leave it for 3 or 4years, sell it, make some profit and start building another one. Forget about expensive cars, in this world, there's nothing better like owning a house.
True, anything can happen at any time, even back home (if people can actually kill someone for their property🙁). Instead of going through all that hassle of buying and selling under those circumstances, why not invest in something else, and if you ever need to get a house anywhere, you have the money to do it?. Just a thought. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this.
If you build at least spend 50,%of the year in the property
That looks like a good formula 🙂. Thanks for watching!
Commonsense isn't such a common commodity!
Indeed! Thank you!
Depends on individual preference and purpose. if its for dual purpose of housing parents and also your visits , then build, and also if you are planning to return then you can do it when about to return or make one that is easier to maintain as houses in africa depreciate fast but the land appreciates, if you will return in a box to be put 6 feet , and have no need to seen as a vagabond whp returned dead and useless, then do nothing at all, and also if you dont have any surplus you shouldnt be trying to put a mansion. But if you have surplus and would Love to , Please Do it and do it graciously , that means you also have ,more money to keep traveling and you have a great presence at home,. Dont make your decision on people who have long term plans to never ever return to homes yet as for you you are planning to go back , Make your own life
Definitely, different strokes for different folks. Everyone must consider the factors discussed and make the best decision that will not be a waste of resources or detrimental to them in old age. Thank you so much for weighing in on this very important matter.
Maybe they want to rent rooms one day. This is an individual choice. I have heard a lot of this philosophy from Canada. When a person buys a nice house or car or anything very nice, Canadians have a comment unlike anything I have ever heard in America. They say, " Did he that" That's like saying did you need nikes, just settle for bobos from Payless. And they seem to say this often. But they get what they want. It;s very strange to me. Socialism
Hmmm, interesting. We can really delve into the differences between Americans and Canadians, but that is a topic for another day 🙂!
But seriously, there is socialism and there is pragmatism. I may be Canadian, but I am far far far from being a socialist. I appreciate your comment!
@@ThisSideOfLifeWisdom I have lived here for 25 years also.
@@splendidtime1 My tribe 🙂!
@@ThisSideOfLifeWisdom I meant to say many Canadian always say 'Did he or she need that ?" I always found that to be odd. somebody may think that your house is too large it's not a matter of what a person needs,. The Word of God says that God will give us the desires of our hearts. God blessed Solomon with a house with 9 swimming pools. he had hundreds of chariots. Also he said that he will give us the knowledge to create wealth. also that we should leave an inheritance to our children and our children's children. I'm just saying, sometimes we are called to put together much so that we can help many. When much is given to use, much is require of us- also from the bible.everybody has their own perspective. that.s all sister.
Isn't it shameful that many people here think that building houses back home isn't a good thing all in the name of migration. Sometimes, I wonder the communities most of you came from. This is a cultural norm for us to build back home. Especially in our villages. But I can understand that some of you came from undeveloped, swamped communities that vehicles can not get into. For those of us who came from developed communities, we enjoy building houses back home in our villages, and we love traveling. It all depends on the town you came from. My Igbo brothers and sisters can relate to what I'm talking about. Especially those from Anambra State. I live in Canada as well, and I have my dual citizenship, but do I want to retire in Canada? Nope! How many Canadian that are not African decent migrate to Nigeria or Africa, let alone retirement. Who cares who inherits the homes when you're gone? I just don't understand this negativity. If you don't want to build, then so be it... but don't discourage the people who are building. Do what makes you happy. You want to retire in Canada at old age as cold as Canada is, when most of them run to Florida during winter and return summer. Please don't get me started.
Thanks for weighing in. I love that you said do what makes you happy. I completely agree with you. You need to accept that what makes you happy may not be what makes other people happy. Wishing you all the best with your plans. I appreciate you watching!
Some use all their life savings to build back home and have nothing to live on, they never enjoy life not even take a vacation, eat good food or take good care of themselves. It’s a mindset and unnecessary competition. I like your advice a word is enough to the wise.
I hear you. Thank you so much for watching!