What 53-Year-Old Wayne Would Tell 26-Year-Old Wayne: Don’t Sell That First House
If I could sit across from 26-year-old me, this might be one of the first things I’d say:
“Don’t sell that first house.”
I bought it with just $10,000 down and made $500 monthly payments for seven years—with 0% interest. The sellers were Ruby and Legette Eaddy, a kind couple who lived just a few doors down from where I grew up. I truly believe they knew I needed to be close. At the time, my dad was critically ill, and being just ten houses away from my parents meant everything.
They didn’t just sell me a house—they gave a young couple a real chance at building something. That kind of wisdom, kindness, and heart is rare. The world needs more people like Ruby and Legette.
The house wasn’t perfect. It had some well-worn carpeting, but one day I pulled it back and found stunning tongue-and-groove oak floors underneath. We had them sanded and re-stained, and just like that, the whole place came to life. That home became special to us—not because it was flashy, but because it was ours. And it came at just the right time in our lives.
Looking back now at 53, I wish I’d held onto that house. Today, it would be worth four or five times what I paid for it. But more than the money, it could’ve been my first rental—my first step toward building generational wealth earlier in life. That’s the part 26-year-old Wayne just didn’t know yet.
And here’s something that weighs on my heart:
Both Mr. Legette and Mrs. Ruby passed away before I truly understood the impact of what they did for me—a young kid who grew up just down the street. I wish I had the chance to thank them properly. I would’ve loved the opportunity to look them in the eye and tell them how much their kindness and generosity meant to me. They didn’t just make a deal—they gave me a blessing.
💡 4 Takeaways for Younger Buyers
🏡 1. Your First Home Can Be More Than a Starter—It Can Be a Stepping Stone
Don’t just think of it as a temporary place. That first home can become a long-term investment, a future rental, or the foundation for building wealth over time.
💰 2. Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market
You don’t need to buy the perfect property at the perfect time. Holding real estate over the long haul often brings the greatest return.
🤝 3. Relationships Matter in Real Estate
Real estate is about more than contracts and closings—it’s about people. The relationships you build can shape your future. Mr. Legette and Mrs. Ruby didn’t just sell a home; they showed me what it means to give someone a real opportunity. Their kindness lives on in everything I’ve built since.
🔒 4. Hold Onto the Good Ones
If the numbers work and you can afford to keep it, think twice before selling your first home. You may thank yourself years down the road—for both emotional and financial reasons.
The Agency Oklahoma | The Kirby Group
Your trusted real estate team serving Oklahoma with heart and experience.
📞 Wayne Kirby – 405-550-5252
📞 Terra Kirby – 405-618-9617
📞 Anna Sullivan – 405-415-5732
🌐 www.thekirbygroup.agency
