"they earned the financial stability to raise you and your brother and put you through school" That is something separate from the cost of paying a mortgage or

"they earned the financial stability to raise you and your brother and put you through school" That is something separate from the cost of paying a mortgage or renting, and his anecdote highlighted an involved cost of opportunity. One can earn even a higher financial condition (to raise kids or whatnot) by not being tied to a long term immobile project. You need the freedom to change (your place) if you have to. Change is important.