Someone around here has a burr under their saddle. And it's causing both of us to be uncomfortable. You see, one of us has this little problem ... we like to move from home to home every number of years. And one of us is more than happy to stay put. Solid, consistent, in a home that one of us loves. When we moved here, one of us said to the other, "This is it. We're never moving again. This house has everything we need. No more moving!" But it was barely a smattering of four or five years when the itch started. Like jock itch but no medication necessary (well, actually, maybe medication would help). One of us is, "Tired of yard work, tired of an "old house," worried about long-term upkeep, etc etc." The other one is (was?) trying to dig in her stilletos and stand firm: "It's a poor time to try and sell. We don't need to be purchasing a more expensive house. I don't want to pay HOA fees or higher taxes. I love my neighbors and neighborhood." You know, all of the typical banter when any two people are trying to iron out a wrinkle. So, we've had a "free, no obligation home evaluation" done to estimate the value of our existing home. And, we've taken the plunge and started to look into condos. In fact, we've identified about 30 of them and weeded the list down to 13 that we'll be touring tomorrow with our realtor. One of us is thinking this isn't the best financial decision in the world. And one of us is off on another planet with giddiness at the whole "I want a new house and I love looking online at new condos" scene. Guess who is who??
20 comments:
I can see how that can be quite difficult... I have trouble staying put myself. And the urge to move can be very strong. Well, it seems like the decision has almost been made, seeing that you already have a realtor!
Gosh, I'm just stumped.
From a house to a condo with a dog. Lube up, you're about to feel screwed.
Ok, that was negative. I'll just say that I did not appreciate being told what color and where I could place Christmas light in my own home. I would never live in a condo again.
I have to say, I am thinking you want to move. But, then again, I can't picture you doing yard work.
Stumped. Keep the house, put what you are saving into an IRA for me. :)
We've gone through the same "discussion." For now, I won. We're staying put. I won through a series of convincings: what the current community has to offer, the friends we've made, the problems of other locations. A fairly normal cost/benefit analysis. Show him how much you'll lose by moving.
Better be analytical with this decision and not emotional. Times are rough in many parts of the country. Forbes does have a current article indicating Portland is a sellers market. But what about the other half of the equation--buying. Even Mr. Buffet expresses some concern about the future. And if you're both in the airline industry--better think three times. And then again.
Your solution is simple... keep your home AND buy the condo!
King Solomon had nothing on me. :-)
from someone who has lived in the same place for 23 years, I understand the need/want for a 'new' place. But the expense (cost to move, new furniture, etc.)kept us here. But at some point I'll not be able to keep up with all the yard work, and a condo will look good.
Our marriage barely survived our last move. Even though I hate it here and want to move with all my heart, I will suffer and bite the bullet for at LEAST 3 years before I will even consider it again. And then he will never forget how I got stuck living in a place I hated for 3 years to appease him...that oughta buy me a lotta comic book auctions on eBay :-)
I'm going to have to side with Jim on the dog + condo thing. Do people in condos have dogs? Absolutely. But it's quite a pain after awhile. You have to always worry about keeping down the barking because one of your neighbors might hate dogs. And most likely, there will be some HOA clause that says you can be fined if your neighbor(s) complain about any animals.
While it might sound silly to plan a home around a dog, it's just a fact. That pup is going to be around for a long time, and like a kid, they do have to be integrated into the plan :)
As for the market, I have to stick out my tongue at all the nay sayers who say "it's a bad market".
Is the economy in trouble? Yes. Are there too many houses on the market? Yes. BUT....
I spent 2 years doing marketing in real estate and learned quite a bit from the pros. The key is that you can sell any home in any market... doesn't matter what the economy is like.
The trick is to price your house lower.
Let's get hypothetical....
Let's say you insist on selling your home for the market value. You refuse to budge and go lower. You move into your condo and pay an additional $12,000 that year because you had to maintain 2 homes.
Instead, you could have just taken $12,000 off the starting price, and maybe sold it within a month.
I saw this scenario happen all the time. Some buyers were willing to take the risk, and sell their home for less than it's value. The homes sold, and it was very quick, very easy.
Others refused to do that, and thought they were smart for sticking to their guns. It took twice as long to sell.
Anyway, simple math. Homes that are priced to sell WILL sell, every time. I learned this from some of the best real estate experts around.
Now you have some insider advice to help you along ;)
As for who is who? Gosh... I really am stumped. I want to say you're the one who wants to stay. But then again, you travel a lot... Maybe you're the one with the itch? hmmm
When we moved into our current home I told hubby that the only way I'm leaving there is feet first on a stretcher, but I also know that I will be the one to say we need to sell and move in about 3 to 4 years... Good luck with the house hunting!
I've been saying that about this
place for YEARS!
I'm thinking you T.L. are the more stable one and your hubby is more into moving around exploring new places and stuff?
I have a condo now. AND I HATE THE HOMEOWNER's ASSOCIATION FEE!
Wow, how about looking across the river...there are some nice places downtown :)
Keep us updated on what you find. Are you looking in the Pearl?? I would love to live there.
Talk to you soon...dinner the four of us soon k?
Lila
i would rather eat rats in Tewksbury than move; what an ordeal to do. count me out.
I have absolutely no clue.
I say keep the house, especially in this market. It might be difficult to sell and then you'd have two properties on your hands.
I want to move and the husband wants to stay....A townhome in the city or condo is looking good right now in Seattle. Im tired of the workout my yard gives me...phew! Spring time can be a bitch for mowing!
I think it's you who wants to stay. You always have been proud of the work you have done outside the house and last summer it seemed as though things were coming together regarding plantings and the tree you love.
I think it's you wanting to stay, too! Hope you can find a comfy compromise. I wouldn't want to move, either :)
Oh I know how this goes. Spouse dreams of condo ownership now too. But it's the wrong financial decision! So far, my way has stood.
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