Empty Nest Moms
Empty Nest Moms AND Dads! => Empty Nest.."What's Next" for you?? => Topic started by: nvgt16 on May 26, 2017, 09:06:03 PM
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I came back near the end of April from basically a 2 week vacation to visit my daughter and her fiance in Spain! I knew the trip was going to be life changing seeing that my life has been the same for many years including living in the same house for 30 years. So when I came back home from the trip, I decided that it was time to downsize from my basically 4 bedroom Cape Cod home to something smaller. My home has been for sale for almost a week. I've already started packing but to do it by myself is a pain but I have no choice seeing that both my kids live thousands of miles away and I've been divorced since 2005. If anyone has any experience with downsizing, especially selling your home and buying another one as a single empty nester, please send me your hints to survive it all. There's been quite a bit of interest on my house but no showings or offers yet. I'm trying to stay sane but this is too stressful, especially doing it by myself. I've given some things away but I can't give more away until my daughter comes home next month for her vacation. And on top of me moving, this summer while she is home, there will be many bridal events because she will be getting married next year back in Spain!
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I sure do not envy you! I can say that when you get thru this part you will be happy downsized. But boy going thru this is a lot of work and to do it alone, oh me.... :(
For sure you will need to make piles, what goes to each child, and what is to give away. Pack what you are taking that you can do without now. Store your packed boxes somewhere, in the garage, a rented storage, somewhere that it is not cluttering up the house you are trying to sell. Good luck to you!!!!!!!!! :big hug smiley sign:
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Thanks! I'm putting things aside for my son even though he's not talking. Once my daughter can go through my stuff then it will go to my sister and the rest hopefully will then go to some coworkers or donated. I've packed over 100 boxes but I just started working on the basement and need to work on my garage. My biggest concern is actually getting my house sold and trying to find an affordable house and of course the timing between both transactions. I'm trying not to have a big mortgage seeing that I only have about 10 more years to work. My realtor believes that selling my current house and buying my new house will happen back to back but he can't show me houses right now because they go quickly and I need to sell my current home before I can buy my new house. Does that make sense to you? Trying to work, pack, and maintain the house in a minute's notice is driving me crazy.
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Oh yes, makes sense to me. I was in your shoes a little over a year ago... :(
Listen, ask about a 'bridge' loan. It's where the bank will give you the money for the new place with the stipulation that they get the money from your house when it sells. It kinda lets you look now without that tension of 'when will my house sell'. It's worth talking about anyway, dont you think?
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Thanks, I will ask my lender about that! I had 2 surprise house showings today and they didn't like my driveway..it's on a hill and also that my house isn't upgraded...it basically says that in the info..so why bother coming where I have about 20 minutes to get my house ready and cats packed up...not going through this again. :-(
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You know that saying you have to kiss 100 frogs before you find prince charming? Well it's worse to sell a house I think.. People can be so rude and say things to hurt our feelings, like we asked them their opinion! Cheesh.. like I said I dont envy you. This is the hard spot..
:big hug smiley sign:
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I wasn't ready for all of this as I just returned from getting more boxes from Stop and Shop!? lol My neighbor who is selling his house..2 houses down..more expensive and fancier gave me some great advice..he said that with my house only having been on the market for a week, I shouldn't stress too much..he said that I should be more concerned if nothing is happening for 3 to 4 months. He also said that he and his wife haven't packed everything so I guess I've done a lot more than they have and I shouldn't worry so much. He also suggested that if somebody wants to see the house quickly that they should basically be putting in an offer or have them wait so you have 24 hours to get the house and yourself ready...I really like his advice. I'm so exhausted from today and I totally didn't get to have lunch until 5pm..not good. I did look for any open houses this weekend but I didn't see anything. Oh well.I've only been doing this for a week..and just because the first two couples didn't like everything about the house doesn't mean much really. Thanks again!
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Great advise! Yes, you cant take anything personal that's for sure. I was starting to get offensive over the rude comments, and I had to stop myself. It gets old real quick when your door is a revolving one. I hope you sell yours quick and easy! I'm glad you got done what you did, because you are doing it alone. You cant wait till the last minute. I'd rather be prepared as much as possible.
Any chance when your daughter comes she will stay a while and help?
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It's really old now just after one week of it being for sale....the work doesn't end. My daughter is coming home around June 22nd and she will definitely help me out from cleaning out stuff, to packing stuff, and I'm 100% sure she wants to go see houses with me. I kind of feel badly because this summer while she is home for a visit, it's about all of her bridal parties and stuff. But I really need and want to get into a smaller house, the sooner the better and I'm not always patient..I like to start something but get to the end of the project ASAP. I want to be settled into my new home before she heads back to her home in Spain. I totally HATE living from boxes..can't find stuff because you had to throw it into some drawer somewhere. My poor kitties were not pleased having to get put into my car twice...I need to bring more cat carriers down from my garage storage up in the beams. I also can't wait until my school year ends on June 20th. I'm open to about 5 - 6 nearby towns but with not knowing how much I'm going to make off of the sale of my house, I'm trying to keep my actual loan for no more than $80,000 which is the same amount I could get if I sold my house for $285,000. I have a large modified line of credit to deal with. Thank you so very much for listening!!
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I understand the stress you are under. The way your property is how about not leaving the property? Maybe going into the back somewhere not seen.. You'd still have to take your kitties but not quit as bad as leaving the property. If the Realtor and the prospective buyers dont like that, tuff peanuts. You should be the one making decisions too! No way of making it easier on the cats, that I can think of. Even to sit in your car with them maybe?
Yes, you know what you need and what you want. Now for the pieces to fall into place FAST! I'm with you... low on patience.
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That's a good thought, don't think the realtor would like me hanging out. I have to believe that things will fall in place. Did you have to sell your home first before you bought your new home? I just don't see any possible home to consider even buying.
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Maybe not but anyone that is an animal lover would understand. And you could stay out of sight, maybe in the back? But something to think about.
I have a little 14 foot camper, so when my place sold we took off and came south, with the camper, and was headed back to Texas, but stopped off in Fl to visit my brother, and well, here we stayed. We stayed in the campground till the papers all went thru. Moving is always stressful, but for you to be doing it by yourself is worse.
Do you know the area you want to buy in? That would sure help if you narrowed it down
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I definitely don't have another place to go to for the showings so I drove down to a shaded area about 10 minutes away from my home. I just don't trust anyone with my cats especially after my daughter's friend lost one of my indoor cats when I came back from my trip to see my daughter in Spain last month. Fortunately I found my cat but she was alone and outside overnight..she must have been so scared. I'm so very lucky that she wasn't killed by an animal..I live a bit in the woods. I have 5-6 towns that I'm open to but I am not looking to move to a one bedroom one bath anything and definitely not a trailer home or a manufactured home or a shack on the ocean...or a gut job kind of house.
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I dont blame you one bit. I dont trust my furbabies to anyone either!
Did you sign up to zillow.com or any of the websites? They show a lot of detail... what's the others... shucks.. truila? There are many.. It helps you do your own search.
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I view my owner listing on Zillow but I follow more RI Living because the listings are current and on Zillow they aren't although it really doesn't seem to matter because I haven't found anything at all in my price range. I'm trying not to get discouraged.
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Nooooo dont get discouraged. I know being over tired and over whelmed can work against you dear friend. wish I were close to help you, really I do!
Yes, I'm glad you found a site. What I liked was being able to see pics and details so it kept me from wasting my time looking at the ones that would not work.
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Thanks! It's very helpful to see the details and I especially like to see the taxes of the houses. Today I took a break and bought my summer beach pass then spent an hour relaxing at the beach and it was so awesome!! My sister came down to take a few things and I wanted to get her honest opinion on my home and she thought it looked really good! She also stood by me when I had to get some more cat carriers down in my garage. Guess I'm back to a little more packing this weekend. I was hoping to go back to the beach tomorrow but it's supposed to rain. Do you like Florida? My friend just bought a home in Sun City Center...her first home! She moved from an apartment so she didn't have to have the fun of selling a home...lucky her!
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Just what the doctor ordered!!! You needed that!
Yes, I do like Florida. I prefer the heat over the cold. I love the sunshine that never ends.
You'd like it ;)
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I had thought about moving there..I went to the U. of Tampa! But while I'm still working, I need to stay here. I only want a short driveway compared to the long one I have, especially when it comes to winter and the snowfall we get. I have thought about condos but between the mortgage and then an HOA fees, it's too expensive.
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Yeah, forget the HOA's.. That's paying for someone to tell you what you cannot do! :( Isnt there other options?
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Nope, either house or condo...I just don't have the money to pay "2" mortgages although I wouldn't have a problem with someone else do my yardwork and snow removal!!
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That's good points, yard-work and snow removal are great selling points! It's better to have your own place but the thoughts of easy upkeep would be tempting.
When will you retire?
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Well, I figure when I'm about 70...so 11 years..just an idea...a lot has to do with my finances...and my new mortgage...that's why I don't want a big mortgage...I also can't picture not working at all and my job is part time...so I should be able to stay in it for awhile.
Are you retired?
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No not retired, but without a job right now. I'm working on that. I can see having a part time job to keep the blood flowing.
I hope this is our last move! (your's and mine!)
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It's hard to get a decent job. In September I will have been teaching 2 1/2 years as a part time ESL public school teacher...even though I have more kids than most other schools, they won't make me full time so this fall they are bringing another teacher over..my department head..to help me...I have a small classroom that I will now have to share..not fun at all. But I like what I do...where I move to might be a longer ride to work but I only work to about noon, Monday through Friday. I can sub for other teachers in the afternoon if I want to and on the side I've been tutoring an ESL student privately..cash only. I want to find a home that would be a little bit closer to work..might not happen but when I'm retired, I'm living more towards the beaches. I was thinking I should research which towns offer more to do for senior citizens for when I'm older...I definitely do not want to move again. My family moved a few times when I was growing up...My other concern is that I need to find a home that will be much closer to things to do...right now I've been living in the country and I have to drive to anything..I'd like to be able to walk to a store or a beach..something. I don't like being alone so much..and that's exactly what I've been since my kids left...and they don't plan on living nearby anytime soon. I need to make new friends and I definitely would love to have a guy..it's been many years since I've even gone on a date...
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I love your life! I love how you know exactly what you want/need. You are right to check out the places and see what they offer. I felt the same exact way, needed/wanted to be close to things. It is so much better being around people. It's exciting really! You are over loaded and over whelmed, but this is the brink of a whole new journey for you, and that's exciting! I hope that 'friend' is right around the corner in your new life, too.. The thoughts of that prospect are exciting too! :13:
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Wow...I've been struggling financially for many years because of my crappy jobs that I've had to take and now I'm part time in public school...it's kind of scary knowing that I won't have enough money I feel, when I retire. I hope that I will find the right house for me by the end of summer before my daughter goes back home to Spain. You're supposed to trust your realtor, but I honestly don't...he seems to be more talk and less listening it seems like to me. I'm actually taking a sick day tomorrow, I just kind of feel run down. How long did it take you to find your new home..from the time you first started looking until you signed and moved in? I just spent the day organizing my boxes so I know where everything is. Somehow I'm missing a few boxes!?lol I'm up to 116 boxes. I want to be closer to people but at the same time it makes me a little nervous because living in the country with just one neighbor, it will be different being so close to others! It's definitely a new journey...but I think it's time and I think I had to wait for certain things to happen before I got to this point including finding a wonderful man. It would have been nice to have him go through this all with me but I think I had to do this journey basically on my own.
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I hope you are feeling better. I really feel lucky to have ran into this place within a couple of months, but keep in mind I wanted Texas, and this is Florida. It's also a fixer upper that was something out of a horror movie.. well not really, lol, but it was a lot of work. It just goes to show you have to keep an open mind..
I have to run now but will come back to talk more to you later.. keep your chin up!!! You are really doing great, really!!
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Hi, I'm honestly quite tired between backaches and headaches. I packed 9 more boxes in my basement last night. I can't do a fixer upper because I won't have the money to fix it up and the ones that I've seen look horrific and creepy too. Off and on I look at a few condos but I don't like the idea of having to share a common wall or storage or a backyard. I did look at some homes that have just sold in this past year and I saw decent homes in my price range that would be ok. I have to have faith and believe that the right seller will come and I'll find an affordable house somewhat soon. Of course, new construction would be so awesome but I'm sure that it's out of the question unless I wanted a tiny house and that would NEVER be right for me.
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I'm with you. I would never recommend you buying a fixer upper. I hope I never have to again either. Yeah, I was thinking of other options for you, other than sharing of the walls! There is a house that is just right for you, and you are on the verge of finding it! I would not leave my like up to anyone and would be checking things out for myself. I'm referring to trusting the realtor.
Ooo what a bout a retirement village? They have them here with apartments and trailer parks. That would be your own place, but small enough to take care of easily? Tiny yard, etc... (just thinking here)
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Thanks..I definitely want a smaller place because I don't want to spend so much time with yard work and maintaining the inside of the house too so much. It's bittersweet because while of course I'm looking for at least one extra bedrooms, they won;t be designated as my kids..just guestroom..kid of sad for me. With all of this change, I'm kind of sad because I have less time to be with my kids and I was hoping of course that they'd live closer by so I could see them more often..the total opposite is happening and I hate it.
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I totally understand. Someone said if we'd understand when we had our children they were just on loan, it would have helped us not get so attached. I thought my son would be in my life forever too.. but he has not even spoke to me since he got with a certain girl, now his wife.. so when I say I understand how sad it is, I mean it! I'd be happy now to hear from my son once in a while now. They say for our children to be off on their own and successful that we did a good job.. Well it still is kinda sad.
Hugs to you dear friend
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Oh my gosh...my son hasn't spoken to my daughter, her fiance, and myself for almost 2 years and nothing happened that we did for him to stop talking to us. I feel that someone said something or has convinced him to not speak to his family. It's honestly very devastating. And with my daughter who lives in Spain...that's not much better. I save the majority of their baby things and kid toys so that when they became married and had a family, they'd be living nearby so I could give them their own childhood things and only keep a few for grandma's home! It certainly for me has turned to be the total opposite. My son is my oldest...and we are quite similar...it just hurts..I've supported him through everything, even when he drove out to Utah from RI all by himself. My ex didn't stay with him and wasn't there for him like I was. I agree, very frustrating and sad. Well, my student I tutor is running late I guess...I'm just not in the mood to tutor or do much with this house selling issue going on. And my daughter's friend who babysat my cats is finally supposed to come over with my house key and remote.
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What do you teach? I hope it's not spelling or English.. lol :( I know I lack!
My son cut out all his family too. How sad it is for them, and us.
You keep hanging onto the baby things. None of us know what tomorrow holds and you may get your chance to live by the grands to come, yet!
Mine seems to have hardened his heart towards me. It's like they are brainwashed and forget that they use to love us or something. At least that's how it is with mine.
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lol! I do teach English to students from other countries and the same for my home tutoring. I just LOVE working with people from other countries...I kind of grew up like that. We always had people from other countries in our home so of course that's why Lauren has become a resident of Spain!? And I don't blame her..it's so awesome there..if I didn't have my sister and my son here, I'd consider retiring over there. I agree with you about our sons..I think someone is blocking my son..tell him wrong things about us...could be my ex...Even though it's very hard but I have to have faith that my son will realize that he is wrong about not talking to us..I just have to wait my time..still very sad..wasted time right now for all of us.
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I went to an Open House for a condo in town, just to see what living in one would be like. I looked at a 2 bedroom 1 story flat and a 2 bedroom 2 story townhouse that had a bonus room and a garage. I think it would be almost impossible to move from basically a 4 bedroom house with a 2 car garage and a full basement to move to a 2 bedroom condo. I've been trying to figure out how it could be done...it would be a major challenge. I of course do not plan to stay in my town because the taxes are quite high but still, moving from my house to a condo would be quite challenging.
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Now I would have promised I answered you post about your son... I must not have hit post or something!!! I'm with you that I hold hope that my son will come around too..
I am so glad you are checking out your options! You only know what's out there by spending time like you did. I was hoping that would have worked for you because it seemed the 1/2 way mark in being on your own and not carrying all of the responsibility (the yard and all). But anyway, that means it almost has to be a smaller home, right? No matter what it is going to be hard to downsize, BUT, after you do it you will feel so much better. A trick I was told is put everything in a box that you dont use, then put it in the garage or basement or something. If you find you dont need that stuff, ship it out. It has worked for me because now I dont remember all that I got rid of.
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I think it is going to have to be a smaller home...there's no way I could or would get rid of what I would need to in order to fit into a condo..and I also think that i will pay less than $200 a month for taking care of my future small yard and driveway in the winter. It's not like the condo had lots of landscaping for one condo to take care of to equal $200/month. I really am over doing yard work but it will be much better with a much smaller yard! I definitely need more space than 1 extra room and a garage for my stuff. Someone stopped at the bottom of my driveway (hill), got out and was looking at my yard and house this morning...kind of weird though because they seemed to be only looking at one side of my yard. Who knows...I just want this whole process to be over. At least school will be over in 12 more weekdays!!! I also don't think I'm going to do any more packing until something serious comes along. My daughter is due home on the 22nd which will be awesome! Her 2 rooms will need to be packed up abit...but I'm not worrying about that. The weird thing about seeing the condo was just realizing that I'm going to be starting my new life in a new house...that's kind of the hard part...30 years living in the same house is so different than moving into a new house. Once my daughter is here, I'm hoping that she can go through a big pile of things and what she doesn't want, hopefully my sister will take. I have generations of fancy dishes that I haven't ever used and can't because I had so many given to me like when my grandmas passed away. It's the same with fine dinnerware..I have 2 full sets..mine and my mom's...I'm not planning on having many big parties where I need 12 plates and all. I think that I've been pretty good at letting go of things..at least for now! I just wish I could get an offer on this house so I could seriously starting looking at new homes for me.
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That's rough to move when you are so grounded there all those years. I would not get rid of my sentimental things either!
Those people at the bottom of the driveway have to be a good sign! Be prepared because they will probably come to see the inside next!
They say moving is as stressful as divorce.. did I say that already? Anyway it is true. You need regular trips to unwind, at the beach!
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I was thinking the same thing about those people..so I better clean up a bit tonite. And the idea of needing breaks for moving..definitely...and I'm very grateful that RI has so many beaches for the size of our state..that will be where I will need to retreat to..other than perhaps having some sangria with my daughter! I was actually just trying to picture what my last night in this house will be like as well as my first night in my new house..and what my kitties will have to go through too! And seeing that I've been through a divorce and pretty much all other major problems, I should survive! I just really home that this all gets done and I'm in my new home before the end of July. My daughter's bridal events are the last weekend of July. I also can't picture 2 large moving trucks coming to my house on a hill!? Thank goodness for the cul de sac that I live on! I just watched a great episode of, "My Cat from Hell" yesterday and it was about a woman moving to Canada from the US with her cats! So the info was very helpful. I have to say that talking with you has been a major help, so thank you! I should probably clean up my basement a little more..it's been a mess with me just stuffing boxes lately!
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https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/21-Richard-Rd-Richmond-RI-02812/65946128_zpid/
Here is my house listing, not sure if I showed you it.
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Oh my gosh, I love your home!!!! You will need a little Cape Cod home! Your home is so lovely, so beautiful. It's 1500 sq ft, approximately.. so the new place would have to be at least 1200 I figure. Dont you think? That gives you an idea anyway. Now tell me why you are moving? lol
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Thanks..for the most part, I love the home still..just so much yard work for me and I'm so not into doing so much of it myself...honestly, I never have either! I'd prefer a one story with basement or a split level ranch so when I'm much older, I won't have a full set of stairs to go up and down. I'm downsizing because I don't need a 4 bedroom house and I want a smaller yard and a shorter and flat driveway..no more house on a hill for me. But I really love the front porch, mudroom, and 2 car garage that I added on back in 2006. I also have a big HELOC on it so my other goal is to get that paid off. And also, I don't want to live surrounded by so much woods anymore..I only have one neighbor...the cul de sac is nice too.. My new home has to be smaller, with a garage and a basement..I'd love either a front porch or a back porch..why not both!?lol But mostly, it has to have something special about it..something that says, it's my new house!
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I sure understand, just lost my head when I seen how pretty your home is...lol But yes you need to downsize. That is a lot of upkeep. I do feel for you because no matter what, that is a hard thing to leave. You will be so happy when you get past all this hard part though.. (I know I ended a sentence with a prep... haha)
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Thanks, I hope it will be easier..Underneath the wallpaper in my son's old room was some stenciling I did for him of a train. I hope that the future owners will at least think it was pretty nice when they pull off the wallpaper and see it! I'm going to miss that but I miss my son much more. I just went through my house doing a quick cleanup just in case I get a surprise call from my realtor while I'm at work..it happened the other time! He'd have to wait until I got home anyway because he doesn't have a key to my house and I'd want to take my cats out of the house before anyone comes in. How long did it take you to adjust to your new home?
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Sounds really stressful to me! But, it does take time to sell a house sometimes. Try to get some tips from your realtor on how to show your house and get people really interested in it. There may be a few cheap upgrades you can do that will really make the home and property pop so that potential buyers want to make an offer.
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He hasn't said too much other than basically keep it ready to show...keep the lawn trimmed. He does real estate full time and has been doing it for many years...I just have a hard time trusting anyone. I've done some touch ups on my own..repainted front door but I don't have the money to do any bigger updates..my realtor actually told me to save my money for my new house because the future new owners will change things after they buy it so you don't want to invest too much in the house your selling.
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Sounds really stressful to me! But, it does take time to sell a house sometimes. Try to get some tips from your realtor on how to show your house and get people really interested in it. There may be a few cheap upgrades you can do that will really make the home and property pop so that potential buyers want to make an offer.
It isn't easy selling a house, especially when you have made up your mind about moving and no serious buyers are showing up. My neighbor had a hard time disposing her's and it took her long to finally sell it. She had resigned herself to fate when a buyer showed up on her front door one fine morning.
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I can only hope that it happens to me too! I'm so over the whole process. I just finished skyping with my daughter and she doesn't think that I should not lower the price until the house has been on the market for 3 to 4 months.
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I agree with your daughter. That house is so beautiful and worth the money. People may turn it down because they cant afford it but you cant give it away
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Thanks, I appreciate your advise! I don't have to move but I was hoping that if I do get to sell my house and find my new house that it happens before Lauren goes back home at the end of August. It was so weird when I was checking out the condo, how little space there is in one!
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Do you know the sq footage of the condo? I mean there are bigger ones right, and you know what you need. I sure do understand wanting this to speed up. It's uncomfortable where you are (selling I mean). I wonder what that realtor is doing to help it along.
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The townhouse was bigger..one extra room w/o a closet but no basement and even the single car garage didn't have really any extra room for storage. I kind of wonder what he's doing too. I sent him updated pictures but I don't see them in the profile yet. Is it supposed to be this frustrating?
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I am curious about your realtor, too. How long of a contract do you have with him?
Townhouse sounds more practical... maybe not that one but maybe another one. Is your realtor showing you any of these or are you doing that work on your own?
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He hasn't shown me anything because he says I have to sell my house first before I buy my new house. I'm in for a year but I don't think I'll last more than 3 months with this guy..really not much communication, he says he's going to do something and doesn't. I'm getting frustrated and it hasn't even been a month.
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I'm shaking my head here. Did you sign a contract? Anyone here know what nvgt's options are? Does she have to stay with this guy when he is not up to her standards? I would want to boot him to the curb! Grrrrrrr
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in a message on Thursday I sent him an updated photo to put in my listing. It's still not in the listing with other updated info that I gave him. I think I will have to change realtors, maybe I'll give him another month but it's really been stressing me out..losing lots of sleep lately. I messaged my cousin who is a successful realtor..out of state but he can sell in RI..his wife actually is a trained house stager. I will switch to him next. He can't say much right now because I'm under contract but I understand that I can get out of a contract too. I don't need this stress and my daughter is flying home on the 23rd..she doesn't need this stress either...we're getting so involved in her bridal activities this summer that I don't want anything to ruin her fun and our time together. I'm just not sure how long I should wait before I leave this realtor/company?
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Why do you think you can get out of the contract? I thought it would be pretty hard? Well if you get your cousin then they wont be there to show you homes and such, so that may be difficult too.
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I've done some research on it and if there is reason you are supposed to be able to terminate it. It's different if I were in the process of actually selling the house or buying a house but I'm so not close to doing that it looks like with this guy. This realtor does live in this area and my cousin does not, good point. I thought my realtor was going to be better at his job. If I do leave this realtor, I will definitely ask my cousin how good will he be at selling/buying houses for me if you don't live in this area. Both realtors do it full time.
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Yes you want action and attention! The realtor needs to be hands on and show you different ways to live so you can see what will and will not work! Sounds to me like the one you have now is just interested in his commission and not you! Gosh, more stress for you. I'm so sorry. :(
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I'm really glad that you said that..it makes sense to me, which is really too bad but I've had enough..not sure what I need to do or say but I have to say something.
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Good luck. Maybe it will be enough to shake him up and get him off his behind!!
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Thanks, maybe I should go to the office and have a talk...something has to change..
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I went to the realtor's office and am now not with them...very simple to get out of the contract. I think I'm already less stressed. My daughter didn't seem happy at first that I left the realtor after less than a month. But I think she is listening to me and is fine with it now. I'm off for a nap...Thanks for all of your help. I have put in a call to another realtor but I'm not deciding yet. I also messaged my cousin as to how to pick a better realtor.
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I think you made the right decision. In a month the man had not shown any sign of being helpful. Your next one will be better because this was a learning experience.. :big hug smiley sign:
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Thank you, it sure was. I actually just looked at one "official" real estate website to see which company sold the most and it was remax. So I might contact the woman who I first talked to, she was with remax.
I'm just starting to feel less stressed now..let's hope that this one will be better.
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Yep, you will do better this time!! Now let's hope it sells fast!!!
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Thanks! I just called back the first realtor that I talked with and she is with remax. They have sold the most homes in my town so I think that I will go with them for round 2. I didn't see any homes from my last realtor sold in my town recently. I should have checked this out beforehand. I so need a drink but I have a student coming over for a lesson any minute. Maybe a hot bath will be good for now after the lesson!!
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When will you go talk to the new Realtor?
Do you have to split the sell with the old realtor?
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I think tomorrow we will be able to talk...of course I just told my school that I can sub again!?lol I could easily use the money to put towards fixing up a few things on this house. I will have to ask her about the splitting..I'm thinking I don't have to seeing that he didn't do anything except reposition his sign...literally nothing. He doesn't deserve anything.
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I agree he shouldnt but I would ask too. Those contracts make me nervous. If company's do their job we stick with them and they dont have to hog tie us, but shucks they get us in the contracts then a lot of times we're stuck unless we pay a fine to break it. Shouldnt be that way.
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The woman at the office said that there is no problem in getting rid of the contract, I didn't think that it was that easy...I just had to sign the paper to be released..and he didn't seem to care too much that I left so it shows that he really didn't do anything for me. I just hope that remax is better although I'm concerned that she will go too low on the price. I also hope that this time it will be less stressful especially with my daughter coming home soon for a visit and with all of her bridal planning and events going on. I just want to relax with her...take in every moment especially if this is the last year that we will be in this house.
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You are the boss, and the realtor gives advise but you have final authority...I have had dealings with them too where they talked down to me.. but dont let them do that to you. They are 'supposed' to be working for you!
I dont think she will undersell it since it is such a wonderful home. If anything maybe jack the price up .. let us know ok.... good luck!
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Thanks, that's a great thing to remember. It's now between 2 companies and both realtors are women...which I think is pretty nice. One realtor is coming over Saturday afternoon and she already said that she will put me on a list where I will get possible house listings emailed to me when they fit my wants/needs. I think also selling to low would bother me as much as not finding a house for me. I hope it gets to being a bidding war and the price goes high! Thank you again for listening and sharing your ideas and experiences. I feel a bit better and just had a nice relaxing bath!! How long have you been in your new home? Did it take awhile to adjust?
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Oh you're welcome but I dont see how I'm helping. I'm rooting for you though!
March was one year and there's still a part of me wishes we'd went back home. The whole reason we stayed here was my brother asked me to then now, (because of his narcissistic wife), is not speaking to me! I dont know why but I am a person people think should lay down and let people walk on me.. and I dont let that happen anymore. I put up with crud from my husband but I dont have to put up with it from outsiders, even if it is a sis in law. My brother should care enough to talk to me..but it just shows me he doesnt care enough either. Meanwhile I'm putting down roots here and making friends and trying to find my place in the church here. But if I would have went back to Texas I'd had my friends and family already, people that knew me and I wouldnt have to prove myself like here.
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Well, it's so nice to be able to talk to someone who has been through what you are going through and understands how you feel. That sounds hard and you moved for others...that was very nice of you. I hope that you can find great friends near your new home! I need to find new friends near my future home. I basically have my sister here in RI...my dad is in a nursing home and just hanging in there. I really don't have anyone else and the people at work are much younger than I am and have families too..kids at home. I think that's why I kind of feel lonely at times because my home that was at one time full of a family and activities and celebrations is more or less just a shell and I'm left behind. Most of the rooms are so empty that they have an echo...really not nice compared to how it used to be. I'm just really concerned about going to another home that is empty...a house just for me and of course my cats...and as my daughter reminded me, I won't be having a bedroom for my kids..it will be a "guest" room..so I'll still be alone just in a new house. That's why I need to live closer to people and things to do..places that I can walk to...just don't want to live so close to others where you can see inside their house.
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Adjusting, going with the flow, is a bit difficult but it is the ones that are willing to change that find contentment, if not happiness. So many of us would love to go back to the days where our children were young, even though they carried challenges of their own.
I find the trick to living close to people, but keeping our privacy, is fences... I love being with people and the front is open and has a nice porch to visit, but the back is fenced and my hide a way. It's my Shangri La! My private space. You'll find your way too.
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That sounds perfect for me too...closer but I want a private place where it's almost hidden from others...a quiet retreat. I'm so used to having nobody really near me...I don't really talk to my neighbors. I just am not sure how I'm going to choose between my next to realtors.
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Pick the one that listens to what you want, and your concerns, without interrupting you and inputting their opinions, like telling you you cant look for another house till this one sells....or you wont get that much out of it..bla bla.... You'll know!!!
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Ok..and I thought I did a good job of that the first time. I did like how the woman from Key real estate was confident in selling my home..I liked her tone of voice like she knew what she was going to do to sell my house and on the phone she spent the time listening to everything I said and could actually repeat what I said...I need to find out how many homes she has sold..I don't think she has sold as many homes in my town as the remax woman but she's sold quite a bit in the other towns that I want to move to...I think that's kind of important too.
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Maybe if they sell a lot it is by reducing the prices so low they are giving them away. I dont know, just be cautious. Maybe the answer is to take the middle road. Not the one that sells the most, in other words. Oh cheesh, you need a trip to the beach!
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I didn't even think about that! Oh my gosh...this is all crazy. You're so right about a trip to the beach! It looks like I'm only working my regular 1/2 day so if it's a little bit warmer out this afternoon, I think I will go to the beach. We've been having so much rain here..almost every day. It's getting to drive me crazy. It's supposed to rain either tomorrow or Friday too. The realtor does have to find me my new house..that's a major thing to me..almost more important. Today at work I only have 2, 30 minute classes because 3 grades are off to a baseball game soon! I will spend the rest of my time reorganizing my room for August when school begins again.
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You're going to be fine. You will know the right realtor this time, and that will take a lot of pressure off of you because they will be doing their part. You enjoy your daughter's visit and things will fall into place.
Yes, it's raining here everyday too...
I hope you get to the beach, even to walk it a bit. That's therapy! :smileyholdingflower:
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I find the more stressed I get, the less time I spend on doing simple things to destress or to take care of myself. I'm going to put on a relaxing cd at work as I work on organizing my room..maybe even have a cup of tea. I have some great people at work and keep bringing me boxes and paper to wrap this up with..I got 4 boxes with paper today!!
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Now if they'd come over and help fill them! haha
Yes, take care of yourself. You have a lot to look forward to, after this part. :big hug smiley sign:
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Thanks! I just went to find my K students and they are with most of the other younger classes watching a movie in the cafeteria and the teachers didn't want me to take them...kind of crazy but I guess I'll spend my morning working in my room. I can get alot done for next year's classes.
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Your organization skills are what is going to help you thru your daughter's shower and this move!
Really, you are doing good!
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Thanks, now only if I could organize my room at work!? The remax realtor just gave me her version of the market price for my home which she originally thought would be $240,000. She now thinks I should sell it at $269,000...a bit closer to the $285,000.
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I definitely want to sell/buy when my daughter is here because her opinion will be important and most likely having someone else's views of a house will help see things that I could overlook.
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That gives you more wiggle room, right? I like the sounds of that.
How long will your daughter be there?
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My daughter thinks that the new price is still a little low so I look forward to seeing what the other realtor gives as a price. I ended up spending the afternoon updating my photos. I think I like them more now.
https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/house_type/65946128_zpid/0-200000_price/0-732_mp/globalrelevanceex_sort/41.495849,-71.598158,41.423678,-71.717978_rect/12_zm/?view=public
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Oh my I dont know what I was thinking, no wiggle room there.. That is to low!!! I cant look at your house one more time or I'll be talking you into staying there. I love that home so much! It is so perfect in every way I just cant imagine one better! Maybe location, but the home itself is just perfect. You have it fixed up so homey and beautiful. Ahhh can you tell I love it! lol
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Saying all of that and I forgot to mention I love the new photos!
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Thank you! I wanted to update the original ones to have better views and then I added more. I also tried to do it as if someone was going to walk through the house in a normal way.
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You did a great job because that is what it feels like too.
It's so lovely
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Thanks..I did take quite a few shots to get the right ones for my future listing. I had to keep my cats out of the photos..a bit of a challenge!?lol
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Oh yes, I didnt even think of that. Well shucks, now I want to see them too..
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The other photos aren't that great...I took about 3 or 4 for each shot that I added. Some were because I have different bathroom curtains up or I wanted to add more to rooms like the dining room. I also added my 3rd bedroom photo. I also took better ones for the front of the house. I hope the realtor will like them. I still have my extra room that has tons of boxes in it..can't do much about the boxes...I'm so not moving them especially because they are all organised!!
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The realtor will love them! You did a great job and saved her a ton of work.. The picture with the boxes is so normal for moving, no problem. I still cant find things, after a year! I needed you to organize me!
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Thanks..the realtors should be able to see the photos even though it's not listed right now. Well, that's why I ended up with the boxes in that room like they are because I wanted to organize the boxes basically by room within that room so I can find what I need when I need it until I get to move to my new home. I hate not finding things and I just went through that trying to find my tax bill that I needed today...never found it but I paid my bill in person anyways.I hate living out of boxes.
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Sure that's uncomfortable living like that and right now it is how it's going to be till you get your new place. Having it organized sure will help!
Did you do the painting?
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Which room for the painting? I haven't touched my daughter's rooms...she will be coming home two weeks from tomorrow!!
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All the inside is painted so pretty. I love it all!
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Last summer my daughter helped me paint the gray on the front of the house. And last week I repainted the porch and porch door barn red again. I just changed out the picture in my first floor "box" room..I like this picture better. I just moved some boxes out of the way and dressed up a coffee table. So thank you for your help!
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I love your taste. I'm anxious to see what you move into and how you fix it up.
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Me too! Are the houses different out west than Florida? We generally always have a basement up here.
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Oh sure. We live on a sand bar here, no basements! I like the one floor though. It sure does not have the character of your home there, but it will be great in old age.
Have you been to Fl ?
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I'm definitely looking for either a one story ranch..plus basement or a split level ranch plus a basement. I like the different levels of a split level and there are usually only 5/6 steps between levels. I want my new home to have something special to it..so I can say that it's my special home! Yup, I've been to Florida..do love it! I graduated from the U. of Tampa many years ago!
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OH yes, you know Florida then!
It's great you know what you want and thru checking out the options the Realtor shows you, you'll narrow it down to 'the' one! I'm excited for you!
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My first realtor never showed me anything. I kind of wish I didn't have to wait until Saturday to meet with my possible next realtor. I just want to get this done and over with. When you go look at a house, do you usually go by yourself or go with your realtor?
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She would send me houses online. I could look at the pictures and taxes and such first. If it was something I was interested in I'd go check it out first. I didnt get the realtor involved unless I liked it well enough to see the inside. There were to many of them to go thru. That was the best way to cut them down to the important ones.
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Oh, ok..I didn't know how it works. That's so good to know! At least now I know what to expect! I'm hoping that the realtor, which ever one I choose, will find me the right place this summer. About how many months and how many houses did you see before you found the one?
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Oh my gosh... long story short, our place sold and the people gave us 2 weeks to get out.. We agreed because we wanted out that bad.. we moved everything into storage and packed up our 14 foot camper and headed south, intending on moving back to Texas. My husband's brainy idea to stop and see my brother, here in Fl, first is what caused all of this. So we stopped here and met up with him and his wife at the campground.. so when the decision to stay and look happened it was all or nothing.. crazy. Living in a 14 foot camper with 3 dogs is not fun let me tell you... so I cant tell you exactly but I can tell you it was feverish and serious... like around the clock searching the Internet and neighborhoods. We had considered Florida further northern Fl and had been looking online up there, but all the time my heart just wanted to go back to Texas and all the people I knew and loved.
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Did you find your home in 2 to 3 months? I'm concerned how long it will take and if I have to go see like 50 houses and still not find, "the one".
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Yes, like almost 3 months is right. I dont think it will take you as long since you are dealing with more cash. We did this on almost air.. hence the fixer upper!
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Mine is going to be similar because I have no cash...nothing...nothing that I can use.
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Remember I told you about the loan where the bank gives you the money for the new home then gets their money back when your home sells.. called a... oh shucks I forgot the name now....
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I think it was called a bridge loan..Well, I guess I can't do anything until I talk to another realtor.
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Bridge Loan! That's it!
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That's just something to have up your sleeve.. Hopefully your house will sell and you'll find the new one in a timely manner. It will all come together!
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Thanks! So for now I'm actually trying to not focus on revolving my life around this whole thing..I used to wake up in the middle of the night to see how my house was doing..right now, no more. I need to let the realtor do the majority of the work.
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Well, I'm back to interviewing more agents! I created a very thorough list of questions for them to answer. One of them has already completed it and has been messaging/emailing all day! She is coming over this afternoon and the other realtor is coming over tomorrow afternoon. Both are women and seem to be really confident in their job skills and have already been actually helping me! Wow, what a novel idea!!lol.
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Yay! Now they are working for you! I cant wait to hear which you'll pick!
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My recent two have been doing everything..sending me houses to look at online, messages, emails, and answering my questions..almost 2 pages long! I'm possibly thinking of having both, one will sell my house and the other will find my new house...commission is split..it's so different to have people actually working for me! And the actually and honestly answer my questions with good explanations!Wow!
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Yes thank God you dropped that 1st one. Did you find out anything about if they have to split the sell with him?
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They wouldn't have to split anything with him! Now I just found out that my neighbor 2 houses down who has a beautiful but expensive house, removed their listing the same day I removed mine!?lol The only problem is their realtor is one that I am considering using..maybe not a good idea now. I am waiting for a call back from my neighbor about why they removed the listing for their house...it has me concerned. It the company couldn't sell their house, almost been on the market one year, why would I think that they could sell my home?
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Oh that's good information! How did you find that out? Well now could be anything. Their house may not be good quality and they want to much.. Wait and see what the reason is, but you are doing so good, I'm proud of you!
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Thanks but I'm finding this emotional part is very stressful, forget for now the part of leaving a house that you've lived in for so many years!?lol Well, when I went by my neighbor's house this morning on the way to work I noticed the wooden sign holder was up but not the for sale sign. I figured that maybe it blew off but I just checked on line at their listing and it said it was removed the same day as mine. So weird! This is their house...it's beautiful especially inside but I know that their garage isn't very user friendly, hard to get into so they've never used it for cars..just stuff. I love my neighbors..wonderful people but for some reason his wife wants a bigger house and they only have 1 child in high school...can't figure it out.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/17-Richard-Rd-Richmond-RI-02812/65857486_zpid/
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That is another gorgeous house. I cant imagine why it has not sold. I hope she (neighbor) calls back soon and put your mind at ease
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Their house is the only one in this neighborhood that is so nice inside..too high for this area. I hope to hear from them...I def want to know why they pulled off the market!
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My countertops are 30 year old laminate...I doubt they still have laminate in their house! I'd like the better stuff but I ended up putting on the mudroom/laundry area in the mudroom and the 2 car garage which ended up causing me a lot of financial problems but it's weird but because I added those things on, it could be my saving grace!
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Yes it's hard to tell what the market is in that neighborhood. Well the Realtors would know but I'm anxious to find out if your neighbor worked with the Realtor or what the reason is. Just to much to speculate but it's good you know now if there was a problem with the Realtor.
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Yup, but too bad that this process couldn't be a little simpler...like I was wealthy enough to just buy a new house without selling this one and I then could rent my current home!! Life has to throw us challenges!! Well, today's realtor should be here any minute...I'm kind of excited and a king of...am I going to be repeating this whole process over again and have to start with a different realtor! I shall find out soon! I'll let you know what happens when she leaves!
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Is today's Realtor that neighbor's x Realtor?
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Hi, nope..I am quite impressed with the realtor I saw this afternoon. Before she got to my house she had completed my 2 page list of questions with very good answers. She explained everything as had asked. We went over my entire house..went over pricing and also things that I should take down off of the walls..not too much more. She was easy to talk to and to understand. AND I feel that I received a sign that she is at least the one to sell my house..as we walked outside I saw her license plate..it had the the letters NG which are the exact initials of everyone in my family...both parents and all siblings including myself! I was totally shocked! It felt right. So now I have to see how the other realtor does. She also answered my questions but not as detailed as today's realtor did. I also just came back from my neighbor's home. They did leave the realty company that I'm thinking of..but they did have a different realtor.They had their house on the market for almost a year. I asked my realtor today why the other company couldn't sell their house, she thinks it's because the price is way too high even though it's beautiful inside. They also would have a lot of hits online but only a few people show up to see the house. But it was just nice to talk to my neighbor...her husband wasn't home so it was just great to sit and talk to another woman!! I have to say I'm so glad that it's the weekend and I pretty much feel confident that I'll have the woman today sell my home..just have to see if I have the other realtor find my new home.
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How much changes in a day! Wow, it all sounds so good, and those initials... yes, I think that is a sign!
I bet your head is just swimming with details tonight! I hope you get a good nites rest.
Good nite dear friend. More tomorrow
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You would not believe what just happened! I went to pick up the phone and I said hello to the person...it was my SON!!!!!
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OMG...I'm still in such shock and disbelief that my son called me after not talking for almost 2 years! Miracle, total shocking miracle..I can't stop crying...happy tears God works miracles <3
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That is really good to hear Nealy! I hope you had a really good talk. You can fill us in when you have time.
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Good morning, this is a Great morning! I'm still in shock..incredible to know that I can message him and talk to him anytime now..such a major surprise in just 1 day! I had just come home from visiting my neighbor and for some reason picked up my house phone when I heard it ring. I usually don't because the phone calls are generally junk calls. And then I heard Chris familiar voice,but I just couldn't believe it was actually him..I just fell down hysterically crying and screaming..I'm so lucky that he actually stayed online! At first I wanted to now right away why he stopped talking but I was afraid that maybe he'd hang up on me for asking but it wasn't at all about me or Lauren...a little different from what my ex told me. What was also pretty weird was that I went over to talk to my neighbor's wife about how we both took our houses off of the market on the same day and I wanted more info about the realtor that they used. We talked about how I still hadn't heard from Chris, that it was almost 2 years since I heard or saw him and she said that she would say a prayer. I had also did a little candle ritual to get rid of negative things blocking Chris from talking with me, because it was a full moon. And then about an hour after I came home I pick up the phone which I thought was just another junk call and it's Chris. And to think that he does want to come back home to surprise his sister on her birthday..that's a whole different miracle! And maybe he can help me with my new house..more pressure!! This has been another life changing event for me this year...
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OHMYGOSH!!!!!! This is wonderful wonderful news!!!!!! Praise God!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!!!!!!! Did you see the thread I made about estrangement? I wish you'd post this there and give us all hope, that have estranged children.. Thank you so much!!!!!
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Thanks but I'm still so in shock and disbelief.. what was it that made him call me!? I can only thank God and everyone who has been praying for this for years and I'm so very grateful!! I was so in shock when I heard the voice on the phone. I never pick up junk phone calls on my home phone, I just let the answering machine pick it up but then this time it was my son's voice..I just fell, and cried and screamed...and then we talked and just kept talking. I was so afraid that the call wasn't going to last more than a couple minutes but we talked for an hour..maybe more...totally lost track of everything else. I honestly never thought I'd hear from him again and with selling the house, it was horrid feeling.He sent me pictures of himself and his incredible photos at sunrise and sunset. He sounds so much more mature..he actually listened to me..I feel like I'm in a dream. Maybe something inside himself told him to call me. And he is coming home soon for a visit and to surprise his sister for her birthday in July! He's planning on driving out, which I don't like, leaving around June 16th. How weird...I haven't seen him since January 2015 and I might see him along with my daughter in about 2 weeks, seriously, so doesn't make sense.
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OH boy, whatever it is, Yipppppeeeeeee! Maybe later he will let you know what and how he was thinking... (going to make a reply back to you on estrangement thread ok)
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With Chris back in my life, I had another realtor come over today and after meeting with the other one yesterday, I made my final decision..and that is I'm having Both women be my realtors! One will focus on selling my house and the other one will focus on getting me into my new house! They both also communicate very well and often! They each showed me different strengths in real estate so I'm very happy right now with my decision. It should be a great, strong team to get me where I need to be before my kids go back to their own homes before the end of summer!
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Did today's Realtor give a reason why the neighbor's house has not sold?
You will be super busy now, with them both working for you! And that's a very good thing!
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I honestly believe that both women will do a great job of working together when they have to but more importantly, I think I have them doing what they do best. The realtor who will be selling my home already was prepared with info for me and comps on other houses and how to fix up my house and I only heard about her that same morning at work!? And the woman who will be finding my home, lives in one of the towns that I wouldn't mind living in and she focuses on the other towns that I wouldn't mind living in. The weird thing is, they are both related to or friends with teachers at work!! As for my neighbor's house not selling is a combination of things...they had a different realtor, they priced their house way above the comps in our town, and they went overboard in fixing up their house for my neighborhood and it's great if you never intend to sell your house but I'm kind of glad that my house isn't that upgraded inside!Now after I've seen the comps on my home, I need to come up with a new listing price. I started it the first time at $285,000 which compared to the better houses in my area, would be too high. So I'm thinking between $269,900 and $279,000. I'm kind of thinking starting at the higher end..same thoughts as my daughter. People who had seen my house will think of this as a big price drop and perhaps it is but I do want to sell my house and not have it listed for a year like my neighbor's house with no offers. What's your thought on pricing. On the comps, the house that was closest to mine sold for it's asking price of $269,900.
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You can always come down, so dont go to low. The people that seen it before may come back when they see the price drop. Did the Realtor have a suggestion?
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Well, after showing me the comps, I think she thought the 269,900 but like you said and I agree people will remember and read how it was originally at 285,000 and I think going to 279,900 is a big price drop.
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Did you talk to your daughter about it yet? I bet she will agree with us and chose the higher price. That is a big drop as it is.
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I did even though she is busy with company this week but she would agree with the higher price. So I think I'll go for 279,900. My new realtor is already excited about the house and sees so many great things about it and is ready to have the first Open House soon! She also knows that my cats are very important to me and I will be taking them with me when there is a showing or open house. The realtor finding my new home is already excited too..we are planning on going to check out houses next Saturday already!! This is so extremely different than my first realtor who did nothing.
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It is so exciting! With these two working for you, I hope you will be packing more again! You may be able to move quicker than you even wanted!
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I think with having both my kids at home at the same time this could be awesome but of course, it could go the opposite way too...I'll have to keep them separate maybe!? I'm getting more excited that the realtor will find me the right house...I think she gets what I'm looking for and she had already sent me some listings but I didn't realise that in I guess our state, if a house has a cesspool, it will have to be taken out and the house will need to be tied into the town so the expense would be about $30,000. So I'm not going to buy a house with a cesspool. That was so awesome to tell me!
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That's exactly what you are paying her for! I'm so glad she told you that! Wow that would have been a real hardship.
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exactly and that's why I'm so excited that I have each woman doing what they do best..selling my house or finding my new one! It's funny because the one finding my house said that she loves to shop and get the best deal! This is perfect because I kind of hate shopping! She will be to me like how my daughter is when we go clothes shopping!! I can only take so much of trying on clothes..I get tired..I want to take a break but then Lauren finds the right thing! I came back from Spain with a dress, sweater, and sneakers and all at incredible prices!?
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I can feel the excitement in your writing now... So glad you got new Realtors! Now you have something to look forward to. Before it was stagnant
Good nite dear friend. More tomorrow! :big hug smiley sign: [size=78%] [/size]
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I totally agree! And I'm hoping to enjoy a quiet evening, maybe a nice hot bubblebath! That will have to be something I'm sure I will need to replace..one of my first projects, a nice soaker tub!! Have a great night!!
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Did you say you have new pictures? Are you kidding me? Did this new Realtor take different pics? Or you mean she added to them?
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I have a new picture of me and the new for sale sign but I can't put it in because it's too big? It's just a normal size picture from my cell phone? Any ideas?
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OOOo I thought you meant the house.
Well it tells you the size it will accept but it has kicked my butt more times than I can count... all I can say is good luck there. Is it saying the size of it? Then you would know how much to cut it back? or maybe put it as attachment? Might try that
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the one I have is of me with the new sign. She took lots of pictures of the house and the listing should go up tomorrow with all the new photos..I can't wait to see what she chooses! We worked together to move things around to get the pictures...that was cool!
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Well I cant wait to see them. I thought your pics were perfect. I felt like I was walking thru your home.
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Thanks, I think these will be better because she took so many more than the guy did and we staged things together so the rooms looked the best they could. I'm still waiting for the other realtor to get back in touch with me about listings that she supposedly sent me but I've only seen the 3 from before and I haven't heard back from her.
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https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/fsba,fore,new,cmsn_lt/house_type/65946128_zpid/0-175000_price/0-645_mp/mostrecentchange_sort/41.495849,-71.598158,41.423678,-71.717978_rect/12_zm/X1.dash.SS-1w2d5schxc2d1_4rdd9_sse/?view=public
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Just when I thought I could not love your home more..... I do. I can feel the warmth of that place thru the photos. It's so beautiful! That Realtor did a good job.. she knew what she was doing didnt she!
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I think so too! I think some pictures were from before but most were new and there were so many of them. Even the write up is much better!. We worked so hard to get those pictures but she was right with me...she's awesome! Right now it is so awfully hot here...just miserable.My sister who lives 30 minutes north of me has rain but I have nothing..just heat. But it will pass! How are you doing today?
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It's cool here, rainy. I went to prayer meeting this morning, then had lunch with a friend, at the mall.... so it's been a good day. Thanks....
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That sounds nice! Well, I only have 5 more days of teaching then it's Summer Vacation!!! I'm also done tutoring Thursday. I can't wait. It's too hot to tutor or do much of anything. My other realtor showed me a cute small 2 bed/1 bath cottage close to the ocean but it's on leaves land, has no storage, no heat, and the inside needs work but the outside was cute and it was walking distance to the ocean!!! Maybe I'm getting closer.
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wow, you know living close to the ocean would be awesome for you! Oh that Realtor is thinking!!!
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Yeah, except that it doesn't have any heat, no storage, and it's leased land so I wouldn't own it which is so not a good idea. I guess this is part of the whole process..seeing houses that are close to what you want but not right. I hate the waiting part..I hope my new price will sell this place but there haven't been any offers so that's not good.
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I agree, but that tells me she is thinking of what you like.. she will find more and more homes that are of your taste..
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I guess I kind of have to sit back and wait for her to react/reply. There was a foreclosure one that could be interesting so I forwarded it to her but I haven't heard back from her yet. She just doesn't seem to react as quickly as my other realtor does.
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I wonder if it is the way you are contacting her. I know mine had told me to use a certain one that the one I was using she didnt check often... maybe it's something like that? worth asking her anyway
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She said that she could call me, email me or test me and reply within hours. Not necessarily within hours but i'm trying to be patient.
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Texting is usually the fasted contact.. how are you contacting her?
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Mostly emails because she has sent me a couple of listings. She called me yesterday. I have a showing on Friday at 6:30 pm?! That's cool..they must want to see it before the Open House on Sunday!!
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Try texting maybe.
Yes, it is so much better with these realtors, already!
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Yup, I'm glad that it's late..and she said it would only take 30 minutes so maybe I'll go through a drive through for dinner!?lol
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Looking forward to hearing what you found out today, and to chat with you on the new chat Jeanine put up for everyone. Up on the left side, see it? It's chat in real time!
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Hi, I'm still not 100% confident of my second realtor. I sent her an email with the listing for the $11,000 foreclosure house Tuesday at 5:30pm. Today she emailed me asking if there were any houses that I wanted to see which I thought was a little crazy seeing that I had already let her know that all of the listings she sent me were ones I had already seen and deleted...so what houses would I honestly want to see, one I deleted?!Seriously! She has not respond to my email with the listing of the foreclosure home that I sent her yesterday, Tuesday at 5:30 pm. So, I just forwarded her the same message that I sent her last night. I also said to her that I need to have all emails sent to my personal email address and not my school address seeing that school is over on Tuesday. This is frustrating to me. I know that it must not be easy to find houses that I would like to see that are in my price range but please don't send me houses that I told you that I wouldn't like at all or ones that I've already deleted. Well, I just finished cutting my yard..need to get out my trimmer and I also went to the dump after work. So I will clean up the inside of the house on Friday, which I am taking off. I'll look for the chat thing too!
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Oh nvgt16, sounds like you are having a time trying to sell and find a house at almost the same time! Do try to take a breather now and then, stuff like that can get to you. I see in another post that your daughter is visiting and you finally heard from your son! How is the house selling/hunting going? Is your daughter still with you and are you keeping in touch with your son still? Sorry, lot of questions at once! Take care of yourself and update us when you can. :039:
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UPDATE: After having a great "Moving" Sale yesterday and plans to donate the rest, I'm one step closer to moving South!!! The money I made went to pay for my two other teacher certifications. Now just waiting for Florida Dept. of Education to approvie my 3 certifications, then I apply/get hired to teach, and Florida, here I come!!
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Oh Neale you just have all kinds of good news!! Read your other post and see that your son gave you a surprised visit.. how nice for you since you haven't seen him in a couple years. And you did so well with your yard sale plus you are steps closer to making your move to Fl.!!! :banana: :jiggly smiley: I bet you are just over the moon right now. Enjoy your sons visit and hopefully you'll hear from Fl soon and will be making your move. :)
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Hi, I am...and so surprised! My realtor thought that it would now be harder to leave with Chris' visit home but honestly, it's the total opposite because he gets to see the house one more time before I sell it. Actually both kids have been in the house one more time this past year so it's time to let it go. I had to say good bye to some close friends, because they are both retired and will be driving around the country and won't be back to RI until June and I hope to be out of here ASAP. I'll see them at my daughter's wedding. I also had to say goodbye to another friend who owns this incredible store called, "Mystical Elements" that she is closing next week in Mystic, Ct and she has been my support for over 10 years. She plans on opening a much smaller one sometime next year. To me she is like a healer..I was so glad that she could finally get to meet Christopher because she has been with me through it all and today was closure with her getting to meet him. She knows Lauren very well!! So hopefully FLDOE will accept my RI certifications under reciprocity and I will quickly begin to apply for jobs. There was a job in a town that I think is called Wildwood....a bit north of Sun City Center..but I'll probably apply for anything that is reasonably close.
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Well, it looks like tomorrow is the day for me to decide on taking an offer on my home. No stress, right!? I have been offered a full time public school teaching job down in Florida and would like to be down there by the end of November but it looks like the people with the offer want to take their time..like a 48 day closing and I want a 30 day closing. :017: I have my movers ready to go. I have my very close friend ready to take me in for a few weeks until I can either get a rental or buy my new home and I've been working with my Florida realtor and lender all along. I need to give my current school district a two week notice too. Then I'm going to have to drive with my kitties down to Florida..another wonderful challenge. :( Any advice is welcomed!
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Wow, you're moving forward at lightening speed. These are exciting times! I hope those folks hurry things along with their offer and closing. It's so awesome that you already found a job and are raring to go. You, my dear, are on top of your game. If you're planning on stopping for the night, try petswelcome.com to find places that will allow them. AirBnb might be another good place to look for accommodations.
I've heard Rhode Island is a lovely place to live, but I couldn't deal with all that snow.
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Wow so much has happened for you!! I am so happy for you that your son visited too! I cant wait to hear where you settle in Florida! We may all get an Empty Nest Mom's get together yet!!!
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Hi, seriously hoping and praying for a last minute cash offer on my house and a 3 week closing, in less than 45 minutes. Offer has to be in by 3pm else I have to take a less than good offer. Thanks for the website and lodging places for my trip! I haven't picked up my AAA triptik yet, maybe tomorrow morning. RI is expensive and I'm so over snow, snowstorms, ice, slush, and freezing cold temps. Chris surprised me in early October, total shock to see him after not hearing from him in 2 1/2 years. He left very early yesterday morning and by 6pm he was in Ohio. I'll check in with him later on once I find out if I'm selling my house today...I so want a cash offer and a 3 week closing...I'll know by 3. We definitely will need to have an EN Florida get together and perfect with the holidays coming up in the next few months.
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I hope it all worked out, nvgt16! I'm praying for you. Hoping for a speedy closing and a quick, easy move to Florida. Hoping the cats don't caterwaul the whole way too. Hope you get settled quickly and love your new school. I'm glad Chris came by! That's great news!
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Hi and thanks! Yesterday I accepted the offer of $258,000 and I only pay $3,000 towards closing...could be worse. They've already scheduled the home inspection for 11/8, so about 11 days away..again trying to be positive, it could have been further. My awesome neighbor came over and cleaned all of my gutters for me..2nd floor ones too and then he renailed the loose roof shingle so that should help at the inspection. I have huge piles of trash for the junk guy coming Tuesday and one more load to donate at Savers then my garage and yard will be all set to go. As of now the closing date is December 16th with the moving company coming on the 15th but if I can I will leave with my kitties as soon as the inspection and appraisal are all set. My realtor will do the closing for me and be at my house to supervise the moving. Then I'll still have 45 days of free storage which would give me to the end of January to find my new home! For my job, today I found out that I'm officially Florida certified now!! So I sent everything to my principal who is sending it to HR so hopefully that is all set and I'll get my teacher's contract soon which I then send a copy to my Florida lender who will have my loan all set for when I find my new home. I was just now trying to see where to put the cat carriers and everything else in my car. I also tested the cats out in the car..just sniffing around..it was interesting 2 out of 3 were okay with it! I also hope that the closing is quick and much sooner than expected and that the ride to Florida won't be as stressful as I have been thinking it will be. I'm also trying to get adjusted to using my gps. I need to add my friend's house as a favorite and hopefully delete ones I don't need anymore. I'd like to be at my new school before school vacation starts I believe December 21st. My son should be arriving in Salt Lake City soon. He called earlier when he was in Colorado and was so excited to see snow and people skiing already!!lol I'm looking forward so much to warmer temps in the winter!!! I kind of wish I knew a more specific day when this would all be done because I want to give 2 weeks notice at work and it's hard to know when to do that.
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Congratulations nvgt!!!!!! :banana:
So happy for you. Yes, and once you get away from the cold you wont want to go back again. It's going down to 40 here and that cold air is just cutting!
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Thanks! I can't wait to get down there. I'm just hoping it's by this time next month! I think that I'm almost finished cleaning out the house so after Tuesday, everything else will be going South! I have a lot of winter coats and stuff to donate but with 40 degree temps, I'm keeping a few things! That is way too cold for Florida! I'm looking at my AAA maps and triptik, trying to find possible motels that my kitties and I can stay at on the way down. But, how are you doing?
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I have not worn a coat since I have been here, and this is my 2ed winter.. I never wore one in Tx either, but you may be colder than me. Now my husband will wear a light coat. When I get cold here a long sleeve shirt is all I need. This 40 is a cold front coming down is all.
I've been beside myself busy. It's that time of year. We have had church socials constantly and it's all fun but we're tired. I think you can get involved in to much. lol
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I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to hear about your new digs and new school. When you put your mind to something you really go all in! That's amazing! Glad to hear Chris' travels are going well. Your neighbor sounds super sweet!
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Ok, thanks for the info! I'm bringing 3 coats down...debating on bringing down any winter boots. I just sent this link to the activities just in Sun City Center to my daughter...it's incredible just the things here that I could do!
http://www.suncitycenter.org/visitors/activities.html (http://www.suncitycenter.org/visitors/activities.html)
I want to find a home that is in walking distance to the swimming pools because I'd use them daily. The arts and crafts activities are crazy awesome! So much the opposite of my life here. That must be fun thought to get out and be with people! How far away are you from Sun City Center?!
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My neighbor and his wife and son are so awesome! I will miss them. My son found a great home to live in today so I'm so excited for him, plus it's just so nice to know that your kids have somewhere safe and warm to live! I'm still hoping to be out of here before the end of November and for now I can only look at potential homes until I get there then hopefully in 3 weeks I'll be in my new home! I won't even care if I'm surrounded by tons of boxes. I just want to settle in with my kitties before Christmas! Definitely want to see my new school and meet the principal in person! I started bagging up my winter clothing to donate but will wait until after the inspection to donate them.
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What a great story this was - I just read the whole thread.
Congratulations on deciding to make the move. I am sure you will be very happy in your new home x
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Thank you, I'm very excited but a little nervouse, mainly about the drive south by myself and my kitties but I have people I'll kind of check in with on the ride down. Just trying to find fee free pet friendly hotels/motels on the way...might just have AAA find them for me...too many websites to go through! This all just started basically in about September after I tried to sell my house in the summer and just stay in RI. I just found out that school was cancelled today because of a nasty storm we had last night knocked out lots of power where I work!?
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Good Morning Neale....so you had a snow storm already? I hope the weather is good when you get ready to leave to come down here. Is your friend not going to be able to come up there and drive back with you now? That's a long trip by yourself. I would certainly get AAA to plan it out for you if possible, would help take some of the uncertainty out of it for you.
It is in the 30's here right now and suppose to be the same tomorrow morning so you do want a coat or two down here if you chill easily! One thing about Fl. is that it can be low 30's in the morning and high 70's in the afternoon! We're about 3 hours or so north of Maryb.
I'm sure you will get everything all worked out by the time you get ready to leave. Keep us posted!
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Nope, nasty thunderstorm!?lol No, she'll be in school and her boyfriend I guess is just not interested. I have my AAA triptik but will depend on my gps to get me through seeing that AAA has me switching over to 95s after I get on route 81 but I'm going to take 75 from Knoxville, it will bring me closer to the Tampa area quicker. We will all have to get together and I can't wait! With the inspection on the 8th, I'm hoping that the appraisal will also go through well and right after the inspection, then I can leave! I was hoping that I was leaving the cold temps back up here!! Not sure if I should pack winter boots..might be good to have a pair on cold mornings when I have to go to work!! Thanks!
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That's thoughtful of you to donate your warmest items. I'd keep a coat or two just in case. Are you planning to confine your cats? I can't imagine letting them loose while driving on section of the interstate that I'm not familiar with. I put mine in a large cage with their litter box. I put the ones together that like each other and the other one up front with me. I slung a towel over each one to keep them calmish. Mine mewed up a storm, but finally settled down. I love triple AAA and feel much better traveling with them. Glad to hear you have it too.
Gosh, are you moving everything yourself? You mentioned free storage, but I'm unable to tell if you have movers coming. I can't imagine doing all that alone. You are one tough cookie! I'm glad your neighbor has been helpful and that you got to see Chris. From reading here I've realized that I'm more controlling of my offspring and need to ease up...maybe.
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Hi, I have 3 Fall/Winter coats plus 2 pair boots. I was debating on the traditional carriers or one large cage time thing with the cat box inside. I'll have to look at local stores but also take the dimensions of the inside of my car to see what will fit. I could never let them loose in my car but I don't like the traditional carriers, too small for such a long trip. I started looking for a few motels...it gets expensive when you add the fees for pets. I'm waiting until November 8th, after the inspection is complete to donate my winter gear and to also give work 2 weeks notice which will really mean one week of me being there and one week using up my personal days. No, I have a moving company with full service and my realtor will be at my house on moving day taking care of everything especially now because today I found out that I need to start my new job on November 27th!! The moving company is giving me 45 days of free storage which is a huge savings seeing that I'm moving basically a 4 bedroom house!?lol I have received my offer letter for the job too except that I'm not able to sign it electronically for some reason, so that should be taken care of tomorrow.So I'm planning on leaving on the afternoon of the 15th or very early morning on the 16th, take 2 days to get there, have the weekend off, start looking at houses then start working on the 20th. My realtor will also be at my house when I have the junk company come get one last load, after I've moved out. Tomorrow is another no school day due to the thunderstorm last night so I can use it to get organized for the trip. I'm trying to stay focused on one thing at a time because it's been crazy and now I'm leaving in a few weeks!? Chris just found a lovely new home to rent a room from, so I can breathe a little easier now! With him in Utah and my daughter in Spain, sometimes it's not easy but they are happy so it's my time to choose a happy life too! I definitely did not have a choice or say in my kids moving so far away..it just happened. I think we are all adjusting to mom leaving their childhood home but it's just not the same anymore. It's funny, my daughter wants me to take pictures of the house but it's not like it was when they were little...it's empty walls and tons of boxes and messy all over!!
I just didn't expect this all to happen in 2 months!?lol
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You've got me excited too. :cute group hug:
I'm so glad you have a moving company and that you'll have some leeway in between with storage. I've moved by myself and moved with a company - obviously the moving company experience was much, much better! I think it's sweet that your daughter wanted pictures. It is hard to let go of some things, but that's life. You keep the memories in your heart and head and move on. By the way, I can't wait until you complain about hot summers and humidity, because it's coming. :rofl:
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Was it crazy when you had less than 2 weeks to go before you moved? I'm drained...I just want this part of the experience all over and I want to be down in Florida right now. The plumber had to come back, found a crack so more money but it looks like the issue has been solved. Having to spend 12 more nights in this broken down house is another reason that I wish I could be in Florida right now. The house is a mess from trying to figure out what to take and what I can take with me. I now have 3 soft sided cat carriers, one for each kitty that will just barely fit in my backseat but maybe that will keep them safer too! I have to start taking short drives with them so they will get used to being in the car. I just downloaded MapQuest onto my cell phone with directions to the hotel in Virginia and it also speaks the direction..almost like having someone riding along with me! I think I'm afraid of forgetting something then I have to remember that if I do forget something, it will come with the movers eventually or I'll have to go buy one at a store! I'm trying to keep my kitchen table as a place where I put things that have to go...medicines...school stuff..papers. How long did it take for you to get this all done!? I honestly don't know what to take pictures of in the house for my daughter because it's not like it was when she was here this past summer and definitely not like how it was when she was little. Tomorrow I'm hoping to donate tons of blankets, towels, and winter clothing. I'm also trying to organize all of the fragile things in one area of each room. I have coke, water, and snacks for the trip too. I think that the day I leave, I will just have to do it and not think about it emotionally or about leaving the house emotionally. Have to focus on the future which is getting to Florida :13:
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Good morning Neale.....sounds like you are getting things under control! Good idea to take the kitties for rides in their carriers so they can get use to them. I know you have everything all planned out. You will be stopping in Virginia for the night on the way down? I'm sure the cats will appreciate the stop over! Just make sure you take your time and stop when ever you feel tired for a quick rest up.
Keep us posted (we feel like we are making the trip with you!) :)
Oh and yes as Quiet Adobe said, it won't be any time and you will be talking about how hot and humid it is down here! :jiggly smiley:
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Good morning, at times I think I'm all set then I feel like I'm losing it, I guess it's part of a big move. It's just not easy staying in the house right now in it's current condition! The LaQuinta sounds like a nice place to stay. I'm trying to find calming spray for my kitties but I am bringing a lavender spray which might do the same thing. My thoughts are to stop about every 2 hours of driving so hopefully I'll still make it to Virginia the same day. I think Atlanta is half way to SCC from Virginia, so I"m going to look for a hotel around there just in case, maybe another LaQuinta! I just want to get down to Florida as soon as possible so I can relax a little before I start work! How is the weather today?
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Your adventure sounds exciting. I've been reading and reading and am on edge with you! I imagine it is rough living out of boxes. I've never had an issue traveling with cats, minus a bit of their "special singing." I know some vets will give them medicine to help them relax if you need it. I'm linking you to an amazing blog I've found.
http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/moving-the-cats/19079
http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/dear-pammy-how-can-i-lower-my-cats-stress-from-moving/203
http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/dear-pammy-what-is-the-best-way-to-move-my-cats/34021
I want to warn you that Atlanta might be an expensive city to stay in and it's very, very large with lots of people, so it's easy to get lost there if you get off the interstate. You might consider stopping at a hotel before or after instead. I feel like I'm giving you senseless advice when you likely know what you're doing. I just know I needed a bit of help when traveling.
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No, I definitely like your suggestion..I'm thinking now stopping at Chattanooga, Tn, if I have to stop...I think I'm just nervous about starting this trip so I hope I can trick my mind into thinking that I'm just taking 5 2 hour trips to Virginia!? lol Hope it works. I can also think about just getting through each state, one at a time. I did a trial run this morning with my kitties in the car and only 2 of them were crying and the loudest was my youngest but it did quiet down a bit after about 15 minutes. My other kitty was pretty much chilled out which helped me. I just finished 2 trips to donate things so now I'm down to what's going with me and/or the movers and the rest will be trash for the guy to pick up Tuesday. I will definitely look at the blog...it will help keep my mind busy and positive! Thank you!
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Hi nvgt16, read some of your post and looks like you were/are leaving for Fl. this weekend? Hope you got to leave when you wanted to and the drive went ok. Sounds like a big move for you by yourself with your kitties!! Wow, not sure I could do that on my own. Update us when you get a chance and how it is going. Good luck to you... :13:
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Hi! I happily arrived in Florida this past Saturday in the afternoon, never to hopefully repeat that trip again! I'm very proud of how well my kitties did but for a few weeks we are staying at my friend's house until my house in RI sells and I can buy my new house down here! The sunrise was so incredible this morning and the weather is so much better than in RI even thought I will admit for a few hours yesterday it was getting a bit hot!!lol I've been to my school and might go back today to start setting it up..just waiting for a few other things to finish before I get my id and school laptop then everything will be all set. Today I'm going to venture out to the local neighborhood to check out the stores.
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I am so happy for you, nvgt16! You've been wanting to make that move for a while, but while others dream, you had the gumption to make it happen! :cutecheerleader:
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Well, I think it came down to the fact that there was no reason to stay with none of my kids around and a not so great part time job and a huge mortgage...also kind of planning on how to make my life simpler as I got older. Tomorrow I'll be finishing up all of the paperwork for my job. Now to only find the right buyer for my RI house, ASAP.
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Hi Neale, sounds like you have made some good decisions for yourself and think you will be happy down here in Fl. Did you say you need to find the right buyer for your home? Did something happen to the contract you already had? Hope not but if so I'm sure your realtor will find another one very soon. Once that is all settled I'm sure you will feel relieved!
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My house will be going back up for sale in a few days. The couple never wanted to negotiate and with some things that need to get done, they still aren't so seeing that I don't have the money to fix them right away, we're going to put it back up in a day or two as a cash sale for now. I had already dropped the price of my house by $10,000, so I'm not going to lose any more money. I actually feel a bit less stressed with the couple out of the picture. I'm very grateful to be staying rent free and my income will be doubled so I should be okay for awhile. I just want it all over and buy my new home so I should then be totally settled.
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Well, after several extended months of living at my friend's house, I finally have a closing date for both of my houses, February 28th!!! Just hope the rest of this journey goes much smoother than the adventure has been since mid November when I drove down to Florida. I've scheduled the movers to come this Saturday to my house to pick up my things and then delivery will hopefully be March 1st, next week..day after closing. Any thoughts on the moving please pass on. My RI realtor will be at my house supervising the move from there. I so need a vacation but will be so glad to get my cats and myself in our own house very soon.