Next part of the plan

Will 2013 be the year???

Things continue to move along at a snail's pace; as always due to either lack of money or lack of time.  We are still at the point of needing to make a lot of cosmetic repairs to the house in order to get it on the market (if we sell "as is" we won't make enough to pay off the mortgage, let alone have enough left over to buy the RV.  So it has to be marketable.  We're not planning to use top of the line materials, but to do just enough that prospective buyers won't walk in and think "what a dump."   The biggest "repairs" is replacing the 30 year old carpet with laminate wood flooring (we already did 2 rooms and the hallway;  now we have 5 bedrooms left), painting, replacing the garage doors and broken fence and front steps.

The next part of the plan is the downstairs floor and painting.  Hopefully we'll have enough money to get the work done in Jan or Feb.  In the meantime, there's major cleanup work - throwing away years and years of M's computer components, wires, cables, and other junk.  It's been an office and storage area and morphed into a huge mess.  The plan is once it's cleaned out and the flooring put down, we will turn it into a bedroom (which is what it really is!).  In the den, we will just get rid of the old, dilapidated entertainment center and perhaps just keep a couch facing the fireplace.  My company closes its offices between Xmas and New Year's, and I'm taking the week before that for vacation, so the plan is that I can get most, if not all, of the cleaning done during that time, the rooms'll be prepped by the time the money comes in.

Then again, it's almost always been our experience that when the money comes in, the car or house needs a major repair!  So who knows.  I won't give up on the plan anyway.

Squirrel holes patched - feeling discouraged

The first major expensive undertaking took place - the holes in the 4 corners of the roof were covered over and the gutter which was hanging off was repaired.  $1500.  Boy, do I feel totally ripped off.  And then I was told that the roof is in very poor shape and is indeed leaking in many places in the attic.  It hasn't come thru the ceiling yet because the insulation is absorbing it.  We're looking at between $4-8K to replace the roof.

We started to peel off the wallpaper in the entranceway and downstairs to discover the backing was still on the wall and it is a major undertaking, time-wise, to remove it.  We will probably end up doing all the painting ourselves.  Laying the floor is another $2K deal.

I am feeling incredibly discouraged right now because there is only about $1500 left in the bank, which has to be a cushion for when M doesn't have work and I need to use it to pay bills.  Not to mention I have an engagement party and wedding to look forward to sometime in the near future and have no clue where money for that is coming from.  But... we can't move on to this next chapter until we sell the house.

For now, we can only pray to win the lottery or find some kind of windfall.  Yeah, right.  Haha.

Bittersweet day

We found a buyer for the pool!  We were close to selling it last spring, but since it didn't look like we'd have the house anywhere near ready to put on the market, we (at M's insistence) decided to keep and enjoy it for one more season.  It was very bittersweet - mostly sad - for him because the pool has been his pride & joy and the one thing he really looked forward to every summer; that is, being able lie down and relax on his raft with drink and book or magazine in hand, in the peace, quiet and privacy of his own backyard.

We realized that if we want to pursue our dream, this was going to be one of his major sacrifices, as we would never have the opportunity to do this again once we become full timers (not that we won't be able to go swimming, but we won't have that kind of privacy again).  Nevertheless, on what was clearly the last pool day of the season, while we floated together on our individual rafts, holding hands, we talked about this and decided to truly cherish those moments together and try to ingrain them in our minds.  Still - it was a difficult emotion to face.  But then again, it's one more step closer to the goal, which is very exciting.

On another note, the van is pretty much on it's last limb.  We were given the opportunity to buy another one - exact same model but 1 year younger (12 yrs instead of 13) but in much better condition.  Since the cost of repairing ours would cost about the same as the purchase price, we decided to go for it and buy something that we know will last us at least another year or 2.  The next big purchase vehicle will be the tow for the RV.  M does a lot of driving with a fully loaded van of tools, so we didn't have much choice about replacing it now.  So there goes some of the $ we had saved for the next phase of fixing up the house.  I guess it's ok, as we're making teeny progress on the cleanup project, but that'll keep us busy for a little while.

Our neighbor across the street just put his very pristine, gorgeous house up for sale.  That's very exciting news as well because we're pretty sure he'll get close to his asking price for it (he really could have asked for at least 50K more).  Although our house is in no way close to his "better homes & gardens" house in appearance, it is identical in structure.  I'm certain when they pull comps, they compare size and style, not indoor furnishings, which means if he can sell high, it gives us an excellent baseline when we put ours up on the market.  We just have to get it looking clean and tidy.

Moving Right Along

Since the last posting, we met with 2 people -- Chris who buys things to resell at flea markets and Craigslist and Jeff who buys old electronics for scrap metal.  Chris took a bunch of stuff out and paid us $25, and Jeff took a lot of crap out for $100.  Chris offered to either clean out our garage for $500, less the value of whatever he could resell, or for $500, no deductions, would clean out the entire house from top to bottom, including the attic.  I was ready to jump at this deal, but M who is a mild hoarder, absolutely refuses.  He insists on touching every single thing we own and will thus determine whether we can make more money by selling it ourselves or donating or (horrors!) keeping it.  So far, we've had a few arguments over his wanting to keep things like a 10 year old book on how to set up a computer security network and a ream of drab yellow business card paper that he thinks he might use in a year or 2.

So obviously, we are butting heads.  But it is all part of the journey and an excellent learning experience.  Hopefully we'll look back some day (much longer than needed if we continue to do things his way!) and laugh.  Although at the moment, I'd much prefer murder over humor.  But the learnings are for him, how to give up a lot of things (his argument about the book:  I only kept ONE book out of 2 full boxes!  Why that one, I'll never know) and for me: to be more patient and not get so incredibly stressed.  To keep reminding myself that this is a process - a journey.  We'll get there some day.

So meanwhile, we gave away (via Freecycle) about 4 items and sold 2.  Whoopie.  I so wish I could get rid of M for a week and hire Chris to come in and get rid of it all.  But M is so afraid that either he can get more money for things, or there's something he forgot he had but he really, really  needs!  Ok, I admit we found a long lost top of the line camping flashlight (which we could buy again for about $25).

On the household side of things, the work is still not done as the contractor had another more pressing job to finish first.  I told him there was no rush, as long as it all gets done.

That went real well (not!)

The floor is laid (layed?), the yard is clean (mostly) and the painting is not done yet.  We are not at all happy with the quality of the work. We'll have them fix as much as possible but will not be hiring them to finish any of the other projects.

As for the moving sale folks (whom I've been anxiously waiting to meet for the past several months) -- they walked in, took a look at 2 rooms (out of 8) and walked out.  The woman's nose couldn't have been higher in the air if she tried.  When I originally contacted her for a walk thru, I warned her that I had nothing of value, but she assured me that everything added up and I shouldn't throw anything out.  But while on site, she didn't even look at half the stuff and immediately drew the conclusion that "people don't buy that kind of stuff." (I'm sure she would have used a different word if it was polite!).

No, I cannot hold my own garage/yard sale - I don't have the time or energy and there's just way too much stuff.  I'd like to avoid paying a service to remove it all, and I'm sure a few cents can be made rather than putting it all in a dumpster (also costs $ to rent).  Perhaps I can find someone who sells stuff at flea markets and would be willing to come get the stuff and maybe give me a small percentage.  I'll keep trying....

Always a setback.  Sigh.

No, not first steps!

After publishing my last post, I decided to read everything I've written since we made the decision to do this in Feb. 2011.  I didn't realize how far we've actually come and how much we really did accomplish so far.  So although we finally hired a contractor to start on the heavy duty stuff, we have done a considerable amount of work.  Slow and steady wins the race....!

Finally - first steps!!!!

I can't believe we have finally saved up enough money to get the first phase of the cosmetic repairs done on the house.  We had the back yard cleaned up (it's been very sorely neglected for many years -- except by Mother Nature -- the weeds were about 5 feet high!), the 30 year old disgusting rust colored carpeting replaced with wood flooring in the living room, dining room and upstairs hallway, and the entranceway covered with sheetrock and painted.  Next steps (when the next round of funds become available -- M must keep working!!!)  is repairing the fence, repairing the brick steps and replacing the garage doors.  We will try to do all the interior painting ourselves over the course of the next few months.

I have to say I'm not used to having contractors doing work.  I freaked out yesterday when I came home and all my dining room furniture was piled into the kitchen!  We had to eat out as we couldn't get to anything in there.  I get anxiety attacks over the slightest bit of clutter (every paperclip needs to be in it's proper place!) so you can imagine how I'm feeling.  But I'm trying desperately to stay in control -- just reminding myself that this is part of the process of getting the house ready to put on the market so we can sell and buy our RV and finally get to live out our dream.

Meanwhile, we have an appointment in a few days with a company that does estate/ moving/ tag sales.  Every inch of our house has STUFF, 99% of which we don't need and can't take with us in the RV.  There's just way too much more us to list individually for eBay or Craigslist, and I don't have the time or energy to have a full house garage sale on my own.  This company will come in, organize everything into categories and hold the sale over a 3 day weekend (Fri-Sat-Sun).  I just hope they don't run in fear when they see what's involved!!!  Somehow, I suspect that this phase (of selling all our stuff) is going to be the hardest part emotionally, especially for M who is more of the pack rat.  He totally understands that we need to do this, and verbally has accepted it, but I think when he actually sees things leaving the house (whether by sale, donation or trash), it will hit the hardest.  But we shall see -- I'm sure I'll have more posts when we get to that stage.

Who knows, will this coming Spring (2013) be the year we can do this?

Update

Now it's August and things are moving along at the usual slow pace.  We've managed to save nearly $6K, certainly enough for the upstairs painting and laying the floor and maybe even replacing the garage doors. But M wants to build a bigger cushion, especially since he's facing knee surgery (torn meniscus) and may be out of work for a week or 2.  While in FL about a month ago, I dislocated my hip (the one that was replaced) so on top of M's surgery bills, we have those new medical bills to deal with.  Also, the van needs a new windshield and the car is acting kind of funny lately.

On a more positive note, however, we have an appointment tomorrow with a company that does estate / moving sales. They've been around for a long time and I really like their business model.  Their commission is a bit higher than most (but they don't take a flat fee) but it's still more $ than I'd make if I just threw everything out and I have way too much stuff to sell on my own via Craigslist or whatever.  Perhaps if we can set a definitive date to do this sale, it'll put the fire under us.  Other than not having money to fix up the house for a good sale, we're tending to slip into procrastination land and not doing anything productive.  Perhaps cleaning out a significant amount of stuff will help move us on the way.  Of course, we're aware that this will be one of the hardest parts of the process on an emotional level.

I also took the first steps in forming my new business which I hope will provide some income while on the road.  It will only be part time now while I'm still (thankfully) still employed full time, but my goal is that when we're ready to buy the RV, I can offer my virtual services to my boss.  My website is www.AZAdminSolutions.com.  My immediate plan is to network locally.  I need to stay away from social media as I don't want anyone in my company finding out about this yet and it's too small a world.

So in retrospect, perhaps we are not really sitting on our tushies after all.

Dream put on hold

We were unable to come up with the financing needed to get the house in shape to sell.  All avenues exhausted.  I guess it's just not meant to be at this time.  I'm also under threat of losing my job, which in a way could be a good thing because I'm on the brink of starting a virtual business (in preparation for RV living), so this would give me more time to focus on getting it up & running.  Just not sure how I'd pay all the bills until then.  But I'll just cross each bridge as I get to them.  God has always provided and I'm faithful that He will continue to do so.  There is a reason all these obstacles are being thrown in our path.  And it's not like it isn't the first time in our lives this has happened.  Life has been a perpetual series of ups and downs.

Not giving up on the dream.  Just going to take it slowly and continue to do as much as we can, one day at a time - even if it takes 5 or more years to get there.

Still hoping

We decided to pull out all stops and apply for a home equity line of credit.  We've been told by quite a number of professionals that if we sell as a fixer upper, we'll get lowballed, and that's what's happening.  Guess it really IS time to throw in the towel and fix up the place real nice so we can get a decent offer.

We were told by the bank today that our credit is too low, but the application will go the the committee.  Tomorrow an appraiser is doing a drive-by.  Fingers still crossed.

Meanwhile, we were also told by numerous independent people to get rid of the pool.  Most folks aren't like us who enjoy sitting poolside all hot summer; they'd prefer to see a wide open space.  I think that's where it's hitting M hardest - the reality of giving away (or selling) something we've enjoyed for so long is hard to face.  But he's dealing with it pretty well, especially when I remind him of the ultimate goal (and there will be pools and beaches and lakes to swim in in the next chapter).

Oh well :(

Didn't turn out as I had hoped.  The GC is looking for a house in the utmost pristine condition already, not willing to do a drop of work on his own.  He did, however, give us a reasonable price for getting just about everything done, but we still need to come up with $10-15K.  With lousy credit, not sure how we're gonna manage that - but I shall not give up yet!  If it's meant to be, it will.

Fingers crossed

Moving right along... the roof repair/replacement is done.  Still waiting for the flooring installer to get back with a quote.  Very interestingly, today I learned that the guy who owns the roofing company is also a GC (general contractor) who does pretty much any and everything.  I told him I wanted to get my house ready to sell and can he give me a quote on some stuff.  It turns out that not only is he in the market to buy a house, but he has been looking in my neighborhood!!!  (he looked at a house around the corner from me last weekend!).  He is going to come by on Sunday to talk some more.  I will pray and keep every body part crossed that rather than giving us a quote for the work, he will make us an offer (the last person I wrote about in my last post didn't work out; he wasn't looking to move here - only to buy a house to renovate and resell, so his offer was way, way too low; it wouldn't even cover the mortgage).  We're not looking for top dollar by any means - just enough to pay off the mortgage and a few medical bills, and will buy the rig with whatever's left over (or move into an apartment while we try to save up some more money).

More work done

We're really stepping up our work - getting off the pot, so to speak.  Stairs leading to upstairs are all prepped and ready for staining.  One side of the hallway is patched and painted and the other side will be done this weekend.  Had someone in to measure the floors and will get our last quote tomorrow, then BOOKING IT.

Also put an ad on Craigslist about the house -- trying to find someone who likes to putter for a reduced price.  Actually got a nibble.  I wrote back saying I'm not interested in a low ball "we buy houses" kind of deal, and if that's what he had in mind, forget it.  But he wrote back saying he understood and that was not his intention and invited us to talk with him later to see if we can find a creative solution.  So... fingers crossed.

Made up our minds

From a previous post, you may recall that we were sitting on the fence between wanting a fifth wheel or Class A which provides nice living and storage space versus a class C which is smaller and allows us to drop and park pretty much anytime and anywhere.

We went to an RV show to look at the C's with an open mind.  Despite the great desire to park and drop whereever, we determined that we don't want to give up the extra space, especially the dresser in the bedroom.  And we really do need at least one desk.  So... fifth wheel it is.  Now.. to just sell the house.  Sigh.