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.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, August 17, 2012
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?
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?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
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.
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.
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