New house....took too long to decide...it's gone

[SplshMtn99]

Several wks ago, DH & I more seriously brought up the topic of moving from our 3 level condo townhouse. Main reason is I may not be able to handle all these stairs as I get older -- I have a metal rod in my back & he has to bring the groceries & laundry up & down. Also, if a parent needed to live with us, all the bedrooms & full bath are on the top floor -- same problem with stairs. We have just 2 bedrooms & 1.5 bath. No kids.

We figured we would move within the next 5 yrs. We started looking at what other condos exist around here that may meet our criteria better. 3 bedrooms / 2 bath -- at least one bedroom & full bath on main floor for a parent if needed.

About 2 wks ago, I came across one for sale that we actually went to auction on about 11 yrs ago but didn't get. Small assoc -- about 12 units. Different unit, but same condo assoc. Funny how history repeats its self.

It meets & EXCEEDS our criteria. 2 bedrooms & a bath on 1st flr, and master bed & bath on 2nd flr. Still has garage. Family room in basement. Plenty of room for a parent to have space -- and areas for us to get away (up or down). After parent gone, we get 1st flr bedroom if I need it. Condos with so many bedrooms on main floor are very hard to come by.

AND the BEST PART -- it's on a LARGE lake in the area and has boat dock & beach. (We are a boating & jetskiing family - both sides!) We had been looking at getting a house or condo or campsite or SOMETHING on a certain lake here -- but couldn't touch the prices! This is a different lake -- but it would be FINE!

Well, BY THE TIME we decided that we could or would do something NOW -- and not in 5 yrs ----- I called & it just went under agreement.

She took our name & #, because she may have another in a couple months in the same place. I hope by the time another comes up for sale.... we are a little more prepared (emotionally) to commit to doing this.

Our main holdback.... here we would be mortgage free in 8 more years at age 46. If we move, we move up to a 30 yr mtg & we'll be OLD (LOL) when it's done. Other thing holding us back.... prices are just NUTS around here. We got our current place when prices were rock bottom in 1993. We are hoping (for OUR sake) that maybe this economic situation will help bring prices down a bit like they did in '92 - '94. Again, history repeating it's self. (NOT HOPING FOR A WAR to accomplish this -- my DH is military!!!!!!) That's another reason I think we are on "HOLD" a little bit.

I hate decisions.
Sorry so long --- thanks for listening to me ramble. LOL

 

[goofy4tink]

Don't you hate it when that happens?? Sorry it happened to you. With only 8 yrs. left you must have pretty good equity. That should go a ways when you do buy something else, I would think. We have given thought to down-sizing but with prices the way they are here (and you obviously know what I mean!!) we would end up breaking even. Looks like I'll be staying put for awhile yet. Good luck in your search. Now that you've decided to 'go for it', you'll be ready for the next perfect spot!!!

 

[Kteacher]

that is so frustrating This has happened to us before,too. hope things work out for you.

 

[mickeyfan1]

you may be able to swing a 15 year. At least you wouldn't be looking at 30 years.

 

[DisneyMim]

I understand how you feel. This has happened to us in the past, but you know, I always believe that things happen for a reason and I bet a great BETTER place will become available for you. Right now we are debating whether to do major work to our existing house or move. Decision, decisions!! I'm just so grateful that we are even in this position.

Best of Luck!!!!!!

 

[SplshMtn99]

Yes we looked at the 15 yr mtg (since that is what we had on this place)... but ya know...... living on a lake....DH is gonna want a boat. We have an older '93 jetski (bought used) but ya just KNOW that's not gonna be good enough. LOL

We also like to have room in our budget for emergencies ---like trips to WDW or him needing a car.

The condo we've been in for 10 yrs has been VERY affordable!

We bought in '93 (rock bottom for around here) at $59,900. We can sell it today for $150,000 easy. After paying mtg balance & home equity loan --- we are left with $80,000 to put towards new condo of $259,900. Really kicking ourselves that we didn't try harder at that auction 11 yrs ago --- we could of had it for just over $100,000. We were younger & not making much back then. Oh well.

 

[Rajah]

Awww, I'm sorry it was gone when you called to ask. I hope that another one comes up for you as soon as you're ready to buy.

 

[JasonLyons]

you probably wasted to much time making that long post

 

[SplshMtn99]

Jason... I thought of you when I posted it.

Save yourself some trouble.... don't read any of my stuff. It's all long. LOL

 

[Liz]

It sounds like although this house had a lot of great things going for it, you had some good reasons for holding back too. I hope something even better comes along for you!