Through the years, we’ve looked at lots of homes for sale — either in real life or on the internet and I don’t think we’ve ever come across any place where we’ve had such a hard time finding a house. There is absolutely nothing that will work for us to buy right now and the rentals we had seen were not working. You can’t believe some of the crazy ideas we’ve discussed trying to make something work.
Someone told Vince about a realtor who was good with finding building sites so Vince called them, explained our problem with trying to find a place to live and within an hour, they put us in touch with someone who has rental property and has a house available June 1. I had so not wanted to have to move twice but realizing we just aren’t going to find a house to buy right now, renting is about the only option we have left. The house is a good bit smaller . . ok . . let’s be real honest . . it’s about half the size we had hoped to find but desperation was setting in and it was just to rent . . not to buy. It’s on a nice street, with newer homes. It’s fairly new (built in 2005 I think) and has a garage and a fenced yard. I googled the address and found some inside pictures from when it was for sale about 3 years ago. I could live there temporarily.
We met the rental agency guy there. We drove up and the weeds in the yard were about 2 feet tall. Where’s that red tag guy when you really need him?
We walked into that house and all I could do was keep saying to myself . . Do not throw up! Do not throw up! The smell was beyond disgusting. The dirt was probably worse than you’d find in any house you’ve ever seen. The bathrooms . . you do not want to know!
I was trying to be a brave little trooper. The agency guy kept saying . . we’ll clean it up. I was thinking . . I hope you can perform miracles! I was looking at Vince for some kind of reinforcement and he was saying . . They can clean it up! By now, I was saying to myself . . Do not throw up. Do not cry! I made it out the door but then the flood gates opened and I was crying. I could not see myself ever living in that house. Vince told the guy we would get back with him. We raced back to the hotel and Vince showered before going back to work. Last night, even after a second shower, he said he could still smell that house. We still haven’t ruled it out . . so says Vince.
When I say we’re having no luck finding anything . . I think it’s worse than having no luck. I do not know what we’re going to do. I want to put an ad in the paper that says “WE NEED A HOME!” and list what we must have and then just put an email address for responses. Vince said no. I think I’ll go down to the front desk and ask if the hotel has a monthly rate . . one room for me and one room for my longarm! 🙂
Gail says
Judy,
If Vince has any ideas of still renting that place, remind him that if it took two showers and he could still smell the stench on himself–how much cleaning would be required to get the stink out of a house that had been allowed to absorb the odors in the wood, wallboard, carpets for months. Some things just need to be demo’d instead of cleaned to get rid of the smell. I’m so sorry you are having such difficulty finding a place. Moving is enough stress in itself, not finding a suitable home ……
Christine says
Oh Judy, I’m hugging you. How awful for you. They can clean it up? How can you get those odors out? I just know that the right house is going to show up for you. Keep your chin up. I have heard of people choosing a neighborhood and then going door to door to houses that they might like and asking people if they or any of their neighbors are considering selling their house. You might also post an ad in the paper with your main wants and then letting people respond to a box at the paper. You aren’t having any luck with listed houses and all it will cost is the ad and a little of your time. Check with the local schools and perhaps they know of families that are pulling their kids due to job moves. Call the local Dentist and Doctor offices and ask them… you’ll need to make friends with them anyway. What about the local quilt and yarn stores? They may be able to make a connection for you. You’ll find that house Judy. I just know it.
Becky in Georgia says
How heart braking. I like Christine’s suggestions. Good luck! Sending virtual hugs and support!
Cndy in NC says
I like Christine’s ideas as well. Sending you good thoughts!
Ida says
I’ve seen a ‘joke’ circulating the internet about how living in a hotel is cheaper than living in a retirement home [costs cut by about half]. No, I don’t see that as a long term option, but there are some ‘long term’ hotels. There may be one in your new area.
Ida
Lynne says
I am sending you lots of positive thoughts and keeping my fingers crossed this is all a test because your dream house is just about to come on the market.
Don’t get that rental, how would you ever want to cook there! Keep your spirits up, this time will pass.
Darlene Gerber says
Judy you may not see it right now, but God does have a plan for you and Vince. I was going to suggest something similar to Christine, pick a couple neighborhoods and drive around to see if any of the houses are for sale by owner. Good Luck!!
Janna says
I’m voting for the hotel–how awful–what are people thinking showing houses for rent that are revolting?? Thinking of you Judy.
Pam says
Yep, know exactly what you mean because I’ve been in houses like that. Yuck.
Hugs. Have a marguerita today on Cinco de Mayo.
Sarah says
There are some hotels that do long-term rentals. Take a look around for a place called Residence Inn by Marriott. They do long-term rentals and while they’re not huge, they do have a kitchen where you can cook food versus having to eat out all the time.
Since we’re actively building, we are also renting a house. Its not perfect…definitely has a lot of drawbacks, but we know its temporary. It was very moldy at first, but the owner was able to clean up all the mold and there isn’t any left in the house (he completely gutted the room that had the mold and fixed a leak and replaced all the insulation and wallboard).
An option we had considered was to actually rent/buy a trailer to live in on our own property. Once you have electricity and water/sewer/septic, you’re all set and you’ll have a place to stay. However, that may not be ideal in the summer in a place that gets tornados.
One thing to note….when we were looking for houses to rent, we had a hard time finding one. However, in discussions with our builder, he knew people who were renting that real estate agents DIDN’T know about. So we were able to get a rental that 99% of the population didn’t know about. It might be a similar situation there in Texas.
Susan says
Oh Judy, that is not good news at all…………
One advantage of the motel is that you will have maid service till something comes along……….
Karen says
I don’t understand how someone can expect to rent a house if they do not clean it first!! No one will want to rent it if it revolts people as they walk in the door – it will stand empty for a very long time – you would think the rental agency would insist on it being clean before they agree to show it?
I do hope you find something, but yes drive around neighborhoods looking also, it does sounds like you will need to rent something – even a condo rental or apartment would be better than that house! I’m wishing you luck
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Judy D in WA says
Ohhhh Judy, this broke my heart. Don’t be sad, something great will show up soon. Hugs.
Diane in CA says
I vote for the “rental wanted” ad in the paper. Here most rentals are private party,not through agents.. How about renting a commercial property or empty storefront for the longarm and all your stuff while you stay in the motel? You would have room to sew and access to everything instead of in storage.
Balinda says
Have you looked in to bank owned properties? There are businesses in our area that just sell foreclosures. Bank of America has a bank owned properties web page. The right choice for you is out there.
Doe in Mi says
Judy, what a tough time your having, so sorry. I’m saying a prayer for you today. #6 -Darlene had a great idea for you, do drive arounds. For sale by Owner signs can be found in the yards. You WILL find that house, keep positive.
Sandra Neel Hutchins says
You are just like me when we were transferred to that general part of the U.S. There were NO homes for us. They were either million dollar mansions or hovels. I cried and cried. We had to build, no choice. We rented a horrible, nasty, old house for the year it took to build our new house. I hated my whole time in that town and rejoiced when my husband got transferred. Then it took a year for our house we had built to sale!
If I had to do it over, I think we should have bought a large, double wide mobile home. Some of them are very nice and fairly large. There are also portable buildings that make great sewing studios. I hope that you have better luck than we did.
Marky says
I’m stepping up my prayers for you! I understand what you’re going through since I’ve “been there, done that”; we once bought a house where the previous owners had cats that sprayed the walls, floors, etc. and they’d raised chickens in the basement! We tried every cleaning product known to man, including bleaching the basement concrete floor. When we consulted a professional cleaner about getting rid of the odors, he told me “well, you know that you’ve now got the cleaniest house in the city; all that’s left to do is cover up the odors with a deodorant bomb.” Did that and it helped a little, but baking bread regularly was the best deodorizer. Even the neighbor kids remarked, “this house doesn’t stink anymore!” But when we moved out, all the smells seemed to pop back out of the walls again.
The comments above have offered a lot of good suggestions but I know every situation is unique. We once rented for 1 1/2 yrs before finding a house and had to move between rentals twice because one was a seasonal cottage. We also rented while building our current house. Knowing it’s temporary made it tolerable. Choosing a neighborhood and asking if anyone is interested in selling does work. That’s how we sold our last house–the nurse across the street knew a doctor looking for a house who wanted to be in our neighborhood. We already had a lot and were contemplating building and this was the nudge we needed to do it now. There must be people where you are looking who have contemplated moving but with the current real estate market are thinking this isn’t the right time so they haven’t put their house on the market. Advertise what you’re looking for and maybe someone will offer you a limited showing.
Marla says
Judy, I just welled up with tears reading your blog this morning. I am so sorry you are going through this. Would it be an option for you to remain in Missouri for the time being with Vince commuting on weekends for awhile until you find some land to build on? I have done this before with my husband and though it’s not easy, at least you can have a little stability in your life. We all wish you the very best.
Jackie Warren says
Oh Judy, I am so sorry that you and Vince are going through this. I know that it is doubly hard for you. Vince is at work during the day while you are faced with “what to do”. I read so many great suggestions from your fans and friends. Please don’t give up. We are all praying for you. I remember once I needed a job and found one through a doctor’s visit. I especially liked the suggestion that you stay in Missouri for a while so we can have lunch again soon. Please don’t rent that house. You will be sorry every day. Hugs. Jackie
Diane Harris says
Hang in there, Judy. What a difficult experience. I went through a similar experience when I was expecting my first child. I kept thinking “I can’t bring a baby home to this filth.” YUK. We found something and you will, too. Sending good thoughts your way!
Marilyn says
Okay, that one can be chalked up as “No way!” There will be something come up–don’t give up. Sometimes it just takes a while for the right one to become available.
Linda in NE says
What you described about that rental house is exactly why it’s so hard for people to find a place to rent in our little town. All the houses for sale are over-priced when compared to what people can earn here. Owners prefer to let them sit empty for years rather than rent because most of the renters (most are on welfare or disability for no obvious reason, have never been taught to clean & don’t intend to get off their butts to learn) move in, trash the place, don’t pay their rent or utilities & when those get shut off they quickly move to the next town and repeat the process. What comes to mind is a house that was in good shape, the owners rented sight unseen to a young couple on the dole. The smell of them when they came to the library told me a lot. The utilities got shut off & they disappeared. When no one had seen them for a while our village clerk got worried, called the owners for permission to enter, called the sheriff to come with her to check to see if they were OK. One dog outside left to fend for itself, another smaller dog locked in the house alone for quite a while, the decomposing body of another dog found on the basement steps. Is it any wonder that it’s hard to find a decent rental house? I know you would be the ideal renter but there are so many who aren’t and sometimes it’s hard to know in advance. I hope your luck in house hunting improves.
Tricia says
So discouraging! Buying a house is one of the most stressful things to do in life, and your experience is getting worse all the time! I say it is time to drive around some neighborhoods that you would like to live in…and knock on some doors! My mom had her eye on a certain house, and when the time was right for her, she walked up and made them an offer! Got her prize house AND she didn’t have to troop around in smelly rentals! (You are a trooper!) I know of many people, myself included, who would like to sell, but know how the market is right now and don’t want to go through the hassle. I bet you there are lots of people feeling this same way in Texas! If the first house you like isn’t ready to sell, then ask them if they know of anyone else in the neighborhood who is! It sounds like time for some serious leg-work…you can do it! Just be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen!
Tricia
Pat L in NY says
You have to wonder, why they even show a house that is so dirty and smelly?
Jocelyn says
Oh Judy, I am feeling so badly for you. This has become a nightmare. I know you will find a place. Like everyone has said, buying a house is very stressful. I know you have moved before, but don’t settle for less then what you need. I agree with these gals about asking around. Is there any possibility of renting one of the homes you were looking to buy?? That might give you and Vince time to look for property to build.
Sandy says
Sorry the hunt has turned bad … keep looking.
We are in the process of gutting and fixing our rental … I’ll NEVER rent again. They tore the house totally apart … one bedroom had over 100 nail holes in one wall. We’ve spent 1000s already and we’ll probably never recoop our cost. I cry every time I go down to work … the light at the end of the tunnel doesn’t ever seem to get closer.
tammy k. says
judy, hang in there! you WILL find something. i know how you feel, though. when we were looking for the house we are in now, the realtor showed us houses that i wouldn’t let my dog live in. one of them was what could be a beautiful home, however they must have had someone in the family that really didn’t want it to be sold, because when they showed us the house, and this is no joke, one room had a pile of dog poop right in the middle of the floor! disgusting. i won’t forget that and it has been 15 years ago!
Linda H says
One time we needed to move quickly, so my DH printed up a 1-page flyer about our house and went door to door one evening down our street for about 2 blocks. The next day, we had 2 potential buyers, one of whom was a lawyer who pushed through all the red tape and got us on the road in no time at all. My suggestion is to reverse that and make up a flyer re: what you’re looking for with phone/email/po box (more than one way of contact). Leave those in a few areas that look interesting and see what happens. You never know who is thinking about selling/buying, but hasn’t yet contacted the real estate agent. We found the house we are in now when my husband went to the paint store for touch up paint and got into a conversation with another man who was doing the same. You never know. My DH would rather “find” a house than work through a real estate agent. Hope a good one pops up soon for you!
Lee Ann L. says
I so understand your frustration! We’ve been looking since late summer of last year! I must tell you that we’re in a small rental house and I hate it! There’s no room to breathe. But, I’m dealing with it as best as I can. Lately, I’ve sunk into depression and haven’t felt like doing much of anything that I love which includes sewing. I’ve failed to do the UFO projects. *sigh* There HAS to be a light at the end of the tunnel for both of us. We’ll each find the perfect home someday and may it be soon!
Kari in UT says
I am so sorry that you are going through this, I also understand that words don’t really help much, especially the ‘trials make your stronger’ saying. My heart is crying for you and I hope that you will get a silver-lined cloud soon!
God Bless!
Mary-Kay Colman says
That would just suck to have to rent that house. I don’t know if this would work for you but if you bought a lot to build on, would it be possible to put one of those pre-fab houses on the part you aren’t going to build on and sell it later? Or maybe use it as a storage building? Like I said I don’t know anything about them but if there’s a lot that would work but you have no time to build or live for that matter, you might want to check this out. Good luck with your hunt.
Susan ~ Patchkat says
Judy, DO NOT GIVE UP!!! God is great and he knows your needs. HE will provide an opportunity.
Having spent many years overseas…and been a long term hotel resident, it’s not a bad life, lol…but it’s not home. I would find someplace with a kitchen…Brownwood has apartments…maybe that would be an option. That way you could have a second bedroom for the longarm.
I agree with Christine about letting people know your needs, talking to local Dr offices, dentists, clerks in the grocery stores, major businesses….most everybody knows someone with rentals or property for sale.
Will keep praying something perfect will become available quickly.
Amber R says
In so sorry that nothing is a right fit! And don’t get the stinky rental you’ll end up regretting it. Maybe an apartment would work for a short time while you keep looking. Also just talk to people in the neighborhood. And vince should talk to everyone at work. You never know when you talk to the right person. I hope you don’t feel too much like you’re settling for something horrible.
Diann Smith says
Hang in there. I feel so for you. My vote is pack just what you need. Store the rest and find that lot. I have a feeling no matter what you choose that ultimately you won’t be happy so building may be the only choice. But don’t choose the hovel no matter how much it is to be cleaned. Is there not another town or community close by? I guess you’ve thought about all that. I wish the best for you and Vince.
Marge says
We were in a similar situation. We ended up buying a piece of property we loved, decided where we wanted to build and bought a new mobile home and had it set close to where we wanted to build so we could use the same septic system, well, etc…. We bought the prefab house with intentions of turning it into my studio when the house was built. The prefab wasn’t the best for our daily living but it is perfect for my studio.It has all worked out great. We didn’t have to build such a big house as my studio went into our temporary housing. We are thrilled with how everything turned out. Living in TX you might not want to keep the mobile home so selling it would be a great option. Just a thought.
Ava says
Oh, that’s too sad. I know the feeling.
I have a close friend in Austin and her sister lives where you’re moving. I will email Brenda and see if Wilda has any ideas. Wilda’s health is declining, but she has lived there for many years. Maybe she can help.
Liz says
Yikes!
I agree with lots of the suggestions….Although you may not want to stay so far apart, if the relocation agreement allows it, you may want to stay in Missouri until your house sells. The next option would be one of those residence hotels for a month or two.
If you find land, you may want to build your workshop that can be used as your “home” while building. Or get that double or single-wide that can be a guest house later. Who knows how long Chad may bounce back for a visit?
Best of luck in finding that land….
lw says
I often wondered when I was looking for a house, if the words “curb appeal” meant that once you’d been in the house, the curb was awfully appealing. I was in houses that had that nasty stench, and some with rat droppings.
Today is the National Day of Prayer, and a perfect time for me to pray that the right place will open up for you.
Becky says
We are COMPLETELY in the same boat and I wish I could tell you it will be better but we are still looking. 9 months later.
We are renting right now, the house is bad, and internet only exists with a mobile air card but at least we have land for the moment.
We are feeling desperate, it’s eaten into my creativity and our stress levels have been through the roof.
My only advice, pray for patience and the wisdom to know what compromises you can live with and what you can’t. It will save your sanity.
Jo Ellen says
Hi, Judy – I, too, am sorry you are having a difficult time finding a suitable house. I wanted to say that we bought a 50-acre property 17 years ago in the TX Hill Country – very isolated. The only reasonable choice for us was to buy a mobile home – instant house! The cost of building in this location would have been prohibitive (distance from any towns & no paved roads). What I like about the mobile homes (or modular home) is that “what you see is what you get.” You shop, buy what you like & have it delivered (set-up for a double-wide only takes 2 days). There are some excellent builders & they have to meet building standards that some contractors don’t even meet! It’s not the ideal home, but as Sandra said (#16 comment), it can be temporary, even providing a nice home for several years. After you build, it could be an entire studio & have room for guests. One more thing – they are reasonably priced for the square footage. As someone else commented, you would have your electricity, water & septic already in place for building. I have seen many floor plans that I’ve liked, especially ones with large family rooms that could be used for your long-arm. If you find some property that you would love to live on, you might consider this option.
Jo Ellen says
Oh – one other option I forgot to mention. I have known people who have built a large 2-story barn or workshop. They live on the 2nd floor until their home is built. Then they have their building to use as a garage / storage / guest house or studio.
Gwen says
Judy, I am so very sorry this is happening. I’ve looked at some of the online real estate site and am amazed at what I see. I wonder if this is true of other small older towns? There seems to be a lot to offer in subdivisions around the lake. Those are probably too far away and have tons of restrictions. What a mess. You have been given all the suggestions I can think of. I’m sure Vince has been checking on anything anyone at work has suggested. I’m saying lots of prayers that a workable solution shows up soon. Good luck and hang in there.
We don’t usually make it so hard to move to Texas!
Linda in NE says
Me again…………..just want to say I second #39’s suggestion. In any case DO NOT rent that stinky filthy house. You will have to throw away all your possessions when you get ready to move out because they will all take on the odor of the house. As long as you have your house in MO you have a roof over your head. If worse comes to worse, buy a used camper & Vince can live in an RV park for a while.
Janelle says
Judy, I’m so sorry that you are having such a rough time finding a home. As a Realtor, and a fellow quilter, it should NOT be so difficult for you.
As a suggestion, contact Estate Attorneys in your new area. Alot of times a family will want to sell an inherited home, and especially if they do not live in Texas. Granted, it may need updating, but compared to the abandoned mess you saw the other day, I’ll take “updating” over filth any day of the week! Sending you hugs ((Hugs)). Good luck, your friend in Maryland, Janelle
Becky I says
Oh Judy! That reminds me of when we moved from Scottsville to Columbus 9 years ago. We looked and looked and looked. The longarm was the issue and every time we found one I could live with it either sold before we got back to the realtor’s office or was above our price range. At one point I threw my hands up in the air and told be I wanted to go home, in tears. The realtor said lets look one more time so we went back into his office and looked again. There was one that had just reduced it’s price due to being on the market a lengthy time. We went to look at it and wa! al! it was the house we finally purchased. The house was small but the carport had been closed in and fit the longarm. We moved in and 9 years later we are still here! God will proved. Keep praying. Keep looking and above all be paitent. I know it’s hard. A woman’s home is her peace and sanity. Something will come up, somewhere, somehow. The perfect house is there just keep looking! Hugs hugs hugs 🙂
Shirley Albertson Owens (sao) says
Oh Judy – I am terribly sorry. Seriously, this might be time for networking…….I like Christine’s idea – and in addition…. also maybe asking some local churches to put “ads” in their bulletins – and/or beauty salons.
Will Vince’s place of employment help out with the housing situation?
I think a long stay hotel or even better a trailor home that you put on the property that you buy to build on….then you would have a little GUEST HOUSE/TRAILOR for your son or other visitors???
Saying a prayer for you.
sao in Midlothian, VA
pdudgeon says
you might also look for comercial property downtown to rent if they have living quarters upstairs. that would give you a home for your longarm and your quilting fabric as well as a place to stay while building your ‘forever’ home.
Marion Morgan says
Like everyone else, Judy, I just plain feel sorry for you. You just love your home not matter where it is, you are a trooper and yet, nothing is going your way. I like the motel ideal for a temporary home until something comes up–free breakfast surely and your beds will be made every day not to mention you would have no housework. Surely something will come up . . .
Alma says
Dear Judy,
I join the crowd that feels the need to rush over and give you a hug. I hope you can find a suitable solution to your home needs soon.
Today’s tale of the rental from hell would have me screaming all the way to the border.
But I would like to caution all those readers out there that are saying how bad renters are. Not all renters fall into the “horrible” catagory. (Judy may be a renter for awhile and no one would put her in that catagory)
As it happens, I am currently helping my daughter pack up her house and move because after 20 years at a company, her husband lost his job. Now their beautiful home is up for sale in the “short sale” fashion. With the real estate market in our area in the toilet, the chance of a sale is slim.
Guess where they are moving to????
TEXAS !!
Now our daughter and family will be renting and they will be good renters. They are not slobs or mistreat anything.
Yes , there are horror stories about renters but not all are cut from the same cloth (I thought that fitting for the sewers/quilters who read this!!)
Our area has been so hard hit in the housing crisis, that selling is not an option most of the time. The house next to us has been vacant for 26 months. The one across the street was empty for about 18 months then purchased at a fraction of the value. Thankfully, the new owner put a new roof, new lawn and improved the property before renting it. The renters are wonderful people who care for the property, put in flowers and plants and keep it nice.
Somewhere out there is a house with your name on it. Maybe the owners are waiting until the end of the school year to put it on the market.
My prayers are with you to find a suitable solution to this problem.
Robin says
When we first moved to TN- our house sold so quickly that we rented a house over the internet with help from a local area realtor. Now the house was in alovely area with 4 acres and she said it was in good shape but we spent a week cleaning it to our standards. There was food all over the walls, filthy carpets,about 1/4inch of grime on the wire shelving in all the closets and the previous owners stuff in the bath room cabinets. Since our furniture took a week to arrive so we had space and time to clean evrything. It was in much better condition when we left than when we got there.
sammi says
What wonderful suggestions you’ve received! I’m with Jo Ellen on the double wide which can easily transition to your studio & extra guest space. In the meantime, here is an additional hug from me ((Judy)) in hopes it will carry you just one more day.
Debbie says
This to shall pass… I hear that Texas’s economy is the best in USA, I suppose that has something to do with your difficulties finding something. A friend that lives there says because the economy is so good, that brings a whole set of problems…
Penny says
Oh Judy. I’m so sorry this has been such a mess. Is there an extended stay hotel? Is there a condo to rent?
We lived in a hotel for about 4 months while trying to find a house. The hotel had a suite to rent that had a small kitchen and a living room and bedroom. It is doable on a short term basis.
Hope things improve….I think the ad in the paper sounds promising.
Peggy says
Oh Judy you are a better woman then I. I would not have made it into the house at all, as my gag reflex works overtime….all the time. Have you thought about looking in another town? I know Vince may not be able to come home for lunch, but if you could find what you want it might be worth him traveling a bit.
I saw a nice house for rent in Bangs, but that would put Vince in traffic everyday. I thought it was expensive, but everything is expensive down there. Brookesmith would be better, but I didn’t find anything there.
Have you talked with Susan AKA Patchkat? She mentioned shopping in Brownwood a few weeks ago.
Ellie says
Sending hug so you can keep your spirits up. What a mess! I’m sure you will and Vince will find a solution because you are both smart. I think there have been some good suggestions for uncovering a hidden house that might be available.
Mary Jo says
Judy, I am so sorry that you house search is not going well. Feeling “homeless has got to be a nightmare. But I’m praying that your needs will soon be met. And as someone else said, at least at a hotel you have regular maid service! We have also stayed at Residence Inns by Marriott and they are not huge, but you do at least have a small kitchen and a room seperate from the bedroom. When we travel with my sister and brother-in-law, we get a two bedroom suite, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a livingroom. Some even have fireplaces. Good luck and I’ll keep praying for you.
Connie says
Judy, have you checked out http://www.fsbo.com ? that is the For Sale By Owner website. I found Brownwood’s zipcode and 1 house popped up, not sure if you looked at it before, but here is the link http://www.fsbo.com/147104.aspx Maybe you know of others you can check out. So many good suggestions for you to ponder, the right solution will come.
I think it sounds like today you hit rockbottom, so look up now and thank the Lord that he is leading you to your forever place.
Chris says
My folks lived in a fifth wheel camper for about 10 years. Might be a suggstion to get closer to you husband and yet get the house sold you are in. They learned to live with less and they appreciated a home far better when they did get one built. They can be rented and also I am sure some of the banks have some that have been foreclosed on. Not right for everyone, but it is a vacation from all the headaches. They have all the things a house has, but in smaller space.
glen in Louisiana says
Oh, Judy! Come live with me here in Baton Rouge……….
glen
Kate says
You know, Judy – that ad in the paper might not be such a bad idea – sometimes people want to sell their house but need a little prompting to actually do it – heck, you have little to lose!
And if you saw something, you could sweeten the pot with some moving support and still come out so much cheaper than paying a realtor..
we all are wishing you a change in luck, hun.
Kate the Quilting Professor
ruth anne shorter says
I am so terribly sorry for all you are going through right now. BUT, I would definitely drive around and look for FSBO–aka fisbo, or for sale by owner. Realtors don’t tell you about them –I use to sell real estate and my daughter still does. We have bought both our lake properties by traveling by boat and finding these signs. Also, sold our home FSBO. It is so worth it to drive through neighborhoods you would like to live in—we did this to find the home we are in now. It does take more time but it will also save you money if you find one.
Mel Meister says
Actually, the hotel might not be a bad idea, if you could afford it, while you are building.
Mary says
I don’t suppose there are any apartments out there that are large enough to work temporarily? I was surprised that we found one in Minneapolis and managed for the first 15 months there.
I think we’re getting closer to option number 3 here which means I’ve been looking around for rentals. I’m hoping for a townhouse but the idea of managing 3 places (our GA condo, the MN townhouse which we plan to rent out, and a rental near the job) have me wondering if we’re crazy!
Cheri says
Judy, I am so sorry to hear of your challenges…but thankful in a funny sort of way to run across your blog because I feel as though I have found a kindred spirit. We are in the process of a transfer and I have been going nuts trying to find a home that will work for us, and has room for my quilting studio. My daughters and I decided yesterday that buying a tiny house with a basement and building on was looking like our only option. Some of the properties out there are just scary. Of course, we would have to put our lives in storage and live on top of each other for a while. The question is could we do it? I guess another option would be to let my hubby move to the Boondocks in NE while we stay in our home in central MN is sounding better all the time. 🙂
I wish you all the best in your search. Thank you for sharing your adventure.
BetsyE says
I’m so sorry… Here’s praying you two find a solution soon!
tracey says
oh judy! how i feel your pain. been there and still living that. BUT, i am *almost* at the other side of it. we have 1 more week of living in this moldy old house before we move into our newly built home. granted, this rental wasn’t dirty, but the stench of mold while be in my nostrils for a really long time. it has been a very loooooong road, and has caused me quite a few near breakdowns, but as someone has reminded me, “this too shall pass”. i know that it’s hard to imagine now, but it will.
(((hugs)))
tracey
Perry says
Wow, not fun! Surely something will turn up, you just have to keep the faith. Have to have a little levity here, how about making a sign and standing at a busy corner in Brownwood. The sign could say ‘Wanted, clean house to buy, if interested call xxx-xxx-xxxx. Hugs!!! and lots of them!!!
timelady says
I am with all the suggestions her e- but it is so hard when you feel so down and defeated by the search When we were looking for this house, we lived out of town, we were looking for a 4 bedroom plus decent flat for my dad. We had to compromise over and over again about what we wanted form word go, but there were some things we couldn’t – the number of bedrooms, (I was pregnant with no 3, and four and five were unplanned but probably inevitable;) ), large yard, good schools, not far from where I group up (so Dad was ok).
We took 8 months (no 3 was not supposed to happen until perfect house, but well, babies will where babies will!, so I was very glad to be moving in second trimester, not). It was heart breaking the downright lies and obfuscations realtors can do (some were darling, i fact, one of those found this house and called us as soon as it was listed). It needed a new reinforcing roof beam and some other things, but we got those done as part of price negotiations – another 6 week delay, but oh well!
I have rented at last minute compromise houses (the stress is unbelievable). I worked as a practice manager for a psychologist – house hunting and moving is up there in he top 5 major stress situations – divorce, death etc. So I understand the depths of awful, lack of control of your life despair it is easy to sink into.
But i am sure there are options, you just may have to think outside the box, as the wonderful women above have suggested.
And hugs from the Antipodes, mate.
Darlene S says
Judy, I feel your pain and send hugs and prayers your way too. I like the double wide idea, or a quick modular built home for the time being on your own land. Don’t move into the stinky house. I would rather stay in MO and let Vince commute for a while. I have a friend here that has done that for 2 years because her husband works for Boeing in another state. She kept the house here, he rented an apartment and came home a couple of weekends per month. She loved it actually. Their time together was better and she got lots done while he was gone. Now they are back in the same state and all is well.
You will find something that works. Dar
Barb in MI/FL says
Judy, I just re-read this blog entry and sound like my mom when I ask, “Why in heaven’s name would they show you the house BEFORE they cleaned it up?” I can’t imagine even the most desperate family buying a house in that condition.