We’re back on the idea of moving and there are two areas we’re considering. The areas aren’t far apart. Area #1 is where I want to go. Area #2 is where Vince wants to go. I suppose no one has to guess where I want to go – Missouri.
Let’s take Vince’s area first. Granted, houses are selling within minutes of being listed. They don’t need buyers, they need sellers . . so at this point, buyers aren’t really that important.
We wanted to get loan approval for several reasons. First, we have no idea how much we’re going to have to spend to get what we want. Second, we’re not even going to put our house on the market til we’ve bought something and move a whole lot of stuff (yarn, fabric, food in jars, wheat in buckets etc.) out. We’re not taking our washer/dryer, stove, fridge, beds, sofa, recliners so we can really continue to live here and “there” til this house sells.
Last week Vince talked to a realtor in Area #2. It was someone who was recommended by a friend who lives there. He gave us the name of a mortgage guy who could get us a letter of approval. I think it was Wednesday of last week that Vince talked to the guy, sent him everything he asked for (via some kind of secure document online). We never heard if he got it and was able to open it. Vince called his office Friday. The guy didn’t call back. Vince called Monday, talked to a lady in the office. She said “yes, he got it. He’s been very busy. He’ll call you back.” Here it is Thursday, over a week since we sent everything and he hasn’t made contact with us yet.
The realtor never called back, despite Vince sending him a message about two new listings, which are now both pending.
Area #1. I called our realtor that we’ve used before and told her I thought Vince was serious. The plan is if I find a house first, we buy it and move there. If Vince finds a house first, we buy it and move there. Vince talked to her about the letter of approval. She gave him the name of a guy they use who can work with houses in both areas. Yesterday, she gave us the name. Vince sent all the info and within an hour, the guy called, told us we were approved for the requested amount, and also let our realtor know.
I think after having dealt with several realtors in Area #2, and all of them have seemed totally uninterested in working with us . . Area #1 is the place to go. I told Vince last night . . we’ve dealt with several realtors and now this loan guy and they’ve all seemingly had this attitude, it’s hard to believe it isn’t something that’s common to that whole area. I could see us needing a plumber, a roofer, an internet installation, etc. and having people not show up when they say they will.
My vote is for Area #1!
Carolyn Briese says
Here in S.E. Missouri my daughter-in-law sells real estate. She has buyers lined up ready for a new home. Its not unusual for her to list a home and have a contract on it in an hour or two. You just need to find the agent that works 24/7 and has lots of contacts.
vivoaks says
I may be incorrect, but you seem really excited about moving. Me – I’m lazy so moving would be the very last thing I’d want to do!! 🙂 I couldn’t even imagine having to go through everything in this house and have to pack it all up to get it ready to move. No thanks!! 🙂
Priscilla says
I agree with you that how the realtors and loan guy in area #2 are acting is a sign about the area as a whole. The right property will be available when and where it’s supposed to be.
Kathleen R Robin says
I was wondering when it got hot down there when you might start looking to move once again. Good luck with your search and Number on area sounds like the area to move to with people actually interested in you and your search.
Deborah says
I always learn things from you, Judy, that are unexpected.
I need to move also. I have too much house and property for just me but moving seems overwhelming! Deciding where is the first challenge. I have two children and both, while currently fairly close by are very likely to move again in the next few years to God knows where. Secondly, is divesting myself of what my husband labelled as life’s clutter. It’s all the stuff that I accumulated and also what I inherited from great grand parents, grand parents and parents. It’s probably not important to anyone but every time I get rid of something, it seems that is the thing someone asks me if I have! I’m amazed at how often that happens given the low volume of clutter I have given away. I don’t have many house moves left in me and so, I’m staying put for the moment.
I look forward to hearing about this journey, Judy. Good luck and I hope you find the home of your dreams.
Nelle Coursey says
I am with you! I think Vince could be happy anywhere you move as long as he has a shop! You need to be close to Chad and his family. I hate the thought of you leaving here, but I completely understand.
Rebecca in SoCal says
Boy, that’s a lot of things you’re not taking with you! That’ll help compensate for all the things you DO take, but…you’ll have to shop! Oh, wait; you’ve got the great bargain detective at your side. 😉
Judy Laquidara says
Both of our queen size beds need to be replaced. The full size bed has only been slept on about 5 nights in the nine years since we bought it so we might take it but I’m not sure. I really dislike the front load washer so it isn’t going and I’ll leave the dryer or sell them both as a set. The sofa is really a love seat since our house here is so small. Our dining table is the table I bought for the second home in Kentucky so it’s about 20 years old, and needs refinishing, is really about the size of a breakfast room table and I do have the breakfast room table in the sewing room that I love. I’ll take that one. One recliner is 6 years old, one is probably 14 years old.
But, you know Vince. He’s often said he’s getting rid of things and never does. In fact, he still has the old water heater from when the last one was replaced so we have two old water heaters to get rid of.
We both need to do a lot of cleaning, sorting, donating and tossing before we move.
Rebecca in SoCal says
Better than after! (Ask me how I know). Of course, two miles vs. interstate…
Mary Johnson says
We just bought our “retirement” home … back in North GA … an hour from Chris and 2 and a half hours from Adam. For now we’ll go back and forth between here and Tampa but we’re thrilled with the house … room for guests, room for my longarm and stash. I have to laugh because we seem to move or want to move around the same times!
Judy Laquidara says
I’m so happy for you. Sounds perfect and 2-1/2 hours is very do-able.
Sandi B says
Realtor issues (if we’re area 1) are the NORM for here. They were that way 16 1/2 years ago, and have continued. It’s a common complaint from all walks of life regarding that. We don’t have a problem getting workers to come out these days. When we first moved here, it was a little bit of a problem. If I can help in any way, let me know. You know I’d love to be neighbors!!
Judy Laquidara says
You are the area with the realtor issues. Thanks for letting me know other works will come out. We were afraid that attitude spilled over into other areas.
Susan Nixon says
I guess some people aren’t hungry enough.
Judy Laquidara says
I guess you can’t really blame them. They have buyers right there on the spot ready and we’re in Texas . . a long way away but it’s frustrating on our end.