[Fresia]

I think I finally found a house. So I have been looking for a house for some time now. It has been hard because in thinking ahead long term I wanted a ranch so I wouldn't have to do stairs with between my bum knees and arthritis, as some days are worse than others. Single floor homes are few and far between here.

I finally found one in a great location, 15 minutes from work, which for the winter will give me peace of mind. It is a lovely lot especially for the dogs and not too much for me to take care of. It is so much smaller than what I had hoped for but given that it will be more manageable, I have to look at it that way. It does need a new roof and a couple of window replaced since the seals are gone but my offer reflects that. Who knows what will show on inspection.

Serious decisions will have to made about downsizing so significantly. It breaks my heart to have to let go of so many family heirlooms. I have to figure out what is most important and space saving storage items. I don't want to live in what looks like a furniture store but it will be hard to let go too. I am not looking forward to that part. I may have to get some help with that. If you have any suggestions on how to go about this to sort through it, please, all ideas and support welcomed. I almost think this is what is stressing me out the most.

All-in-all it is the right choice. I know if it was meant to be, it will be but I didn't expect this to be so stressful. Please cross you fingers that they accept my offer or the counter is at least still reasonable. Thanks for listening.

[splitimage]

Good luck, I hope your offer is accepted.


And downsizing is hard, but it is doable - I had to do a major downsize several years ago, and while painful it wasn't that difficult once I had made the major furniture decision on what to keep vs get rid of.

splitimage

[Skeezyks]

Good luck with your offer! A few years ago, my wife & I downsized from a 2 story home with a finished basement (3 finished levels altogether) to a one-level townhome. We got rid of SO much stuff it's hard to imagine. Fortunately neither of us are savers. And getting rid of all of that "stuff" was actually freeing in its own way.

We found an estate-sales person who took all of the stuff we decided not to take with us & added it to another estate sale he was conducting. And after the sale was concluded he paid us for it all. It made the whole process of getting rid of it all a lot easier than if we had tried to hold our own sale. Plus he was able to give us some helpful hints with regard to what would sell & what wouldn't. There were some things we initially thought about selling that he said people just don't want, or won't pay anywhere near what it's worth. So in some of those cases this helped us to decide to keep some things we might have otherwise disposed of. So all-in-all downsizing was a good experience for us. Hopefully yours will go well too.

[Raindropvampire]

I hope the inspection goes well and they accept your offer

As far as downsizing do you have family that would take any of it? That way it stays in the family and could still be passed down. When my friend's grandma had to downsize she let all her kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews etc.. come in and pick items that she could no longer keep. And she passed on the family history of each item to the person who took it.

[Fresia]

No word back yet on my offer. hmmmm(?)

Estate sales sounds like a god send. I had been trying to figure out how to have a sale with so much stuff. I know I cannot do it alone. 2/3's has to go. I will start making some calls.

I made sure family came to pick what they wanted, which they don't have room either. It was precious though, for my nephew, who is young....My brother and I decided for him one thing and he picked out some others; one of the beds was better for him, a nicer wood frame/book holding headboard, was my Mom's. I wish you could have seen how over the moon he was, "really, I can have Oma's bed?!". He actually ran his hand along the rail and the headboard almost stroking it. It was precious.

I wasn't sure how my niece and nephew were going to feel about having Oma & Opa's things. When we moved for example their sofas to my brother's, I walked by catching a conversation between my niece and nephew. Nephew:"Oma and Opa have nice things." Niece:"It's nice they're here." Nephew:" She gave the best hugs, (pause) I miss her" "Me too" Nephew:"I feel closer to her on this sofa." "Me too".

[lizardlady]

Fresia, I'm getting ready to put my Mom's house on the market and am looking at sorting through stuff too. Some of the stuff, like furniture, is easy. I don't care for the style so letting go is easy. On the other hand, my parents' bedroom furniture from when they got married is in the house. Sentiment is getting in the way. The stuff with family memories attached are going to be tough to let go.

I hope you hear about your offer soon.

Skeezyks, how did you find the estate sale person? I was going to have a moving sale to get rid of what I don't want to keep. Having someone else handle the sale sounds a whole lot easier.

Anyone have suggestions for selling my grandparents' wedding china? It's about 100 years old. No way I'm selling it at a moving sale. It's good china. I have absolutely no use for it and would like to get a reasonable price for it.

[88Butterfly88]

I hope your offer gets accepted. You may want to consider renting a storage unit for a little bit so you have more time to go through stuff.

[Fresia]

So they didn't reject it. They came back with a counter and with some strange contingencies I have to consider. I'm just not sure. I'm going to take a moment or two to think on it and make some calls.

[lizardlady]

The seller is making contingencies?!? Never heard of that.

[possum220]

Sounds like a good time for a think and a chat with some-one you trust and can maybe tease out the issues for you. Good Luck.

[Fresia]

I countered with another contingency based on theirs. I'm surprised... it's under contract.

So I wasn't nervous about this process until now. Now I can feel my blood pressure has just jumped. ****sigh***

I have 10 business days for inspection. I can't get someone in until the very end of next week at the end of the day. That gives me only a weekend and 3 business days if something is wrong to get estimates to renegotiate.

I suspect it needs a new roof and a couple of windows to be replaced. Instead of waiting for the inspector, perhaps I will have a companies come out earlier in the week for estimates just to be safe in case I need them. That way if anything else is found on inspection I can use those few days to arrange that.

Sound like a good plan?

[lizardlady]

Under contract! Yeah!

I think feeling nervous at this point is very typical. It's a big step.

Your plan sounds very wise. Getting estimates ahead of time might help with your stress too.

[Fresia]

So I thought getting the estimates ahead of time was going to be a good idea too until I started calling around and had no idea it was going to be so much trouble. They all want the homeowners present. The homeowners live out of state. It's just not possible. I asked about their representative being there, thinking their agent, oh heavens no, silly me what was I thinking. After more than 2 dozen calls, I have yet to find someone to come out to do estimates for the windows and the roof. I have reminded them they are going to lose my business when I do have the house in 43 days as they will need to be replaced. Makes no difference. I even offered before that to pay for their time for the estimate. No go there too.

What I don't understand is that we are not doing any actual work (yet). We are talking about an estimate and even if an actual quote, we have permission to be there otherwise why would I have access to the key to get in and can show the contract, what am I missing here?***sigh****

[lizardlady]

That's weird. I had to call for estimates about a roof repair awhile back. No one asked if I was the owner. If you are volunteering the info, maybe try just making an appointment for an estimate without telling them you are not the owner?

[SparkySmart]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

That's weird. I had to call for estimates about a roof repair awhile back. No one asked if I was the owner. If you are volunteering the info, maybe try just making an appointment for an estimate without telling them you are not the owner?

That's a good idea, lizardlady! Also, I wonder if, instead of a formal written estimate, maybe they could give you a verbal ballpark? I guess that could be risky or unreliable? I often get verbals, but I live in a small town, and I know everyone's mom and dad, so they're not likely to mess with me. LOL Obviously I get a written estimate once negotiations get serious.

And I wonder if just walking around the perimeter of the house (rather than going inside) would be sufficient since you're getting estimates on the roof and windows.

[Fresia]

I hadn't been volunteering it. They would ask if the owners would be there and I would have to tell them they live out of town and state.

I did finally find a roofer and a window guy who will come out. The window guy said I don't need to be there; he'll take a look and send me the estimate. The roofer am meeting Monday. Thank goodness. It was such a relief.

So I talked to the realtor, I do need written estimates to take back to the owners for proof of cost.

I'm just going to take a deep breath now and hope nothing major turns up on inspection.

I am just so depressed though, working on the current house for so long, in leaving my home, fear of change; there's actually a real sadness. The stress is not helping and I'm having trouble sleeping. I'm worried I may be falling; somehow I have to try stay level.

What I am excited about is that good friends of the family, they were like second parents now that I haven't seen in awhile are coming next weekend. They are going to time it to be there for inspection. He is a builder, he'll have good questions for the inspector and notice things too plus I can't wait for them to see it. There was actually a glimmer of excitement for the first time in a long time. I just wish I could be more thrilled about this whole thing. Perhaps I just need an attitude adjustment, think of it as a new adventure.

So that's over, back to sorting and packing.

[TishaBuv]

Do you have a realtor representing you? Not the listing realtor. I recommend you use a real estate attorney. Call now. Good luck!

[possum220]

Always good to have some support on hand.

[Fresia]

So without my saying what I saw was wrong with the roof, the roofer saw the same thing. The shingles look ok that should be ok another 2-4 year,s which is what my realtor kept saying 5 years; however, it's the deck or substrate underneath, it is rolling with highs and lows/valleys indicating weakness. With all the heavy snow we get that is a real concern. The guy asked me to call him with what the inspector says please, he's curious, he hadn't seen one quite like that in awhile. He gave me a quotes based on the shingles and sealer, and then with new decking too thankfully if the inspector agrees.

I was fortunate to get the guy I got. He is a contractor and as we went around the house to measure and to look at the roof, he showed me some positive things about the house and some weakness that I should take care of. I thought he was trying to sell me something else but then he showed me how to do these things myself, that I didn't have to hire someone. Fortunately all-in-all he said it looked well maintained and that it was a real "gem." Inspectors coming at the very end of the week though, we'll see.

The astounding thing to me with the new materials, the manufacturer warranties the roof for 50 years and not prorated! It would never have be redone in my lifetime. I thought my parent's roof when theirs was done at a 30 year warranty was amazing, but at 20 years in, the roof still looks brand new. There is no sign of wear and tear. and this the same manufacturer. I remember when younger the roof having to be replaced when I was a kid every 10-15 years; with some technological change, some things are for the best.

[Fresia]

Inspection is this afternoon. I never thought I'd be so nervous. If there is something there, I'd rather he find it so I know what I'm in for and to renegotiate. Here's to hoping it goes well.

[Quarter life]

Hi Fresia...I too have just bought a house after 2 years of striving to sell my current one. I agree, the stairs are an absolute deal breaker for me. I started packing before I listed my home for sale..as I am quite ill it has been a struggle. I settle in 4 weeks and have almost finished packing.

That said...Selling ones house and purchasing a new one isn't what I remember it to be...so many hoops to jump through and so so much stress. I was very lucky as I sold at a market high point...and bought at a low point in a different State. Some of my lovely ornamental potted trees are coming with me..but the Lions share I have had to sell or give away...breaks my heart.

I wish you only the best in your new adventure Fresia...having a home to call ones own is a wonderful feeling.

[SparkySmart]

...waiting to hear...waiting to hear...

Don't keep us waiting!

Interesting to hear about roof materials, BTW. My home is 20 years old (I bought it new), and I'm just now beginning to anticipate replacements like kitchen appliances, A/C, etc.

[Fresia]

Originally Posted by Quarter life

Hi Fresia...I too have just bought a house after 2 years of striving to sell my current one. I agree, the stairs are an absolute deal breaker for me. I started packing before I listed my home for sale..as I am quite ill it has been a struggle. I settle in 4 weeks and have almost finished packing.

That said...Selling ones house and purchasing a new one isn't what I remember it to be...so many hoops to jump through and so so much stress. I was very lucky as I sold at a market high point...and bought at a low point in a different State. Some of my lovely ornamental potted trees are coming with me..but the Lions share I have had to sell or give away...breaks my heart.

I wish you only the best in your new adventure Fresia...having a home to call ones own is a wonderful feeling.

I'm so glad you found someplace you like. Congratulations!!

It is so many hoops and the deadlines is what is getting to me that is what makes it so stressful. I am adament now about making sure mine is sorted now before putting in on the market; it is taking me way longer than I anticipated to go through things and since I won't have room, I don't want to move stuff just to move it to go through it later.

After going through the new house again I know I won't be able to take some of my ornamentals either and some of my potted trees. I'll have to find homes for them. Maybe the new owners here will want them (?)

[Fresia]

So the biggest issue is that the inspector found mold in the attic, quite a bit and that it is probably because the bath vent vents into it, not outside, and that the door to the attic is not sealed. My realtor called immediately to let them know. We want that remediated and the vent fixed. We will wait for his full report and for the radon results to go over the rest for anything else to negotiate.

He told me he thought the roof had about 2-3 years, not needing to be changed immediately as they put a "membrane" on it. You can see where there were leaks in the ceiling at one point. Realtor suggested given how expensive the mold remediation is going to be, they will laugh at me about trying to negotiate a functioning roof that will go bad in the near future but I will change it for peace of mind before the winter.

The other concern that he said should only be a couple hundred dollars to do is to seal along the foundation where the cement pad slopes to meet it. The other thing was that the house is grandfathered so I can't negotiate it but he said I'd want to put up a firewall on the wall between the garage and the house. That's just sheetrock and recommended insulating it to help with heat loss. I've done that before so I can save some money there doing it myelf. That shouldn't be too expensive either I wouldn't think as it's not that big of a wall. Then to insulate under the sunroom. I'll have to hire someone for that, I'm claustrophobic and it's an on-your-belly crawl space, there's no way I can go under there.

They still haven't opened the pool. I wasn't looking for a pool but this just happened to have one and not sure how I feel about it yet; it was the location, the lot for the dogs and privacy, and primarily a ranch that got my attention. But part of the deal is that they have to have it professionally opened and cleaned, serviced, showing operating equipment, and tested showing swimmable water. I was hoping it would done for inspection. It was still covered. Supposedly the liner was replaced last year and has always been professionally serviced but yet not opened and it is July (?)

I was relieved though the line going to the sewer was perfectly clear and I actually got to watch the camera go through the pipes, that was kind of cool to see where it went. Then it is a new heat system like they claimed. Even better they put in a really nice draining system to prevent water from getting into the basement that the warranty transfers to the new owner.

I really like this inspector as he took me around with him for most things, showed me where the shut off valves were, cut offs, how things worked, potential issues, current ones, & positive things. It was all very much appreciated.

He said there were other little things he'd report so we'll see. Should have it Monday. Fingers crossed about the radon and the little things (?) All in all, mostly fixable things but we'll see about the mold, this I'm worried about.

[Fresia]

Originally Posted by SparkySmart

...waiting to hear...waiting to hear...

Don't keep us waiting!

Interesting to hear about roof materials, BTW. My home is 20 years old (I bought it new), and I'm just now beginning to anticipate replacements like kitchen appliances, A/C, etc.

For roofs, it's GAF products, Timberline shingles that are warranteed so well and so long. We've always had good luck with them. My neighbors are just now needing to replace a roof that had timberline from 40 years ago. Back then was warranteed for 30.