Still on the Market
Way back in March or April (I don’t remember exactly when), we put out house on the market because we plan to build in a new neighborhood outside of town. Unfortunately, our house hasn’t yet sold. At first, I was okay with the fact that it didn’t sell immediately, but now I’ve reached frustration mode.
To be safe, we decided to sell and then build, which means most likely we’ll be in a rental while the new house is under construction. Also, I wanted to be settled in a new house by Christmas so I could decorate and because the boys are worried about Santa being able to find them. Plus, I’m terrified all the lots will be sold in the neighborhood we plan to build in before ours is even under contract. Fortunately, there are plently of lots left because the market has affected the developer as well.
However, if I’m completely honest, the main reason I wish my house would sell quickly is because I’m so, so tired of keeping it neat, orderly, and clutter free. I want my pictures back on the walls and I don’t want to constantly fuss at my family to put things up and out of sight. I no longer want to wake up at 4:45 to clean before I go to work and I want my boys to be able make a mess. Please sell soon – I’m tired of limbo.
first two answers are correct; however, if your state has personal property tax along with property tax, unpaid amounts will follow the person too and affix against any other real property you own or purchase.
@MarissaB – I’m sorry for your friend and hope that things will work out for her and her husband. I dread being in a rental, but I know it’s the best thing for us to do.
Heather, you are so smart to sell before you build.
A friend of mine did not wait and is in a bad way. They rented the old house out when it did not sell, and the tenants have wrecked it, e.g., holes in the wall, window screens slashed or torn off, garden run over with weeds and torn up by cars, etc. Her husband’s business is suffering from the economic downturn, as is hers, and now they are facing foreclosure on the new house. They are sniping at each other from the tension generated by their financial woes. These are scary times. Sad, too.
Hang in there. Your house will sell. And you will build. Just not right now.
@Lynn M – When I was out of school for the summer that happened a couple of times with realtors. It was harder then, because we were home all day and the house would get messy with toys and stuff. I actually think it’s easier now since I’m back at work. I just don’t like getting up so early. It’ll sell soon. I’m going to stay positive. I could put money down on the lot, but would lose it after 30 days.
@Katie Mack – I remember the freedom of those days too. We have (okay, want really badly) to have a bigger yard for the boys and the lots we’re looking at are 2+ acres. They need room to be loud and wild.
My sympathies Heather. The (one) thing I like about being a renter is the freedom to move whenever, and not having to deal with hassles like this. (I still dream of owning my own house someday, though!)
My sympathies! I remember a few years back trying to sell our house with two small children to deal with. The realtor would call to tell me she was coming by in half an hour with a potential buyer, and I’d have to do a quick clean, bundle up the kids and find a way to kill an hour in the middle of a Chicago December. We were in a similar situation – we’d made an offer on a house that was kind of a spontaneous find and if we didn’t get our house sold, we’d have two mortgages we couldn’t afford simultaneously. The pressure was overwhelming. Keeping the house perfectly clean all the time was horrible.
Is it possible for you to at least buy the lot without committing to when you’ll build on it? Perhaps the builder wouldn’t allow a separate lot purchase without the building price as well, but at least then you could be sure of having a lot you want even if you don’t build on it for a few more months. In these tough times, maybe the builder would be grateful to at least sell the lot knowing the building will come later.
Good luck!