Layout:
Home > I'm serious this time

I'm serious this time

December 13th, 2016 at 12:58 am

Those who remember me will probably remember how much I wanted to live in a more mobile lifestyle, perhaps in something like a tiny house or RV, maybe traveling a bit, definitely sizing down and minimizing cost.

By next month, it will mark one year that I've owned a house. And much as I enjoy its modern conveniences, not a day goes by lately that I do not dream of just packing it all up and heading for the mountains. I've tried this home ownership thing. It's nice... but I don't think it's for me.

Do I have Gypsy blood in me? I don't know. All I know is that property taxes are ridiculous, and while I'm at it, so is paying utility bills and insurance and HoA for a house I barely use.

I don't like the cost of it, and I don't feel like I belong here either. In a strange sort of way, I feel like a caged animal, yearning to be set free. I'm a man with a house but not a home.

I know nothing is going to change overnight but... I'm going to start shopping around for a more appropriate vehicle I can travel in.

As the title says, I am serious this time. Now I need to just Do It.

7 Responses to “I'm serious this time”

  1. ThriftoRama Says:
    1481594690

    Well, know thyself. If a more free life is for you, there's no one stopping you! There are tons of options for small/mobile houses. Now more than ever!

  2. LivingAlmostLarge Says:
    1481609776

    A lot of people are doing it. I wouldn't say it's at all odd

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1481631342

    Would you rent out the home you just bought? I think it's good you know what you want. And if it is less expensive, even better!

  4. snafu Says:
    1481638833

    I'm uncomfortable to be the one to suggest caution before implementing a new plan. In an effort to be helpful I point out...
    There are so many costs associated with selling a house. The rule of thumb suggests a 5 year break even point unless there has been a remarkable uptick in value in your community. It's helpful to 1st go back to initial expenditures like home inspection, utility connection fees, legal costs, insurance, myriad of fees at closing associated with purchase and moving costs to understand the point I'm trying to make. 2nd, check with Zwillow or similar, free, online service for a ballpark value for your property. Likewise look at competitive RE currently listings, cost per square foot, adding and subtracting for details like location, finished basement, garage etc. Since buying how much have you paid in interest, municipal taxes, HOA, house specific equipment like gardening tools/supplies, decor, incidentals? Finally add realtor and legal costs to selling to get a reasonably accurate 'sunk cost' figure.

    I've no idea how you'd feel as a landlord or whether you could manage costs of carrying the property during vacancy periods.

    As an RV owner, off and on for 25 years, there are endless costs and issues associated with a 'rolling' home. There are different types and the sf cost is shocking considering the poor quality fittings and frustrating design flaws. Parking fees and location are out of balance with needs and expectations and parking authority police chase you from regular parking sites 24/7. It's truly helpful if you can get t a factory and permission to see how they are made. Check information about manufacturing companies as their reputation is what brings value to your unit.

  5. PatientSaver Says:
    1481672914

    There are a bunch of blogs out there written by people who live a nomadic lifestyle. Are you familiar with them? I'm sure you could learn something about the dos and don'ts if you began following them.

  6. rob62521 Says:
    1481754320

    Snafu raises some good points. If you are going to sell your house, are you going to take a loss?

  7. snafu Says:
    1481877788

    I hope it's ok to offer a few suggestions based on our experiences...It's been very helpful to prepare a 5 year 'time-line' on typical milestones. We review at year' end and adjust for challenges life throws and unexpected opportunities that fall in our lap. It's an opportunity to fix mistakes and learn something new and try it out to understand advantages and limitations.

    I hope you'll begin your march toward a new lifestyle by listing the minimum of what you need to be comfortable in an RV. For example, do you need a designated 'bedrm?' Would you be ok with a fold out sofa that must be set up and put away each and every day? Galley must include_________? [how much do you cook/roast/bake/BBQ?]. Do you buy food weekly? bi weekly?
    How environmentally sensitive? [would you be comfortable with 'Eagle's system http://www.webstaurantstore.com/southern-champion-425-300-3-lb-red-check-paper-food-tray-500-case/795300RC%20%20%20%20500.html
    Drop down table/desk multi use? Electronic fittings? Clothing/uniforms - storage? BthRm fittings.

    Part II list 'nice to have' items like a simplified sewerage/black water disposal system, magic fan, pocket doors, electric awning

    If you could be satisfied with a Roadtrek type, sized, van, they are much easier to drive, park, better gas mileage. Not so scary to drive or back-up on true mountain roads.

Leave a Reply

(Note: If you were logged in, we could automatically fill in these fields for you.)
*
Will not be published.
   

* Please spell out the number 4.  [ Why? ]

vB Code: You can use these tags: [b] [i] [u] [url] [email]