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.
I'm serious this time
December 13th, 2016 at 12:58 am
December 13th, 2016 at 02:04 am 1481594690
December 13th, 2016 at 06:16 am 1481609776
December 13th, 2016 at 12:15 pm 1481631342
December 13th, 2016 at 02:20 pm 1481638833
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.
December 13th, 2016 at 11:48 pm 1481672914
December 14th, 2016 at 10:25 pm 1481754320
December 16th, 2016 at 08:43 am 1481877788
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.