It actually turned into a very lovely day. Snow is melting and we are in the low double digits. I hope this means that we are finally going to get spring weather.
I am surprised that with this weather I am once again feeling exhausted. I wonder if it is because I have been moving pretty steadily around the house today, getting household tasks completed, and working on projects. Harvey always says "No rest for the wicked" and I guess in this case wicked could mean wanting to get things done.
My new mini computer came yesterday evening and it is now on the top of the fake fireplace. I am waiting until Kris comes home and he can set it up.
Still having trouble with photos from my phone and this phone does not have a cord to use on the computer. So I am emailing and copying to the picture folder. A bit more work, but at least I can manage to get the pictures off.
Now, I thought I should probably explain about my talking re a condo purchase in the city. Eventually we thought we would move to the city our youngest son lives in. That is where my specialist lives, there is public transportation, and shopping is relatively close no matter where you live.
We do not own a condo as of yet and more and more we are thinking we could purchase a small one story home for less. The main reason being the fact that one needs to pay a condo fee ranging in price from $400 to $700 a month. That means we would be paying anywhere from $4800 to $8400 in condo fees (or HOA fees). On top of that there are property taxes of anywhere from the least expensive at $2500 to the most expensive of $4500 a year. That is a rather large chunk of money from our savings disappearing each year. Yours truly is shocked at the total cost of what a condo or even an apartment in the city costs. I think we will be staying here for a very long time and hopefully able to make the trip in to see my specialist when necessary. If it ever comes to the point we can't travel the two hours, I am going to see if my doctor here can do the necessary tests.
Work was done in the sewing/craft room tidying up and putting things away. After the other household tasks were completed I started work on the next project I want crossed off my list. Made good progress on that by getting the first two steps completed. Only two more steps to go, one of which might take a bit longer than a day to complete. This project is also getting some more of my craft supplies used up. Makes more room in that sewing/craft room. Could be working in there again very soon. It is getting easier and easier to move around and find items.
The fridge freezer is getting to the point where I can organize things in there a bit better. My freezer has an upper drawer and then two baskets underneath. The upper drawer is where I freeze things like soup or extra meals, as well as keep frozen veggies, and ice cream. The bottom two drawers are what really needs organizing and using up. Slowly but surely those are getting much easier to find those leftover roast bits and other such items. There is still a great deal in there though and I am working my way through all. Simplifying my storage in there is my purpose for the next while.
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
I sure would hate to think of moving. I hope I can stay here for a long time more. The thought of paying payments again, just wrinkles
ReplyDeleteWell shoot, I think I lost my post. I'd hate to think of moving at this point in life. It may happen, but hope to stay here for a long time.
ReplyDeleteThose are high condo fees, so I can see why you would want to stay where you are for as long as possible. I'm glad your new mini computer came and know you'll be happy when Kris gets it set up for you. It was cold here today and I actually turned on some heat along with multiple layers of clothing, which helped. It's good your snow is melting
ReplyDeleteI know two people who will be renting rather than purchasing when their full time rv living comes to an end. Even that is ridiculous in costs!
ReplyDeleteIt is but we just sold my mom's house and moved her into a rental apartment. The money she made on the house will be invested prudently and will actually provide her income even at low yield. The upkeep on the house is killer.
DeleteI’ve started spring cleaning. It’s not my favorite thing but it must be done. (She says in a strong voice so she doesn’t falter.) We find ourselves far from family in retirement, too. I look for small houses near our two boys. (Our home is 600 sq.ft.) They’re so expensive or in a terrible area. I’m thinking we may just ‘visit’ all three children for a month at a time, rinse and repeat. Maybe they won’t notice.
ReplyDeleteThose monthly HOA fees, and Condo fees are a big no for me. I'm so glad we don't have HOA monthly fees and restrictions. Just too expensive.
ReplyDeleteI too hate the idea but may I ask how is grounds maintenance, snow removal etc handled in a collective unit? Im exploring the options fir when my house and lots of outdoor needs are beyond my capacity.
DeleteWe have excruciatingly high property taxes (we think of it as a house payment, and it's about the cost of one in most areas), but no HOA fees. HOA fees are what's deterred us from buying a rental property in many places, and we also don't want them. Checking things out and ruling them out is just as useful as deciding it's a good idea - helps you know what you can & can't afford or your priorities. - Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteLord, I know all about those taxes and HOA fees. That is why I am looking to sell in the fall. I have a renter in there and the extra income is great, but when all is said and done, verylittle profit. BUT who knows. As far as packing goes, it is all packed already and in a storage unti (another cost). I am just ready to move on. I want a little house in TN with a smallish, but private yard. No close enighbors anyway....good luck to you (and me) and anyone else rethinking their situations/
ReplyDeleteWe toyed with the thought of buying a condo but the fees were just too much - and add into that the fact that when there are major repairs to be done in the building the tenants bear the brunt of that cost too.
ReplyDeleteOlder condo units typically have higher fees because of the increased contingencies for maintenance (roof, heating systems, etc.) As well as the utilities, snow and yard maintenance costs. But if you can get into a newer development, especially early on the costs are lower.
ReplyDeleteI know you are a spreadsheet person. Kris will be able to give you an idea of the costs associated with a smaller home. When my son was looking we found that many of the smaller houses were older and needed a lot of work. It really becomes an exercise in determining what works best for you.
I'm the meantime continue to enjoy your home and lifestyle.
Dear Jackie, I cannot honestly speak about condo fees because I have never lived in a condo, but it doesn't surprise me that these fees have gone up along with everything else! Rent, food, etc.
ReplyDeleteI think you are a very wise lady and you have a wonderful knowledge on how to scrimp and save money, and I appreciate all you share here.
I will keep you in my prayers, dear friend.
Property taxes are high here—shockingly so after living in BC where we received both a homeowner's and senior discount off the total. At our age, we're having conversation about the future too. A rite of passage, I guess.
ReplyDeleteA condo does sound expensive. The smaller home sounds like it might be a good option. You are probably right to stay put for now, until you are certain what you want to do.
ReplyDelete