I'm on staycation! First set of UK visitors got here Thursday night. Besides making them feel welcome and showing them a good time, my main concern is not spending much. Luckily they are both cost conscious and fair minded, so they have made sure to ask about costs and put in for everything so far. So I think we'll be OK. We have to be, because we would need to cut elsewhere if we went over, and we don't have many more places to cut.
Went to a city open house about accessory dwelling units, because one of my long term goals is to turn the garage into a tiny home and rent it to our friend. The city plans sound promising, though I need to see if our yard size is sufficient. Should be voted on this fall, so we'll know soon whether it's feasible to start planning.
Meeting with realtor didn't go as hoped. She refused to lower her commission. We didn't threaten to cut her yet; we have a showing tomorrow and will see how that goes. If nothing comes of that we will give her an ultimatum. NT knows a realtor we could talk to as a replacement.
Got the first few utility bills and they were reasonable, but still waiting for our first water/sewer/trash/recycling bill. That's the one that could be big, I think.
Got a small ($140) refund on our homeowners insurance! That was welcome. Will pay for our moving van and a medical copay with a bit left over.
AS's last day at her job was yesterday. The day before that, she got another freelance job, a small $300 writing assignment from my company. They loved the first one she did! She's now partway through funding November.
My latest writing assignment at my job is not going great, but there are lots of external elements causing confusion. I'm pretty confident my boss will realize that and not have doubts about completing my transition to writer. I'm going to push for the official change to happen once I get back full time after my time off, Sept.12.
Updates
August 23rd, 2014 at 07:29 pm
August 23rd, 2014 at 07:48 pm 1408823314
August 23rd, 2014 at 07:53 pm 1408823628
I would also have a hard, realistic look at what has sold in your building this year and what has not. I would figure out the realistic selling price to get a contract on it before the end of September. In your shoes, I would borrow to get rid of the stress and the carrying costs of the condo. You may come back in the spring and find the market is no better than it is today. You will have paid the mortgage and the condo fees for 6 months and be in the same place you are today. Best to be done with this and move on.
That money from the land deal would come in handy right about now....
August 23rd, 2014 at 08:59 pm 1408827572
August 23rd, 2014 at 09:58 pm 1408831081
Can you rent out your condo? I might not have read all the posts discussing all options. Would that cover your carrying costs? You would probably live close enough to be able to keep an eye on things. Our rental property is six blocks away. I don't think I'd want one any substantial distance away.
Is your realtor cutting you a break on commission if she has worked both sides of the deal with you as seller and buyer?