Moving

Image by Vincent Groeneveld from Pixabay

If there is one thing that I have learned in these years of recovery is to be in the moment and don't be afraid to admit that some things are just not meant to be. I purchased this home in 2018 with the idea that rent had skyrocketed and it was in my better interest to spend that kind of money toward something that could build equity. And that did happen. The housing prices went up so quickly that if I had waited even one more month, I couldn't have afforded to live here. 

I was very ambitious in the beginning - painting, changing out light fixtures, changing out flooring, and general decorating. I was really accomplishing a lot and had fun making this place my own. Then......I broke my foot in May 2018. My motivation never recovered and everything in this place has been in a holding pattern for several years. I was extremely busy during the pandemic with work and school. Then school continued. Then school was done, but I am back to working three jobs (mainly by choice.)

In November, I started feeling this pull of wanting to move. One of my greatest passions and joy is my family. When I moved to Oakdale, I moved her because it was close to work. As the years have moved on, my work is in the northern part of the cities and I am almost an hour away from my family. I love my home and my neighbors. However, being this far from my family for so long has taken its toll. Not to mention, the remaining projects are going to be potentially costly (upwards of $20,000) and will force me into more debt despite the equity I have here. Working three jobs with my full time job being at night leaves very little time that people could do work on my place since I sleep primarily during the day. 

I looked into many different options and the option that made the most sense in my situation was to sell to an investor. I will get back what I put into the place and a few extra dollars which will essentially wipe out all of my debt (mainly from the upkeep of this home - new garage door, new furnace, new air conditioner, new dishwasher, plumbing visits, and three association assessments for $4,500). Just when I would get a little cushion, something else broke or needed attention. The stress has been lingering over me for years now and I made some commitments to myself for 2024. 

My commitments include spending more time with my family, being debt free, and travelling. In one transaction, it will all be taken care of. I will be moving to St. Louis Park. I do have expensive taste but I found a place I really like and I will be a mere 15 minutes from my family. My excitement is super high right now. Good thing too because I have to move in the next 5 weeks! Renting makes sense for me. Being a single woman homeowner with minimal knowledge of anything home improvement related has not been a great experience for me. Many have done and succeeded. Not me. At least in this scenario, I receive what I need to move on and this place can be redone for the market. Bonus, since it was purchased by an investor, I can leave anything I don't want. I don't have to clean. No showings. Nothing. Just go. This feels like the biggest "RESET" button ever and I love it. 

I have been blessed this year with a significant raise with my homecare job which will allow me to not have to depend on any additional income to survive. I can truly work when I want to and not worry that I "need" to be working. Also in November, there were layoffs at my secondary job which lead to an impulsive decision to apply for a teaching position. I got it! So far, I like it. I am teaching in a clinical setting which is nice, although my true preference would be to get into teaching didactic courses. In the meanwhile, I will be gaining the appropriate experience so my longer term goals. I will likely continue with my other position until I have a better feel for my next career steps. I can tell you my priority will be to back off the total number of hours per week and be with others. With the looming threat of something else breaking, I was too nervous to take off "too much" time and be in yet another financial straining moment. 

Homeownership is not for the faint of heart. I am in awe of people who are able to manage a home in addition to other life requirements. It as time for me to raise the flag of surrender and do what is the best for me. 

Peace,
​Julie