The Swamp

Brontoburglar wrote:I would love to upgrade. But the thought of a three-figure mortgage payment and the lack of moving shit quickly negates those thoughts.

Midwest forever.

(Besides, as a single guy, why do I need more than 3 BR and 1750 sq ft at this point anyway)

Wait, you pay less than $100/month mortgage? Fuck, I really do need to leave the Northeast.

The Sybian wrote:

Brontoburglar wrote:I would love to upgrade. But the thought of a three-figure mortgage payment and the lack of moving shit quickly negates those thoughts.

Midwest forever.

(Besides, as a single guy, why do I need more than 3 BR and 1750 sq ft at this point anyway)

Wait, you pay less than $100/month mortgage? Fuck, I really do need to leave the Northeast.

I had to re-read it a few times, but he means he pays less than $1,000k.

AB_skin_test wrote:

Giff wrote:

The Sybian wrote:

BSF21 wrote:

AB_skin_test wrote:Neighbor sold his for about 35k over what they paid. Theirs sold and a person across the street (i don't call them neighbors because they are douchebutts) put theirs up asking 45k over purchase. My wife and I are seeing how that plays out despite only being in our home for 15 months.

Bestfriend is getting around 20K more than what they paid. Coming out smelling like roses on that shit.

Although with closing costs, moving expenses, taxes, realtor fees... doesn't break even at best? I know that is a lot cheaper in the Midwest, but all that shit adds up.

We're going to net $50k at worst. If we get what we ask, it'll be around $60. We're close to the Energy Corridor where BP, Conoco, et al. have massive imprints and are zoned to the most preferred high school in the district. It's already started to slow a tad what with the layoffs, but not enough to where we still wouldn't quickly sell ours. My parents must've planned for retirement well as they said they'd float us the down payment for the new house if we don't close on selling ours before the end of March.

That's illegal in Kentucky but I certainly don't know Texas Real Estate law.

Why is that illegal?

Not really sure but I think it has to do with if you can't afford the downpayment are you really going to be able to pay the morgtgage. I know your issue is just a liquidity problem and not a credit problem, but I know I had to verify my bonus payment and my mom's estate money as being legitimately obtained and not a "loan" from someone. And of course, the parents could always sign a statement calling it a "gift." that you will repay on the DL.

AB_skin_test wrote:Not really sure but I think it has to do with if you can't afford the downpayment are you really going to be able to pay the morgtgage. I know your issue is just a liquidity problem and not a credit problem, but I know I had to verify my bonus payment and my mom's estate money as being legitimately obtained and not a "loan" from someone. And of course, the parents could always sign a statement calling it a "gift." that you will repay on the DL.

Gotcha.

Giff wrote:

The Sybian wrote:

Brontoburglar wrote:I would love to upgrade. But the thought of a three-figure mortgage payment and the lack of moving shit quickly negates those thoughts.

Midwest forever.

(Besides, as a single guy, why do I need more than 3 BR and 1750 sq ft at this point anyway)

Wait, you pay less than $100/month mortgage? Fuck, I really do need to leave the Northeast.

I had to re-read it a few times, but he means he pays less than $1,000k.

That's correct. Which I don't think is all that uncommon around here. Had I done the standard 20% downpayment, my mortgage would be significantly cheaper.

Brontoburglar wrote:

Giff wrote:

The Sybian wrote:

Brontoburglar wrote:I would love to upgrade. But the thought of a three-figure mortgage payment and the lack of moving shit quickly negates those thoughts.

Midwest forever.

(Besides, as a single guy, why do I need more than 3 BR and 1750 sq ft at this point anyway)

Wait, you pay less than $100/month mortgage? Fuck, I really do need to leave the Northeast.

I had to re-read it a few times, but he means he pays less than $1,000k.

That's correct. Which I don't think is all that uncommon around here. Had I done the standard 20% downpayment, my mortgage would be significantly cheaper.

Same here. I did much less than 20% on my DP at 4.5%. 3 BR 2000sqft house on a half acre and my payment is $1,008/mo

AB_skin_test wrote:Not really sure but I think it has to do with if you can't afford the downpayment are you really going to be able to pay the morgtgage. I know your issue is just a liquidity problem and not a credit problem, but I know I had to verify my bonus payment and my mom's estate money as being legitimately obtained and not a "loan" from someone. And of course, the parents could always sign a statement calling it a "gift." that you will repay on the DL.

If it is illegal here, no one seems to care. I texted my wife to have her keep where we're getting that from a secret, but she said she already spoke with the lender and they said that happens.

I assure you I have no plans to move anywhere near AB. Michigan was even too close.

brian wrote:I assure you I have no plans to move anywhere near AB. Michigan was even too close.

Like I said, the person hasn't even moved in. So it's probably just a tax shelter. Literally.


Can I use the extra bedrooms when we have guests?

Yes, tell them I said it was OK.

Brontoburglar wrote:

Giff wrote:

The Sybian wrote:

Brontoburglar wrote:I would love to upgrade. But the thought of a three-figure mortgage payment and the lack of moving shit quickly negates those thoughts.

Midwest forever.

(Besides, as a single guy, why do I need more than 3 BR and 1750 sq ft at this point anyway)

Wait, you pay less than $100/month mortgage? Fuck, I really do need to leave the Northeast.

I had to re-read it a few times, but he means he pays less than $1,000k.

That's correct. Which I don't think is all that uncommon around here. Had I done the standard 20% downpayment, my mortgage would be significantly cheaper.

I'm still confused. Isn't $999 a three figure mortgage payment?

I put down a bit over 35% to avoid a Jumbo mortgage, and my house is just a standard bi-level with an addition in the back. My mortgage keeps going up every year because of goddamned tax increases. And this is one of the least expensive towns in the area.

Campus is going nuts wondering if we should close for a storm that's supposedly coming this way. For an area populated by people that take weekly trips in to high elevations to hit the slopes the Front Range certainly freaks when the snow hits home.

Short of some water emergency or me hitting the lottery (or the neighborhood turning from working class to lower class) I'm staying in this house until I retire. I'm making a payment and a half every month and hope to have it paid off in 12 years at which time I'm going to pull the pin on working for the man.

The Sybian wrote:

Brontoburglar wrote:

Giff wrote:

The Sybian wrote:

Brontoburglar wrote:I would love to upgrade. But the thought of a three-figure mortgage payment and the lack of moving shit quickly negates those thoughts.

Midwest forever.

(Besides, as a single guy, why do I need more than 3 BR and 1750 sq ft at this point anyway)

Wait, you pay less than $100/month mortgage? Fuck, I really do need to leave the Northeast.

I had to re-read it a few times, but he means he pays less than $1,000k.

That's correct. Which I don't think is all that uncommon around here. Had I done the standard 20% downpayment, my mortgage would be significantly cheaper.

I'm still confused. Isn't $999 a three figure mortgage payment?

I put down a bit over 35% to avoid a Jumbo mortgage, and my house is just a standard bi-level with an addition in the back. My mortgage keeps going up every year because of goddamned tax increases. And this is one of the least expensive towns in the area.

The thought of the 3 figure is what is making him stay...he has it now and knows anything new will likely be 4 figures.

I have a neighbor, late 50s, who has some sort of OCD obsession with shovelling driveways. Has six shovels on his front porch and I've seen others when his garage door is open.

Thing is, this year he and his wife (the local Avon distributor) now have a plow guy come when it snows.

But this guy (we call him "The Shoveller") has been out shovelling a couple of the neighbours' driveways. And he goes back to get every single bit of ice and snow. It is very, very strange. One of the driveways he shovels belongs to a widow in her 80s. But she has a plow guy coming by regularly. The others he shovels are neither seniors nor debilitated.

it is odd to say the least.

so he's the Canadian version of the guy who mows his yard every four days?

AB_skin_test wrote: The thought of the 3 figure is what is making him stay...he has it now and knows anything new will likely be 4 figures.

Thanks. I am really stupid. Although "the thought" of something implies that it is not the current state, no?

The Sybian wrote:

AB_skin_test wrote: The thought of the 3 figure is what is making him stay...he has it now and knows anything new will likely be 4 figures.

Thanks. I am really stupid. Although "the thought" of something implies that it is not the current state, no?

Yes. I had to re read it. At least hes not a professional writer.


Kid because i care.

AB_skin_test wrote:

The Sybian wrote:

AB_skin_test wrote: The thought of the 3 figure is what is making him stay...he has it now and knows anything new will likely be 4 figures.

Thanks. I am really stupid. Although "the thought" of something implies that it is not the current state, no?

Yes. I had to re read it. At least hes not a professional writer.


Kid because i care.

I totally need to spend as much time on my message board posts as I do my job!

Brontoburglar wrote:

AB_skin_test wrote:

The Sybian wrote:

AB_skin_test wrote: The thought of the 3 figure is what is making him stay...he has it now and knows anything new will likely be 4 figures.

Thanks. I am really stupid. Although "the thought" of something implies that it is not the current state, no?

Yes. I had to re read it. At least hes not a professional writer.


Kid because i care.

I totally need to spend as much time on my message board posts as I do my job!

I do!

I need to buy a house. Or buy one and then sell it. Or something. I feel like I'm missing out.

Johnnie wrote:I need to buy a house. Or buy one and then sell it. Or something. I feel like I'm missing out.

You're not missing anything. The window in our son's room cracked sometime last night/early this morning.

No idea how to track down the maker, if there is a warranty, and so on. Bonus points for getting it fixed when today is the warmest it has been in about a week, which should be about 25 degrees.

Pruitt wrote:I have a neighbor, late 50s, who has some sort of OCD obsession with shovelling driveways. Has six shovels on his front porch and I've seen others when his garage door is open.

Thing is, this year he and his wife (the local Avon distributor) now have a plow guy come when it snows.

But this guy (we call him "The Shoveller") has been out shovelling a couple of the neighbours' driveways. And he goes back to get every single bit of ice and snow. It is very, very strange. One of the driveways he shovels belongs to a widow in her 80s. But she has a plow guy coming by regularly. The others he shovels are neither seniors nor debilitated.

it is odd to say the least.

Is he unemployed/retired and therefore bored?

I have a neighbour who fails to grasp the concept of shovelling etiquette. Ie, if I happen to be outside first I will shovel the sidewalk in either direction to each neighbour's driveway (beyond my property line). One neighbour returns the favour, but the other refuses to go an inch beyond his property line even though I frequently do it for him. At the end of the day I really don't care, but C'MON MAN!

Out for a few days and just now seeing all the real estate posts... Is the Phoenix area the only place where it's still a buyer's market? We had to aggressively price our house and come down 5% from that. We managed to sell in just over a month, but it wasn't easy.

Johnny Hotcakes wrote:

Pruitt wrote:I have a neighbor, late 50s, who has some sort of OCD obsession with shovelling driveways. Has six shovels on his front porch and I've seen others when his garage door is open.

Thing is, this year he and his wife (the local Avon distributor) now have a plow guy come when it snows.

But this guy (we call him "The Shoveller") has been out shovelling a couple of the neighbours' driveways. And he goes back to get every single bit of ice and snow. It is very, very strange. One of the driveways he shovels belongs to a widow in her 80s. But she has a plow guy coming by regularly. The others he shovels are neither seniors nor debilitated.

it is odd to say the least.

Is he unemployed/retired and therefore bored?

I have a neighbour who fails to grasp the concept of shovelling etiquette. Ie, if I happen to be outside first I will shovel the sidewalk in either direction to each neighbour's driveway (beyond my property line). One neighbour returns the favour, but the other refuses to go an inch beyond his property line even though I frequently do it for him. At the end of the day I really don't care, but C'MON MAN!

He's underemployed.

My conversations with him have revealed that he's an accountant of sorts. As he speaks though, his level of importance grows to the point where he tries to give the impression that he is very well connected in at least two levels of government and he is busy working on huge real estate deals north of the city.

Gives the impression of being delusional.

We're not selling, but the market in our little burg, and really most all the Peninsula/San Francisco, remains white hot. Houses routinely take three short steps - a realtor open house, followed by a general open house, followed by bids being taken - all within a week. And usually there are multiple bids, all above asking price. At least once a month, I receive a cold call from a realtor who says they represent a buyer and wanted to see if they could talk us into selling our home.

sancarlos wrote:We're not selling, but the market in our little burg, and really most all the Peninsula/San Francisco, remains white hot. Houses routinely take three short steps - a realtor open house, followed by a general open house, followed by bids being taken - all within a week. And usually there are multiple bids, all above asking price. At least once a month, I receive a cold call from a realtor who says they represent a buyer and wanted to see if they could talk us into selling our home.

And the houses in your area twice as much as they are in mine. Giff posted his house info on Facebook and I threw up in my mouth when i saw the price. Holy fuck. The sad thing is, or at least was, that federal government employees in Houston had a higher cost of living bump in their salaries than New York City. You couldn't buy a 200 sq. ft. studio for half of what Giff is listing his house at. I never understood their algorithm for determining salary adjustments, but Houstonians fucking won that game.

His house is only a dining room and kitchen so of course its cheap!

The Craig Biggio Shrine is a huge plus in the area.

My mom finally convinced my dad to go to the doctor's to get checked out. On the outside he seems really healthy. Turns 67 this May and eats and sleeps more than I do. However he smokes and eats a ton of sugar. It's amazing he's not diabetic. And spending more time with him lately he's been very forgetful, arguing a lot and not very patient. For example, he's been doing his own taxes for years but this year he just couldn't get through it. Getting frustrated with the tax software (the same one he's used for years).

So the doctor this morning is sending him for a bunch of tests. Brain scan, blood test, lung photo etc...
Doctors says symptoms show possibility of Dementia or Alzheimers. Hope they find nothing or hope they find something before it's too late.

The Sybian wrote:

sancarlos wrote: And the houses in your area twice as much as they are in mine. Giff posted his house info on Facebook and I threw up in my mouth when i saw the price. Holy fuck. The sad thing is, or at least was, that federal government employees in Houston had a higher cost of living bump in their salaries than New York City. You couldn't buy a 200 sq. ft. studio for half of what Giff is listing his house at. I never understood their algorithm for determining salary adjustments, but Houstonians fucking won that game.

Yeah, but we have to live in Houston.

degenerasian wrote:So the doctor this morning is sending him for a bunch of tests. Brain scan, blood test, lung photo etc...
Doctors says symptoms show possibility of Dementia or Alzheimers. Hope they find nothing or hope they find something before it's too late.

Damn. What's best case, Degen? Minor, recoverable stroke?

mister d wrote:

degenerasian wrote:So the doctor this morning is sending him for a bunch of tests. Brain scan, blood test, lung photo etc...
Doctors says symptoms show possibility of Dementia or Alzheimers. Hope they find nothing or hope they find something before it's too late.

Damn. What's best case, Degen? Minor, recoverable stroke?

Best case would be nothing? Wouldn't be a stroke I don't think since it's been a slow regression. Mom says he's just been deteriorating thinking-wise. Can't process what people are saying which turns into being argumentative cause he's registering "A" while the person is saying "B". Getting him to sit down and learn how to online bank or how to do a simple thing on an iPad is a chore. Doesn't want to learn anything. I'm not over at the house that often other than to watch sports with him, that part is still ok.

My mom is only 2 years younger than him and she can do everything.

You have my thoughts and prayers.

My father has been in the hospital since Christmas. It sucks.

Yeah, I hope everything works out for your pops degen.

degenerasian wrote:My mom finally convinced my dad to go to the doctor's to get checked out. On the outside he seems really healthy. Turns 67 this May and eats and sleeps more than I do. However he smokes and eats a ton of sugar. It's amazing he's not diabetic. And spending more time with him lately he's been very forgetful, arguing a lot and not very patient. For example, he's been doing his own taxes for years but this year he just couldn't get through it. Getting frustrated with the tax software (the same one he's used for years).

So the doctor this morning is sending him for a bunch of tests. Brain scan, blood test, lung photo etc...
Doctors says symptoms show possibility of Dementia or Alzheimers. Hope they find nothing or hope they find something before it's too late.

Thinking good thoughts.

You know that old axiom that you only get 2/3 of price, quality, and speed? The corollary for a bunch of bananas would be ripeness, length, and quantity. There's always a compromise.

P.D.X. wrote:You know that old axiom that you only get 2/3 of price, quality, and speed? The corollary for a bunch of bananas would be ripeness, length, and quantity. There's always a compromise.

I've struggled with length for some time.

BSF21 wrote:

P.D.X. wrote:You know that old axiom that you only get 2/3 of price, quality, and speed? The corollary for a bunch of bananas would be ripeness, length, and quantity. There's always a compromise.

I've struggled with length for some time.