Thread Number: 76104  /  Tag: Other Home Products or Autos
Beginning year 4 as a homeowner
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Post# 999454   7/5/2018 at 20:37 (2,092 days old) by washman (o)        

Figured I'd give an update of goings on in my abode starting with year 4.

 

For starters, I am throwing all extra $$$ to the principle of the mortgage so I can hopefully pay this off sooner than the 30 year maturity note.


By and large, doing ok here.  I can say I enjoy home ownership. I like fiddling in the yard, trimming the weeds, mowing, cursing moles, chasing rabbits out and tossing Milorganite around. The yard will be an ongoing process, I'm trying to mix rye and Tall Fescue to overseed but it has been a challenge getting the fescue to actually grow. I will see if there is a local ag agency that can test the soil so I can see what it needs. Milorganite is a safe bet, but when I look close at the soil, I can plainly see it is lacking nitrogen. It was crap dirty to begin with and I won't rip it all up and start over but rather try to build up what I have.  MIght consider a tri-axle of screen topsoil this year in the late fall to spread around. Not sure on that one yet.

 

Utility bills are manageable so far.

Starting with the gas, the highest I paid last winter was $92 and that is 100 per cent reflective of heat only, everything else here is electric. 

Electric is about 20 per cent higher than when I lived in the condo due mainly to the electric water heater.  Still, I am averaging $60/month on the average pay plan with First Energy

Water is same more or less as the condo, perhaps a tad more because I have the hose bib in the garage that gets used to wash down the mower and put a brief bit of water on dry spots on the yard.  Same water utility.

Sewer is same, $108 every 90 days. No change there.

 

Appliance use/reliablility

Washer and dryer, Speed Queen, 'nuff said. I brought them over from the condo

 

Fridge, is a contractor grade Lowes sourced Frigidaire that I simply do no like.  Yes, it keeps the food fresh but it is impossible to hit the 37/0 temp split.  It has wire shelves  and it is a noisy beast when running. Also on the defrost cycle, it gets warm enough in the freezer to make my Klondike bars get soft and gooey.  Yuk.  When it gives up the ghost, I probably won't replace it with another Frigidaire unit.

 

Range is Whirlpool and a smooth glass top. The oven is sloooow I learned to set the temp about 25 degrees higher than desired temp then wait another 5 minutes after the temp signal beeps then turn it down to desired temp. Not impressed here.  Cooktop heats up nicely, keeps a pretty decent even temp when boiling but the glass is a pain in the ass to clean. Anything that gets stuck on regardless of the chemical makeup needs the Affresh cleaner. If I don't spill anything, I can get by with plain glass cleaner, Spray-away is what I use. 

Other than that it is reliable and the cleaning feature on the oven is tops. NOthing, I mean nothing is left behind. Just plan on heating up the place about 10 degrees or so when running it.

 

Dishwasher is a contractor grade Lowes sourced Frigidaire.   This has been a pleasant surprise. While it is a noisy thing, when I use the Cascade 16X pods, it cleans very well indeed.  The filter is self cleaning but has a removable glass trap.  Drying on the other hand is abysmal at best, even with jet Dry.  I learned to run it at night and let it sit all night and by the AM, most of the stuff will be dry.  No functionality problems here either. I probably won't invest 10 cents to fix anything when it breaks and if it manages to hold up for 5 or more years, I may well replace it with a similar model from Frigidaire.


Goodman furnace.  No problems here. It simply does the job and not once did I feel it was undersized or working too hard to keep me warm this winter.  I kept it on 68-69 during the day and 63 at night.  It is 96 per cent efficient but I shudder to think at the cost of replacing any of the innards when they go bad.  Until then I will enjoy the warmth it gives.  The HVAC contractor installed the Aprilaire 413 filter rack; they are indeed expensive but since I have banished my tobaccuh habit to the garage, they last a LOT longer than when I puffed away inside.


Goodman 2 ton 13 SEER outdoor unit. No issues here either. I was expecting the start/run cap to give up the ghost as that is a weakness in units these days as they are sourced from China.  But the compressor or fan does not labor on startup, even on the hottest days. I had a chap come over and put gauges on it to make sure all was copasetic and the suprheat and subcool were spot on.  No issues with the Broad Ocean sourced fan motor, those are easy to replace. I did look up my model on line and surprisingly, it has sealed ball bearings. It has no bells or whistles, it does not communicate with anything except the f8n thermostat. No bluetooth or any other stuff.  Pretty straightforward. It runs a fixed .057 flowrator device in lieu of a TXV. When it kicks on, it has to displace the hot air from the attic area but within 3-4 minutes, give or take, cool dry air flows out.

 

Next is the water heater, a union made Bradford White. No issues here either and I drain it each fall

It is a 50 gal unit ( I have 2 full bathrooms) and so far, I have not run out of hot water no matter what I do laundry or bathing wise.  No drama here.

 

The plumbing fixtures are a mix of Delta, Price Pfister, and Peerless in that order in the master bath, kitchen, and 2nd bathroom. No problems here but the hot handle in the 2nd bath squeaks when I turn it off. No biggie, it doesn't leak so it does not bother me.

 

The Nutone fans are a five star joke.  While rated at 100 CFM I think it is more like 50 CFM. And they are both noisy as hell.  The model is 8663RP, sourced from Home Depot.  In my first year here, I had one crap out. An email to Nutone and voila, a replacement was on the way.  And they told me toss the old power unit as they did not want it back. I cannot run plain jane Edison bulbs in there, even a 60W as they get so effing hot, they pop. So I had to resort to the CFL route, at least those don't blow up from the heat like the others did.  I would not recommend this model to anyone unless they like noise.

 

Carpet in the bedrooms is holding up but suffice it to say in my bedroom, it is already showing signs of compaction and it is getting harder and harder to restore the nap when I vac the place.


The Simonton windows are holding up nicely; the fiberglass screens otoh are not doing so well. Apparently a sparrow can fly into one and break it which is exactly what happened one fine spring day. Thankfully we have a new ACE store that does screen repair and I will be down there soon and have it replaced with friggin aluminum for crying out loud.


Finally the Project Source toilets well.......................ahem, if you do #1 they work. If you do #2, plan on 2-3 flushes to remove the skid marks.  Otherwise you'll notice the odor very quickly.  Just goes to show that 1.28 gallons simply is not enough to send a US size duke down the drain.  And forget about using Charmin duke paper.  While it is soft and squeezable, it does not dissolve quickly enough. In fact, it tends to bunch up in a compact ball when flushed and it seems to want to fight the duke for who gets down the trap first.  Often Korky the plunger is called to duty. Those are great plungers by the way.  Unfortunately, he sees more use than I think he should.  So when these porcelain abominations crap out (pardon the pun) I am getting something else. Even if I have to go black market and find a water guzzler!

 

No drain or plumbing or electrical problems other than my first year here we had a nasty power surge that baked 3 of my AFCI breakers that I had to replace to the tune of $38 a piece!  Other than that, nothing.  The breaker panel is a copper bus Siemens/Murray and I have lots of empty spaces if I need to add more breakers.


Finally one carp is the tamper resistant outlets. Run a 2 prong electrical device no issues, try a 3 pronger and good luck trying to get that bastard plug to go into the outlet. I got so pissed off I yanked one that was in the garage and ran to HD and got a US made run of the mill Leviton unit so I could plug my bench grinder in without having to resort to war.  I don't know if it is code here or not, but screw it, when they conk out or I get jacked at one for refusing to take a 3 prong plug, I'll replace the SOB with a plain jane unit.  I'd like to think after 5 decades of living on this rock I know better than to my finger or metal objects in there.......................yeesh.





Post# 999462 , Reply# 1   7/5/2018 at 21:10 (2,092 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        
Two Things

rp2813's profile picture

Not all low flow toilets are created equal.  We had an American Standard chair height "Clean Cadet" elongated model for several years at our old house.   Even with a 1.28 GPF rating, it never clogged once.  It got even better when the original Fluidmaster flapper developed blisters and started to leak.  I couldn't find the FM replacement, so went with an adjustable Korky.  Much better (aka longer) flushing action and no need to hold the lever down -- ever.

 

The new house had a couple of round bowl toilets that were fairly new, but weren't chair height.  I replaced both with elongated AS Clean Cadets and bought Korky flappers for both.  Same flush action as the one at the old place.  They'll take anything you can drop into them and do it with a single flush -- no lever holding required.

 

I discovered the weird outlet issue here at the new place.  The plumber needed to unplug the irrigation timer in order to use a power tool and he couldn't get the timer to plug back in when he was done.  I gave it a quick try and had no luck.  I came back to it later and found that if you come in at a steep angle with the twin prongs and then swing it downward, the third prong will go right in along with the other two.  Still a dumb design, though.


Post# 999479 , Reply# 2   7/6/2018 at 06:59 (2,092 days old) by retro-man (- boston,ma)        

Yes those funky outlets. I have all new power outlets in the condo kitchen and was having the same problems trying to plug something in. My solution was to plug in a triple socket grounded adaptor. No more problems plugging things in. Just leave the adapter in place all the time.

Jon


Post# 999497 , Reply# 3   7/6/2018 at 10:39 (2,091 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
Why are you using an electric water heater if you have gas for the furnace? if I read that right.


Post# 999500 , Reply# 4   7/6/2018 at 10:56 (2,091 days old) by washman (o)        

Why are you using an electric water heater if you have gas for the furnace? if I read that right.

 

because that is what the contractor installed when the house was constructecd


Post# 999520 , Reply# 5   7/6/2018 at 14:02 (2,091 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
Gotcha.

Anyways,, good plan on paying down to mortage. Thats what we did. Of course it was a bit easier with two incomes. We went with biweekly payments to speed it along.


Post# 999543 , Reply# 6   7/6/2018 at 16:48 (2,091 days old) by twintubdexter (Palm Springs)        

twintubdexter's profile picture

I have to say that the opening for this thread is very impressive. It would take me an entire day to type something that long and that's using 2 fingers and both thumbs.

 

Moving into your own home is very exciting when you're young (meaning not real old), and accelerating the payment schedule makes good sense for those that can afford to do it. But I will say this, that even when you are old like me and are able to pay cash for your next home it seems you never really "own" it...it continues to own you. I live in an area full of braggers that love to grand stand about their worth, their homes being the major share of their fortune. They don't seem to realize that unless they sell it or re-mortgage it (which is a loan that has to be repaid) their house is actually a liability. They're expensive things to keep. 


Post# 999552 , Reply# 7   7/6/2018 at 18:29 (2,091 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        
Ben

ea56's profile picture
I’m so happy to hear that you are paying extra on the principal every month. If we hadn’t the foresight to do this and pay our home off early, we wouldn’t even be able to live in our home county anymore. It would take the majority of our net income just for housing. You were very smart to buy when you did. This home will be your financial security when you are finally able to retire.

And I agree with Ralph about the Korky Flush valves, they are really very good. I replaced ours with these valves about 2 years ago. We have 1.6 gal Mansfiled toilets that the city water dept installed for free about 6 years ago, to replace the original 30 year old 3.5 gal toilets. They are excellent! Much better than the old 3.5 gal ones. They never clog, flush the first time, everytime, we are very pleased with them.

One thing about owning your own home, there is always something that needs to be done, but at least your labor is for your own home. To me there is a alot of satisfaction in maintaining our own home. I’ve enjoyed doing all the DYI plumbing and electrical work. Over the 24 years here I’ve replaced all the sinks, faucets and light fixtures myself. We’ve done all the painting ourselves too. The only work we hired out was to replace the water heater about 8 years ago and the carpets, bathrooms and kitchen flooring 5 years ago.

Eddie


Post# 999779 , Reply# 8   7/9/2018 at 08:12 (2,089 days old) by washman (o)        
Thanks all for the encouragement

Eddie I agree on the Korky flush valves, I have found them to be very nicely made and durable.

 

So far both commodes are working so I have no plans to replace them until I have issues.

 

I try to balance putting money in savings and paying down principle. Some months when car insurance is due, it is a stretch but otherwise I just try to live within my income.

 

Next project(s) is concrete driveway and I will have to dig out some left over asphalt in back from the prior owner who had a driveway all the way through the property.  That will take some doin'.

 

And as always the yard is an on going affair.


Post# 999883 , Reply# 9   7/10/2018 at 02:31 (2,088 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

Look into having the yard work done by a contractor--I started doing this and its SAVING me money-I don't have to put the money into buying equipment and its maintenance.Only yard equipment I have is a rechargeable cordless electric mower to do the backyard.The gate isn't wide enough for my contractors ZTR mower.Takes me less than half hour to mow the back.And the contractor can haul away debris that I don't want to deal with-and esp the poison ivy.I no longer have the rider mower and have to deal with its maintenance-almost like a second car!And sometimes the contractor will let me drive his Bad Boy mower!Cheaper than buying one for myself.

Post# 999892 , Reply# 10   7/10/2018 at 07:03 (2,088 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        
Regarding 'Charmin' toilet paper...

My parents, on a septic tank, experienced problems with 'Charmin' not breaking up properly too.

Several years ago 'Charmin' (with the bear) in the UK, was rebranded as 'Cushelle' (with the koala). Same stuff, different name.


Post# 999906 , Reply# 11   7/10/2018 at 09:10 (2,087 days old) by washman (o)        
For now I like mowing

It makes me feel like a true homeowner.  Something to be said about being out, grass flying, dodging bees, chopping up thatch etc.

 

Also it keeps me active which I need right now to help with the anxiety and depression. 

 

I know a mower can be a pain, trust me, I've been mowing since 1973 and my family has had all kinds of mowers, mostly MTD junk but we did strike gold with the Ariens YT130G that was the bomb when it came to smooth mowing and performance.

 

Now perhaps in a few years I might tire of it but for now, I rather enjoy the mowing.  You just cannot beat the smell of fresh cut grass.


Post# 999916 , Reply# 12   7/10/2018 at 12:24 (2,087 days old) by good-shepherd (New Jersey)        
you never really "own" it.

Try home "ownership" in New Jersey.

You can pay off the mortgage but you can never pay off the property taxes, thats forever and they keep going up.

Moreover,, fall into arrears on the property taxes and you'll soon enough find out who the real owner is: The Government.

They'll sell the house out from under you with a tax lien and the sheriffs deputies will happily kick your ass into the street.


Post# 999923 , Reply# 13   7/10/2018 at 14:42 (2,087 days old) by washman (o)        
true

but same thing happens when you rent. When said slumlord sees taxes go up, your rent goes up also. Been there, done that, I rented for 15 years, same landlord, and rent went up every year yet I had nothing to show for it.


Post# 999927 , Reply# 14   7/10/2018 at 16:03 (2,087 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Owning a your home outright, even with the expense of property taxes is cheaper than paying rent year in and year out. And instead of a handful of useless rent receipts, you have money in the bank with your EQUITY in the property. The only one that makes out in the end from a rental property is the landlord.

Eddie


Post# 999934 , Reply# 15   7/10/2018 at 17:06 (2,087 days old) by washman (o)        
PeeAy

has some of the most absorb property taxes from I have been told. But I count my blessings because in Allegheny cty, a reassessment was done a few years ago and it almost caused a revolution.

 

I have to outlays via escrow.  First is my city tax in April of $635.  Then in late July or early August, we have the school tax, I think it was around $1500 give or take

For sake of discussion say property was paid off, it would cost me 2 grand a year (plus insurance) to live well add utilities but at least like eddie said I have increasing equity.


Besides, I have to have a place for my Speed Queens. And where else can I live and have a mixture of union and non union appliances? Along with TR outlets?


Post# 999948 , Reply# 16   7/10/2018 at 18:59 (2,087 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture

Absorb property taxes?  I'm guessing you meant absurd?

My latest property tax payment was $5,079.  There are eight taxing jurisdictions, and I'm not in the city.


Post# 999950 , Reply# 17   7/10/2018 at 19:39 (2,087 days old) by good-shepherd (New Jersey)        
Owning a home outright-

"even with the expense of property taxes is cheaper than paying rent year in and year out. And instead of a handful of useless rent receipts, you have money in the bank with your EQUITY in the property. The only one that makes out in the end from a rental property is the landlord. ".


Ah, but with sky high property taxes one is ultimately renting the house from the state. To make matters worse, you're on the hook for all maintenance, expenses and the occasional housing market crash.

Yes, there could be equity in the property but when you factor in the true costs over the years it's a break even proposition in most cases.

Not knocking home ownership BTW, just commenting on the current state of affairs in high property tax states like N.J.


Post# 999953 , Reply# 18   7/10/2018 at 19:57 (2,087 days old) by washman (o)        

Yes Glenn I meant absurd. 

 

Compared to other locales,  I am fortunate tax-wise.


Post# 999955 , Reply# 19   7/10/2018 at 20:28 (2,087 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        

wayupnorth's profile picture
I have a gorgeous view of the sunset every night its not cloudy and stormy. My property tax bill is twice what it would be in Bangor, the nearest city for the same valuation and I get squat for services and my road is dirt, so I get a view tax. But I own everything free and clear. I did pay my mortgage down so when I retired I have the title. But after 23 years its just getting too much for me to handle alone and I cant hire anyone to help me do the stuff I used to do after 2 broken ankles, 2 rotator cuff surgeries and a double hernia all because I tried to do everything myself.

  View Full Size


This post was last edited 07/10/2018 at 21:56
Post# 999971 , Reply# 20   7/11/2018 at 00:20 (2,087 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

The last recession we had-the home values went DOWN in my area-EVERYONES home values went down by 35-40%so-----NO MORE EQUITY!!!In this instance renting a house looks more attractive than buying it-and if the water heater dies or the HVAC blows out-the landlord has to fix it!!NOT you!
I like mowing,too but the cost of mowers is getting so high its just cheaper to smell the grass from the contractors mower-and if he lets me drive it-than the satisfaction is there.Sometimes he does.His Bad Boy ZTR mower is like 12 grand--no way could I buy a mower that expensive.Its for someone that mows for a living.The thing is as comfortable as your car.when I enquire about Hustler mowers at Lowes-its like they don't want to sell it to you!!There is one that has been there for two years-special order that a customer didn't buy.You would think they would be anxious to sell it.So-I continue to have the contracxtor do the lawn and yard chores-the only yard chore I like is mowing--the other gladly pay to have them done!!Esp now when its blistering hot!I do have to mow my back yard so I get mowing stifaction from that-the contrac tors Bad Boy mower won't fit thru the yard gate.


Post# 999975 , Reply# 21   7/11/2018 at 02:41 (2,087 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture

“The last recession we had-the home values went DOWN in my area-EVERYONES home values went down by 35-40%so-----NO MORE EQUITY!!!”

If you own your house outright, that means you don’t owe on a mortgage. Therefore, regardless whether or not if the property values drop due to economic downturn, you still have equity, albeit less. It is an asset that can be liquidated for whatever it is is currently worth. For those that used their home like a bank, and kept refinancing and pulling out the equity and spending it, the last downturn was disastrous. I would agree, these people would have been better off renting.

In California, the longer you own your home, due to Prop 13, your property valuation for tax purposes remains somewhat stable. By law, your assessed valuation can only be increased no more than 1% per year. Therefore, since we have owned our home for 24 years, we pay much less property tax than someone who may have purchased more recently at a higher price than we paid in 1994.

Between our property tax and HOA dues we pay approx. $600.00 per mo. for a home that would rent for $2500.00 per mo. So even if we have to replace a water heater or heating system once in a while, we are still spending way less on housing than if we were renting. And our HOA dues cover the exterior maintenance, landscaping, insurance, water and garbage.

If we hadn’t bought a home when we did, and paid it off, we couldn’t afford to live where we’ve both lived all our lives. And David’s ancestors came here from Italy during the Gold Rush in 1849, and were dairy ranchers. His family has a long history here. So, in my mind, being a homeowner has been one of the best decisions we ever made in our lives. But, homeownership isn’t for everyone. It requires commitment and financial discipline.

I sure would hate to be holding 24 yrs. worth of rent receipts instead of a paid for mortgage and a deed of trust on our home.

Eddie


Post# 999985 , Reply# 22   7/11/2018 at 06:57 (2,087 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

Most of the people I know are still paying for their homes-so in these case-just that no more equity-I don't want to go through this again!Next will be a rental-really don't want to own the place.In my area the rents are LOWER than the mortgage I currently pay.I would also like the idea of moving without having the hassles of selling.I was REALLY better off renting-and I could truly ENJOY the place without being a slave to it-like the HVAC dying or the water heater blowing up and YOU have to take care of it.Home Moanership as a neighbor called it.He moved back to a rental house.

Post# 999986 , Reply# 23   7/11/2018 at 07:29 (2,087 days old) by dermacie (my forever home (Glenshaw, PA))        

dermacie's profile picture
Eddie my home is very similar although it never lost tremendous value during the last recession. It is also paid off and it costs my around 600 a month to live here. Apartments are much more expensive and I am glad to have made the choice to own it.

Post# 999997 , Reply# 24   7/11/2018 at 08:38 (2,087 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
Real estate values, etc.

During the recession, most areas declined, while some which don't have significant inflated values otherwise saw little decline in values. Indianapolis, much of Ohio, Pittsburgh, etc. These are also areas of modest taxes.
Thats not to say some areas within these locales don't have exclusive and pricey neighborhoods.
The one that gets me is Minneapolis. It's expensive, and I don't get why. It's cold, and if you don't enjoy winter out door activities, except for 3 months per year on a lake, why?
As for builders grade appliances, if you don't pay them for upgrades which they mark up for profit from what they pay even on low end ones, you may as well take what is standard, and upgrade when those wear out, or you can afford to sell them.


Post# 999999 , Reply# 25   7/11/2018 at 09:09 (2,086 days old) by good-shepherd (New Jersey)        
If we hadn’t bought a home when we did, and paid it off

That's the catch. If you bought in a few decades ago or happened to catch the bottom in between market crashes you may do okay in real estate. If not, one can get wiped out in the boom/bust cycles.

I know a couple of people who got caught at the wrong end of the last real estate bubble and it cost them big time. One sold out and will probably never be able afford a home again. The others took heavy losses and moved on.

On the other hand. a friend of mine bought in at the last bottom in 2013, paid $215,000 for a small house another young couple had foolishly bought for $464,000 6 years earlier. She'll do okay, although her property are steep at $9000 a yr.

Again winners and losers.


Post# 1000002 , Reply# 26   7/11/2018 at 10:00 (2,086 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
When we bought our home in 94’ we paid $120,000. At the bottom of the market 6 years ago our next door neighbor bought his unit for $108,000! Now that was disappointing to say the least. But we had always paid extra towards the principal, so at that time we owned the home free and clear, and weren’t underwater. Six months ago, the last unit that sold in our HOA went for $403,000, so we haven’t done so bad.

The secret is don’t borrow on the equity by refinancing every time the property values go up. That is a losing gamble almost every time. And as far as I’m concerned those people got just what they deserved. It is this kind of irresponsibility that causes real estate prices to skyrocket and makes the market unstable. Because when these people have their own finanical downturns, ie: job loss, serious illness, ect., they can’t make the paymts. and the homes go into foreclosure.

This incessant “flipping” to turn a quick profit is a lot of what has caused home ownership to be out of reach for the average person. This began here in California as I recall around the mid 70’s, and mortgages had interest rates of up to 22%! That and using your home like a piggy bank. Remember, what goes up. must come down.

Eddie


Post# 1000010 , Reply# 27   7/11/2018 at 12:07 (2,086 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
Ineterst rates;

If I recall correctly, peaked at about 12.5% in the midwest in about 1981.
1982 brought a recession.
People were ballooning jumbo mortgages to buy huge houses with hopes of selling within 5 years and making profit.
The cash balloon payment was usually due within 3 years of inception.
It was a gamble. Timing the market was crucial.
Once interest rates settled to about 10.25% in 1988, the market recovered.
Most still had good paying jobs to afford a starter home. I was one of those.
We were paying $580 pr month in rent. With 20% down on a fixed 10.25% 30 year, our payment including taxes was $636.00. We did the cosmetic renovations, refinanced 2 years later at about 8.25% for 15 years. Within 5 years, appreciation was $12,000.00 That was also the equivalent of my share of equity when my ex bought me out. I would have only been age 47 when it was paid off otherwise.
Still did ok. Found a better spouse, bought a bigger house, and we paid this place off in 23 years. Age 56 still not bad to have free and clear ownership.
Almost as well as my folks did. We are thankful to be the tail end of the former middle class as it was.
Many will never achieve, regardless of how hard they work. Rich get richer, poor seem to be getting poorer.
It was Ronald Reagan who proposed and passed reverse mortgages. Why the need?
Although, they can be beneficial to some seniors. Had my folks had to do it, one of my siblings would currently be in a compromised living situation.
There is almost always one, especially from larger families today. Recession, paired with high unemployment, and or divorces. Often, job situations stress a marriage.
I find it all rather disgusting. My folks taught us family is most important, and that it doesn't matter the kind of family, only that there is Love in the home.


Post# 1000013 , Reply# 28   7/11/2018 at 13:10 (2,086 days old) by good-shepherd (New Jersey)        
incessant “flipping”

"Flipping" is back with a vengeance in my area.

Many older, small (or not so small) houses that go on the market get demolished and/or renovated, often to 4000 sf+, if the property allows.

Then back on the market for big $$ and hefty increase in the property tax assessment.


Post# 1000023 , Reply# 29   7/11/2018 at 15:40 (2,086 days old) by twintubdexter (Palm Springs)        
Glen (DADoES)...

twintubdexter's profile picture

Looks like our annual property taxes are about identical for very different areas of the Country. I guess we all dislike taxes of any kind. About 5 years ago my taxes took an unexpected hike. I did a survey on my neighbors' tax bills (readily available online) and petitioned Riverside County to lower them which surprisingly they did. I live in an area where a home's value currently increases by about 30% a year. Does that mean that my bank account does the same? Silly rabbit, of course not. But the ever-increasing property tax puts a dent in it for sure. 

 

I take some comfort knowing my 2 good friends who live in a very nice gated community less than 1 mile away, Sterling Estates, own a fairly new 5,500 sq ft, 5 bedroom, 6 bath with maid's quarters home and pay well over $20,000 in property taxes per year. Their HOA fees are astronomical too. All that space for 2 people who sleep in the same bedroom is totally foreign to me. The 4 big central air conditioners are just  another story.

 

I'll keep my cracker box thank you very much...

 


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Post# 1000092 , Reply# 30   7/12/2018 at 09:19 (2,085 days old) by washman (o)        
Joe brings up a good point

here.

 

I've known several folks over the years that are "house rich, cash poor".  Or "stuff rich, cash poor".  Once they get done paying on a massive home, new cars, the super duper off the chart cell phone bill, the cable and/or satellite, et cetera, they can't even afford a papa johns pizza.

 

 


Post# 1000101 , Reply# 31   7/12/2018 at 11:03 (2,085 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
That's a gorgeous space!

If I need to ask the value, I can't afford it. Nor,also do I want it either.
Nice for them, not for us. I too like my cracker jack box.
However, many can afford the mansion, and they don't eat much pizza. Probaly Pappa John also. He just retired.
I'll have clams casino, oysters Rockefeller, lobster, Brazilian turf, escargot, etc. on a special occasion same as anyone else can. Just not on a yaght, or at our Mediteranian or lake Como villa.


Post# 1000119 , Reply# 32   7/12/2018 at 16:04 (2,085 days old) by washman (o)        
FWIW

I never order papa johns unless there is a coupon or something.

 

Like in years past, if and IF the Pirates win, we can order online and use BUCSWIN50 and get 50 per cent off pizza. that in my mind is the only affordable way to order his crap.  Pay full price for a large, hell, I can go to my local watering hole and get a friggin steak, real spuds, and some frost libations for the same price.

And I can exercise my 2nd class citizen rights there as well!



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