I AM Back, Finally Sold My Old Home, In New 55+ Community, What I learned, Was It Worth it?

[Panina]

I am back, I haven’t been on TUG much lately due to moving.

Monday we finally moved into our new home in a 55+ community and yesterday we closed on our old home.


My last move was around 8 years ago. I must say for those of you consider doing a move later in years to consider doing it sooner then later.


I have moved many times and it never fazed me. At age 59, I felt young but moving this time made me feel old. It just felt overwhelming and tired me out. I am glad I am where I expect to stay unless I need assisted living.


I also learned that moving is much more expensive then it was 8 years ago. Between hiring painters, movers, cleaners, helpers, electricians, closet organizers, appliances, etc the cost is ouch.


Selling my old home was also a challenge. My first contract at full asking price fell apart because they lost the buyers of their home. I was in a situation I never was in before. I sold a few homes I owned and they all went smoothly. Being our new home closing was just 2 weeks away, we decided to reduce significantly to spur a quick sale.


It worked, a offer two days later and a four week closing which was much lower timeline then the 3 months most asked for. We could have held out and probably would have again gotten our full asking price within a few weeks but a closing date would probably be a few months out. We ended up selling to a nice couple so as much as the price reduction was an ouch it didn’t sting as much.


I also learned to have patience, realizing it will take time to get our new home to where we want it. I look at the unpacked boxes as a reminder I am where I wanted to be.


I learned being where I want to be is more important then the finishes in my home. We purchased a new quick delivery completed home from a builder so we got to choose nothing. Not one finish is what I would have picked but I now appreciate the color choices.


With so much more to do and being tired, it doesn’t matter, I am at peace. I am grateful I now live in a village and am not isolated living in a community with families that are starting out where I have little in common with them.


As tired as we were last night we went to a holiday party at the clubhouse that our street had. My other half who gave me a hard time in moving finally understood why I wanted to move. The gathering felt so right. He actually had a great time as I did.


The funny story of the night was when a group of residents asked us if we were part of the 20% that can be under 55. They though we were in our 40’s. My other half told them to dye their hair like we do and they can look 45 too. Everyone was laughing.


I can’t wait to experience all that this community offers, so much to choose from to do.


Was it worth it? Definitely!

 

[pedro47]

I am wishing you all the best as you guys transition into your new retirement community.
We are also looking into a retirement community in our area. There are just so many restrictions in the ones we have looked at and liked. Examples: All exterior improvements much be approve by the HOA, all storm doors must be the same color, white and purchased from the approved HOA contractor, no outside Christmas lights decorations on your lawn, no artificial flowers, no gardens, no dogs, no loud playing of music, no cloths lines.

 

[VacationForever]

Congratulations! What was the size of the home which you sold and how large is the current home? We downsized but then bought a whole bunch of new furniture which we didn't have before like display cabinets. I want to go simple but my husband wants nice as we may be here for another 30 years or longer.

 

[Panina]

I am wishing you all the best as you guys transition into your new retirement community.
We are also looking into a retirement community in our area. There are just so many restrictions in the ones we have looked at and liked. Examples: All exterior improvements much be approve by the HOA, all storm doors must be the same color, white and purchased from the approved HOA contractor, no outside Christmas lights decorations on your lawn, no artificial flowers, no gardens, no dogs, no loud playing of music, no cloths lines.

Thank you.

This is my experience with the many communities I saw.

All exterior improvements much be approve by the HOA- I never saw a community that didn’t have this rule.

all storm doors must be the same color, white and purchased from the approved HOA contractor - usually gives you a choice of doors and you can get from who you want

no outside Christmas lights decorations on your lawn- never saw that one, usually a date in January that they have to be removed

no artificial flower, no loud playing of music, no cloths lines- very common in most communities

no gardens, no dogs- usually a limit of 2-3 dogs, usually gardens allowed but you have to maintain

Good luck in your search. You will know when you find the right one.

 

[Panina]

Congratulations! What was the size of the home which you sold and how large is the current home? We downsized but then bought a whole bunch of new furniture which we didn't have before like display cabinets. I want to go simple but my husband wants nice as we may be here for another 30 years or longer.

Thank You.

We actually went bigger if you count the unfinished basement. Without the unfinished basement it is the same square footage used differently, 2800.

I could have definitely gone smaller but my other half wants his stuff.

 

[WinniWoman]

I am wishing you all the best as you guys transition into your new retirement community.
We are also looking into a retirement community in our area. There are just so many restrictions in the ones we have looked at and liked. Examples: All exterior improvements much be approve by the HOA, all storm doors must be the same color, white and purchased from the approved HOA contractor, no outside Christmas lights decorations on your lawn, no artificial flowers, no gardens, no dogs, no loud playing of music, no cloths lines.

Well you need to move to New Hampshire- the Live Free or Die state! The HOA we are moving into has a lot less restrictions than you mentioned. You can almost do whatever you want.

 

[Panina]

Well you need to move to New Hampshire- the Live Free or Die state! The HOA we are moving into has a lot less restrictions than you mentioned. You can almost do whatever you want.

@pedro47 then has to give up moving to a retirement community. All retirement communities I had visited had some restrictions.

 

[WinniWoman]

I am so happy for you! So glad it all worked out! I agree with everything you said as we are in our 60's and our first move to this temporary rental almost killed us and I think the permanent move could do us in altogether before we even have a chance to enjoy our new house! I so dread it is ain't even funny but I just want to get up there already!

I was almost crying hearing about your XMAS party. Tonight was the one at the community we are moving to and we are sitting here like lumps in limbo land in our pj's. I read about things going on there on the community Facebook page and it is so depressing not being able to partake in any of it. Sometimes we feel like we are just waiting here to die, aging away, no life going on.

Anyway- that is so funny how the people there think you guys are younger! LOL! Hilarious! I am the opposite- look older because I don't die my hair and it seems most in the community we are moving to do. Even my wig is silver, Ha! Ha!

You did a great job plowing through your former home sale and buying the new one. How it all went down is how it was meant to be. And the outcome was your dream and it's done. And you did a great job with divesting of some of your timeshares as well! We are going to do that with our Smuggs one for 2021- at least that's the plan right now.

Interesting what you said about the house itself and the finishes and so forth. This is what I said about the house we are buying as well- though new- it will not be anywhere near as nice as the house we used to own. But at this stage of life I don't care. And that is saying a lot for an OCD, home loving person like me.

We bought this home for the location and the type of community it is, as well as the much smaller size for when we get older. Like you said- we intend to be there until we die or need assisted living or a nursing home or whatever. We spent most of our lives working on our homes every spare minute we had, and we will do a lot of that again also- but not as much this time as we want a new life. We have shed our jobs and now it is time for some real retirement living.

I don't care if our bathrooms are not tiled or have curtains instead of a shower door, or if we don't have a kitchen island or the best furniture. I just want the house to be decent and in good condition. As we live out of state and most likely will be moving in the winter we cannot get things done in the house before hand - like painting and sealing the garage and basement floors, etc.- and they will just have to wait. The whole house is going to be white and gray. Keeping it simple. Ok- so my furniture does not match- I don't care. It is new and I am not spending money on another set. Will use what we have as much as possible.

I am looking forward to having that feeling of peace you mentioned. Where we just flop down in the new house (hopefully not because we are dead) and sigh and say- "Phew. We made it and close our eyes and have the best sleep we have had in a long time".

You are also so right about the cost of moving overall. It is ridiculous. I feel sick thinking about the out of state cost of the moving company. It cost a lot of money just to move 25 minutes away to this rental! The rental itself is killing our household budget and to think we will probably keep having to pay for it until May! In addition to the expenses of the new house. Really kills me. And adding in the loss of hubby's paycheck and adding health insurance premiums next year, it is going to be crazy financially. So we feel so stifled right now as well.

With this whole experience I really can understand why most older people do not move out of their homes in retirement. But we, as you did, have to move.

Congratulations again and may you have many wonderful times ahead in your new home and community!

 

[WinniWoman]

@pedro47 then has to give up moving to a retirement community. All retirement communities I had visited had some restrictions.

The one we are moving to- they have some, of course. But they are very lenient. For example, a couple that just recently moved in put up a storm door. They did not ask the HOA- they just did it. No one else has one up. Others put in patios and fire pits. There are tons of dog owners.

They do require you pick from certain colors for the siding of the homes and have uniform garage doors and so forth. They have rules for the clubhouse and pool usage. Things like that.

But they are not gestapo.

 

[VacationForever]

Not all HOAs operate the same. Before we left on vacation, we put out battery-operated lighted Christmas wreaths on the railing on our balcony which is visible from a mile away. We have HOA rules but then there is architecture deviation paperwork we can submit if we want something done and it is almost always approved. We left our Christmas wreath on our door last year and did not replace it until late Spring with a Spring wreath. My neighbor said she cringed and she was finally relieved when she saw the change. LOL. We put up a new Christmas wreath this year before we left on vacation too.

 

[bnoble]

Re: house prices. I'm in the camp that offers a little more than I think I need to if there's a house I really want. I've done it twice now, and we got the deal both times---both during hot real estate markets when most homes are in bidding wars. Conversely, I priced the house we sold near the lower end of the range in order to get a quick offer with few contingencies. Do I miss out on a few thousand dollars here and there? Yep, I sure do. But, in exchange I get the living situation I want with relatively little agita.

Relatedly: my wife and I have been separated for a bit more than two years now. At the beginning we were not sure how long it would last, so I moved into a very modest apartment and did not go beyond the basics in furnishing it. In the process, I've learned that I really didn't need about 80% of the stuff I had in my house, keeping hold of because I might need it someday, or I thought I wanted it but really didn't need it, or something like that. I also didn't need nearly as much house as I thought I did. If we are still apart when the lease comes due this summer, I may move to a slightly nicer space, but it won't look anything like what I might have imagined three years ago.

 

[clifffaith]

Glad you are all moved in and were able to meet your new neighbor's at a holiday party. I let my hair go gray in anticipation of being one of the youngest at the CCRC we'll be moving to, and not wanting to stand out too much. Strange that your new community doesn't allow dogs in free standing homes; as long as they are small to medium dogs our pending apartment community allows them (as well as allowing your large friendly dog to move in as long as it isn't replaced when it dies). And no blow up Grinch on your front lawn seems harsh!

 

[clifffaith]

Not all HOAs operate the same. Before we left on vacation, we put out battery-operated lighted Christmas wreaths on the railing on our balcony which is visible from a mile away. We have HOA rules but then there is architecture deviation paperwork we can submit if we want something done and it is almost always approved. We left our Christmas wreath on our door last year and did not replace it until late Spring with a Spring wreath. My neighbor said she cringed and she was finall relieved when she saw the change. LOL. We put up a new Christmas wreath this year before we left on vacation too.

We always smile and shake our heads when driving in the Seattle area -- people don't seem to remove their Christmas lights at the end of the season. House after house with (we assume unlit) strings of lights still on their eaves in the middle of summer. We figured the damp weather just made it easier to leave the lights in place once they were installed.

 

[Panina]

I am so happy for you! So glad it all worked out! I agree with everything you said as we are in our 60's and our first move to this temporary rental almost killed us and I think the permanent move could do us in altogether before we even have a chance to enjoy our new house! I so dread it is ain't even funny but I just want to get up there already!

I was almost crying hearing about your XMAS party. Tonight was the one at the community we are moving to and we are sitting here like lumps in limbo land in our pj's. I read about things going on there on the community Facebook page and it is so depressing not being able to partake in any of it. Sometimes we feel like we are just waiting here to die, aging away, no life going on.

Anyway- that is so funny how the people there think you guys are younger! LOL! Hilarious! I am the opposite- look older because I don't die my hair and it seems most in the community we are moving to do. Even my wig is silver, Ha! Ha!

You did a great job plowing through your former home sale and buying the new one. How it all went down is how it was meant to be. And the outcome was your dream and it's done. And you did a great job with divesting of some of your timeshares as well! We are going to do that with our Smuggs one for 2021- at least that's the plan right now.

Interesting what you said about the house itself and the finishes and so forth. This is what I said about the house we are buying as well- though new- it will not be anywhere near as nice as the house we used to own. But at this stage of life I don't care. And that is saying a lot for an OCD, home loving person like me.

We bought this home for the location and the type of community it is, as well as the much smaller size for when we get older. Like you said- we intend to be there until we die or need assisted living or a nursing home or whatever. We spent most of our lives working on our homes every spare minute we had, and we will do a lot of that again also- but not as much this time as we want a new life. We have shed our jobs and now it is time for some real retirement living.

I don't care if our bathrooms are not tiled or have curtains instead of a shower door, or if we don't have a kitchen island or the best furniture. I just want the house to be decent and in good condition. As we live out of state and most likely will be moving in the winter we cannot get things done in the house before hand - like painting and sealing the garage and basement floors, etc.- and they will just have to wait. The whole house is going to be white and gray. Keeping it simple. Ok- so my furniture does not match- I don't care. It is new and I am not spending money on another set. Will use what we have as much as possible.

I am looking forward to having that feeling of peace you mentioned. Where we just flop down in the new house (hopefully not because we are dead) and sigh and say- "Phew. We made it and close our eyes and have the best sleep we have had in a long time".

You are also so right about the cost of moving overall. It is ridiculous. I feel sick thinking about the out of state cost of the moving company. It cost a lot of money just to move 25 minutes away to this rental! The rental itself is killing our household budget and to think we will probably keep having to pay for it until May! In addition to the expenses of the new house. Really kills me. And adding in the loss of hubby's paycheck and adding health insurance premiums next year, it is going to be crazy financially. So we feel so stifled right now as well.

With this whole experience I really can understand why most older people do not move out of their homes in retirement. But we, as you did, have to move.

Congratulations again and may you have many wonderful times ahead in your new home and community!

Thank You.

Just keep remembering it is just a few more months and you will be in your new home. Yes you will be exhausted and that will pass but ultimately you will be happy.

 

[GT75]

I am back, I haven’t been on TUG much lately due to moving.

Glad to have you back. I always enjoy your input. I am happy that your absent was just temporary due to "normal" life circumstances.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

I am back, I haven’t been on TUG much lately due to moving.

Monday we finally moved into our new home in a 55+ community and yesterday we closed on our old home.


My last move was around 8 years ago. I must say for those of you consider doing a move later in years to consider doing it sooner then later.


I have moved many times and it never fazed me. At age 59, I felt young but moving this time made me feel old. It just felt overwhelming and tired me out. I am glad I am where I expect to stay unless I need assisted living.


I also learned that moving is much more expensive then it was 8 years ago. Between hiring painters, movers, cleaners, helpers, electricians, closet organizers, appliances, etc the cost is ouch.


Selling my old home was also a challenge. My first contract at full asking price fell apart because they lost the buyers of their home. I was in a situation I never was in before. I sold a few homes I owned and they all went smoothly. Being our new home closing was just 2 weeks away, we decided to reduce significantly to spur a quick sale.


It worked, a offer two days later and a four week closing which was much lower timeline then the 3 months most asked for. We could have held out and probably would have again gotten our full asking price within a few weeks but a closing date would probably be a few months out. We ended up selling to a nice couple so as much as the price reduction was an ouch it didn’t sting as much.


I also learned to have patience, realizing it will take time to get our new home to where we want it. I look at the unpacked boxes as a reminder I am where I wanted to be.


I learned being where I want to be is more important then the finishes in my home. We purchased a new quick delivery completed home from a builder so we got to choose nothing. Not one finish is what I would have picked but I now appreciate the color choices.


With so much more to do and being tired, it doesn’t matter, I am at peace. I am grateful I now live in a village and am not isolated living in a community with families that are starting out where I have little in common with them.


As tired as we were last night we went to a holiday party at the clubhouse that our street had. My other half who gave me a hard time in moving finally understood why I wanted to move. The gathering felt so right. He actually had a great time as I did.


The funny story of the night was when a group of residents asked us if we were part of the 20% that can be under 55. They though we were in our 40’s. My other half told them to dye their hair like we do and they can look 45 too. Everyone was laughing.


I can’t wait to experience all that this community offers, so much to choose from to do.


Was it worth it? Definitely!

Panina, I'm so happy for you and congrats on moving into your new place... Your post has convinced me that being in a 55+ Community is where I want to end up at...

I just want to move so badly to a community where I can make friends and get established before I'm too old.

I've been prepping our house to sell and your right everthing is an ouch. I have painted the whole house, all new landscaping, updated the kitchen with granite and on and on... The kids did a number on our house but I wanted to wait till a few of them moved out... (so far only one moved out) so I told them if they get even one scratch on the walls, they will be in more trouble than when they where little kids.



So very happy for you and I wish you lots of love and peace and your new place...

I'm so glad your back, your an awesome individual and I would hate to have you gone on a permanent basis...WELCOME BACK

 

[VacationForever]

We are not in an active 55 community but in a community where probably 99 percent of the people are older than 55 and retired. We have 2 private clubs and almost everyone belongs to one of them. We get to know lots of people through card game groups, exercise and dance groups etc. We also belong to the country club and get to know other golfers. We love where we are.

 

[WinniWoman]

Panina, I'm so happy for you and congrats on moving into your new place... Your post has convinced me that being in a 55+ Community is where I want to end up at...

I just want to move so badly to a community where I can make friends and get established before I'm too old.

I've been prepping our house to sell and your right everthing is an ouch. I have painted the whole house, all new landscaping, updated the kitchen with granite and on and on... The kids did a number on our house but I wanted to wait till a few of them moved out... (so far only one moved out) so I told them if they get even one scratch on the walls, they will be in more trouble than when they where little kids.



So very happy for you and I wish you lots of love and peace and your new place...

I'm so glad your back, your an awesome individual and I would hate to have you gone on a permanent basis...WELCOME BACK

It is interesting how so many of us want that sense of community and participation that is lacking in our lives today.

Panini’s experience gives us all hope!

PS I agree Panina is an awesome person! We need her here on TUG!

 

[Sugarcubesea]

It is interesting how so many of us want that sense of community and participation that is lacking in our lives today.

Panini’s experience gives us all hope!

PS I agree Panina is an awesome person! We need her here on TUG!

Your pretty awesome yourself.... Your right her experience does give us all hope...

 

[bogey21]

I made a lot of "iffy" decisions in my life. Twenty years ago when I retired at age 65 I made two of my best. Number One, I immediately moved into a CCRC, and Number Two, I selected the annuity option from my Pension rather than taking a lump sum. IMO peace of mind trumps it all. I am one happy camper...

George

 

[VacationForever]

I made a lot of "iffy" decisions in my life. Twenty years ago when I retired at age 65 I made two of my best. Number One, I immediately moved into a CCRC, and Number Two, I selected the annuity option from my Pension rather than taking a lump sum. IMO peace of mind trumps it all. I am one happy camper...

George

I would agree that those are 2 very good decisions. For me, I am on the fence as to whether I want to be in a CCRC if I become alone and I am basically a home body and don't enjoy being around alot of people. But I am totally on the same page as you with regards to taking the annuity option. We took about 15% of our savings/investments, i.e. my IRA, and turned them into annuities. That forms one of 4 income sources to fund our retirement. My husband's IRA will be subject to RMD which is the 2nd income source and Social Security benefits form the 3rd and 4th income sources for us. The rest of the investments will not be needed to support our retirement and will go to our estate. I sleep so much better knowing that I don't stress over how the stock market does day to day.

 

[jackio]

Congratulations, I wish you much happiness in your new home. 2 years ago we moved to a 55+ community. We each have our own small house (mine is about 1200 ft, 2 BR, 2 BA, garage and basement). We have a few rules but hardly any. No clotheslines, no loud music. You can do anything to your house and yard but if you keep it like a junk yard they will hire someone to clean up and bill you. We have an active HOA but we don't take advantage of many of the activities because we are still working. These retired people do everything ON the holiday - weekends mean nothing to them LOL. So they have the Halloween party on 10/31 and the St. Patrick's Day dinner/dance on 3/17. Tomorrow we are going to the holiday wine and cheese social. When we retire we hope to become more active. Regarding pets - the agreement says that if you have a dog or cat (or several) you can move in with them, but upon its demise, you may not get another. That sounds good on paper, but I see a lot of people walking puppies around here. I asked someone and they told me "you can't tell a senior they can't have a pet - they need pets!"
I am very happy we made the move. Our neighborhood where we lived for over 30 years was turning over to young families and I no longer felt the connection to the community like I do here.

 

[DaveNV]

Congratulations on your successful transition! Despite the challenges, it sounds like it's all going to work out well. I'm very happy for you.

I'm one who (for now) will stay in my current home on retirement. After my spouse is retired in a few years, we may opt to move somewhere else, but for now, we kind of have the best of all worlds right where we are. Not the least of which is a home on a large corner lot we bought new 16 years ago, that we've fixed up to our own standards, "correcting" some things the Builder didn't do the way we wanted them done. After house hunting in our area for the last few years, we've learned downsizing in our town is not a financially sound idea - homes much smaller than ours, on postage-stamp lots in less-than stellar neighborhoods, are selling for 25% higher prices than our current home is worth - with a corresponding higher mortgage payment. We've decided to stay in our home, until and unless something extraordinary happens. (Lottery winner, anyone?) Once spouse is retired, we can take another look at things, and decide if a warmer climate, with all that entails, is a viable option.

Dave

 

[Panina]

Glad to have you back. I always enjoy your input. I am happy that your absent was just temporary due to "normal" life circumstances.

Thank you. Glad to be back. Tug has been my community for the last few year. It filled the loneliness I experienced at times. If only I lived in a community with tuggers as my next door neighbors....just dreaming.

 

[Panina]

Panina, I'm so happy for you and congrats on moving into your new place... Your post has convinced me that being in a 55+ Community is where I want to end up at...

I just want to move so badly to a community where I can make friends and get established before I'm too old.

I've been prepping our house to sell and your right everthing is an ouch. I have painted the whole house, all new landscaping, updated the kitchen with granite and on and on... The kids did a number on our house but I wanted to wait till a few of them moved out... (so far only one moved out) so I told them if they get even one scratch on the walls, they will be in more trouble than when they where little kids.



So very happy for you and I wish you lots of love and peace and your new place...

I'm so glad your back, your an awesome individual and I would hate to have you gone on a permanent basis...WELCOME BACK

Thank you. I can understand how you feel. In time you will find what is right for you. By the way, you are awesome too.