Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Introduce Yourself! -> For those of you waiting for your house to sell...
Post Info TOPIC: For those of you waiting for your house to sell...
jdkblue


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 27
Date:
For those of you waiting for your house to sell...
Permalink  

 

How is everyone else coping while they are waiting for their house to sell?

For those of you who have gone through the process of waiting for your house to sell to become fulltimers how did you do it?

I ask this because we are just crawling out of our skin.  While our house is sitting empty back in Northwestern Iowa, we temporarily moved out to Hood River, OR in late November so that I could take a 6 month job to pay the bills.  We had to move so quickly that we didn’t have time to prepare our place to rent out so we’re still paying for the electricity and gas. My work contract is ending soon so we’ll be going back at the end of May, hopefully for good reasons.  I think that our broker has maybe shown our place a handful of times. Heck once we made the decision to become fulltime RVers we had all our possessions sold within the next week over a few garage sales which was a huge task.  Everything else that we’ve decided to keep is sitting in a 6’ x 12’ storage shed and what we have with us is a minimal amount of things.  We've researched fifth wheels and walked through quite a few of them so I think we've picked out what we would like. We’ve researched mail forwarding services and picked out what’s going to be our home base. It’s like we’ve hurried up and did all this preparing and now it's just a waiting game.  I know we must sound very impatient, we are.  If you’ve read all the way through this thanks for putting up with my ranting and raving.



-- Edited by jdkblue on Wednesday 15th of April 2009 06:23:24 PM

__________________
1964 MCI Challenger 35' Diesel Bus Conversion
Judy


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 770
Date:
Permalink  

I have indeed read all through your post.
What you must do is consider very strongly the way things are, as of now, with the economy, which I am sure you are tired of hearing about. I do think you have jumped into things to fast before the final sale of your home. Try to hang in there, and right now I wish I had my home back! We have been 3 yrs on the road full-timing and I have many reasons for a stickn brick again. 
southwestjudy  



-- Edited by Judy on Wednesday 15th of April 2009 06:41:54 PM

__________________
Judy & Bob & 2blackdogs
www.mytripjournal.com/elitesuitestravels
NorCal Dan


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1192
Date:
Permalink  

I would agree with Judy, the housing market just isn't moving anything...the lenders are nervous about making loans. Most of the deals I have heard about were cash deals that did not involve a bank. But one realtor I know has seen some improvement in the market in the past month, so hopefully things are headed in the right direction. Hopefully you will get an offer on your house soon so you can get on with your dreams of full-timing.

__________________

2018 Thor Windsport 35M -- 2018 Camry Toad

-- USAF Retired -- Full-timing since December 2007 - Part-Timing since July 2011
VisitedStatesMap.jpg
http://http://travelingrvwx.com/
foxriverguy


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 214
Date:
Permalink  

I can't answer your question right now.  Our house goes on the market in two weeks.
Houses that sell in our area fall into two categories:

1)  Bank owned

2)  Homes in tip-top condition that show good care and are priced right.

We believe we are in category 2.

__________________
George & Sandy Stoltz
With Trixie - the PBGV
2000 Foretravel U320 with one slide
2007 Honda CR-V

Full-time since September, 2009
http://sangeo-travels.blogspot.com/
Workinrvers


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 519
Date:
Permalink  

We put our house on the market the last week of December and we got a contract on it in March. We had to budge some on the price but nothing lower than we anticipated when we first met with our realtor. Hang in there and the right buyer will come along. We did bury a statue of St. Joseph, not sure if you're in to that sort of thing or not but we figured we needed all the help we could get. Thhis story explains it: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/real-estate/20040831a1.asp

Houses around here (central Indiana) are moving, albeit slowly. I have seen several sold signs on houses listed around the same time we listed ours. Good luck with the sale and the transition.



__________________

Phil and Rudee
http://workinrvers.blogspot.com
2002 Winnebago Journey DL
2007 Dodge Dakota
2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited
Rob_Fla


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 357
Date:
Permalink  

We are in the same boat as the rest of you guys. Our house has been on the market since September. We have had no activity until recently. We have had more activity in the last month than we have had in the 6 months.
Just hand in there, the right buyer will come along it just takes time.
Homes around here are starting to move but still pretty slow.

Robert and Debra

__________________

Robert & Sheryl

2014 Redwood 38FL MorRyde IS & MorRyde Pin Box

2018 RAM 3500 DRW Cummings H.O. / 4.10

 

 
rwarner22


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 136
Date:
Permalink  

Great question! What to do when plans don't turn out as expected.

I think you found a great way to deal with it already--go with Plan B in the meantime. I would find another Plan B. I would look for another short term job to meet the bills and fill the time.

A lot of times motion is progress. While you move in one direction, something else may come along. As you get a part time job maybe something else will help you deal with the waiting.

We have joined Habitat for Humanity in our area and that has been a source of satisfaction. That or another volunteer position somewhere may help you take your mind off the waiting but doesnt do much for paying the bills on the house for sale.

I would consider a couple of different realtors in your area and explain your situation and ask what else they could do. Maybe they have a different approach than your current realtor. I would also find one that makes extensive use of the internet.

Our house was supposed to go on the market today. Looks like it may be tomorrow. We have been moving toward this day for about 18 months. We will be in a better position if the house doesn't sell in a couple of months.

Best of luck and hope your buyer comes by quickly!

Randy and Pam
www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

__________________
Randy & Pam
http://warnerrvnews.blogspot.com
2007 Allegro Bus QSP 40'
2009 Honda CRV
Blue Ox Tow System
Pressure Pro Tire Pressure Monitoring System
jimdee


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 140
Date:
Permalink  

We are also waiting to sell.  It's only been 25 days and the Realtor has told us it will be at least 120 so we're pacing the floor.  Everything is ready to go except the sale. 

We both work to pass the time.  Good luck and keep us informed.

__________________
Jim and Dee
Retired USAF - Full Time RV'ers
2010 Carriage Cameo 36FWS (Tumbleweed)
2007 GMC 3500 dually, Duramax/Allison
http://tumbleweed-jimdee.blogspot.com
NorCal Dan


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1192
Date:
Permalink  

It's encouraging to hear that you are seeing some movement in the market. Selling our house took 9 months from the accepted offer (it's complicated). We know how waiting feels when all you can think about is getting out on the road with the RV.

__________________

2018 Thor Windsport 35M -- 2018 Camry Toad

-- USAF Retired -- Full-timing since December 2007 - Part-Timing since July 2011
VisitedStatesMap.jpg
http://http://travelingrvwx.com/
Coyatee


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 32
Date:
Permalink  

We are at 2 1/2 years and counting (On the market). Had a contract, but it fell apart. About one showing a week, but most are "tire kickers" who have not yet sold their home in Fl or in the north. We are in east TN in a boating/golf community (Tellico Village). Most sales are above $500,000. or below $200,000 (We are in between). Have to keep positve! Have truck, but will not buy 5th wheel until house sells. In the meantime keep enjoying life where your situation puts you. Good Luck.

__________________

2002 Arctic Fox 31' (29-5E) 5th wheel (GWVR 13,000 #).
2008 Chev. 2500HD Crew-cab, Duramax Diesel, 2wd, Standard box, w/18K PullRite SuperGlide "Slider" hitch.
"Lady" - 4yr Golden Retriever (Knoxville Rescue), our 4th. 
Weaverworks


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 67
Date:
Permalink  

Our house (NE Ohio) has been on the market about a year now. We thought we had it sold TWICE but both deals fell through....financing issues. We had put a deposit down on a MH with a private owner but backed out when 2nd house deal fell through. We have to wait until house sells! Very depressing to say the least. We are now trying to sell it "By Owner" in order to lower price a little. I question everyday if I should GIVE UP!

__________________
Paul & Marsha Weaver
Full-Timing with our cat Bella
2005 Tiffin Phaeton: 2005 Jeep Liberty toad
Blog: http://wheresweaver.blogspot.com
ahoweth


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 319
Date:
Permalink  

For those waiting.

We sold our house at auction. We were able to set a minimum acceptable bid. If the auction price did not meet that price we didn't have to sell. The house sold as is, no haggling over offers and counter offers. The house went in less than 10 minutes at more than our minimum.

This might work for you and it might not. It might be a way. Only you can make that decision but it worked for us!

-- Edited by ahoweth on Saturday 18th of April 2009 07:39:35 AM

__________________
Full timing since 1/1/2005
American Tradition & Jeep Wrangler
www.howethsjournal.blogspot.com
Acorn


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 74
Date:
Permalink  

We too have been on the market 2+ years... ours is a log home built small for retirement, so only certain buyers would be interested. We actually have a signed purchase offer, contingent upon the buyer selling their place. Meanwhile we can still advertise, and if a 2nd buyer surfaces, the first buyer has 3 days to come up with the money.

We planted a St. Joseph statue last fall.... to no avail so far! We are even considering offering to carry part of a mortgage -- any thoughts on that?

__________________

Lynne & Larry Ennis
& Brody the Bichon

Smile+2.jpg

"No Matter Where You Go, There You Are" -- B. & C. Bonsall
cc


RV-Dreams Community Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 16
Date:
Permalink  

We had our on the market for about 1 1/2 years had, maybe, 6 people look at it (listed with 2 different realtors). It has been off the market since last October.
We hope to get it back on this spring.
One thing that can slow it down is how many repos are in the area. This will reduce the value of your home.
I am getting frustrated too, because I really want to start fulltiming.
cc

__________________
Carol
jdkblue


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 27
Date:
Permalink  

Wow thanks for all your replies. It looks like I opened a whole can of worms when it comes to the issue about the burdens that are holding all of us back from fulfilling our future plans. Anyway it's nice to know we aren't the only ones in this position and it's great to hear from all of you so please keep the replies coming.



-- Edited by jdkblue on Saturday 18th of April 2009 09:13:36 PM

__________________
1964 MCI Challenger 35' Diesel Bus Conversion
Dixie


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 75
Date:
Permalink  

We have been working towards getting the house ready to sell, getting rid of things and looking forward to going fulltime for a little over a year now.  Now that we are at the point that we want to list the house we are somewhat discouraged about the market here.  A house came up for sale 3 houses down listed way below appraisal and that won't help ours sell I am sure.  We are going to probably have to bite the bullet and sell our house for much less than we would like or stay here and put off our rv dream in hopes the market will get better.  I don't think things will get better as soon as I would like so I say sell and take the money and run (or ride away in our rv).

Would be curious about knowing more about auctioning off a house????  If we are going to take less why not just put it up for auction and set a minimum that we can live with??

Seems we are all in the same boat on being stuck with a sticks and bricks that are worth less than before.  

Wishing everyone the best of luck selling and hope to see every one on the road this year.

Mel


__________________
Camper_Boy


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 158
Date:
Permalink  

We jump on that ship tomorrow!  We have an appointment with our chosen realtor tomorrow evening to sign a contract.  We've spent the last month sprucing things up and de-cluttering as much as we can while still living here.  Our Realtor is also optimistic about the market picking up (or at least leveling off!), so we are keeping our fingers crossed!  We hope we have it priced correctly, and that the right person will come along.  Our original target date for hitting the road was June 2010 (so we're giving ourselves over a year to sell), but we could go sooner if things work out. 

Good Luck to everyone else out there in this same boat!!

__________________
Tom, Marci, Nicolas, Bryce and our dog, Casey
2008 Newmar X-Aire 41CKLG toyhauler
2008 Ford F-450 Lariat
Check out our blog  http://roamingfree2010.blogspot.com/
Racerguy


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1426
Date:
Permalink  

We are in the same position. Waiting for our painter to get free to paint inside of house. Been fighting springtime bad weather here but  pretty close on sprucing up the landscaping and getting shop and indoor RV spot cleaned out. We own our place free and clear so we can wait a reasonable amount of time on market recovery. We will just travel when we can until it sells then start fulltiming.Market is still some what stable for properties like ours but you never know. Just one step at a time.

__________________

RVing probably not a reality any more.It was a good time while it lasted.
blessthisvoyage


RV-Dreams Community Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

We are new to corresponding via forums and don't quite understand how to, so we would appreciate any help. ANYWAY, we've been lurkers for quite some time and decided it was time to show ourselves. We are Alan & Marilyn and we too are in the process of preparing our house to sell and are contemplating auctioning it -- it's fast and will be over -- hopefully -- in an hour or so. Alan has already retired once -- from the USAF -- and hopefully will retire from his 2nd career at the end of the year. I retired last June after 23 years as a civilian court reporter for the USAF.

We appreciate this forum and all the info we have gained lurking in the background:)








___________________________________
2007 Winnebago Voyage -- looking for toad

-- Edited by blessthisvoyage on Sunday 19th of April 2009 09:00:23 PM

-- Edited by blessthisvoyage on Sunday 19th of April 2009 09:02:22 PM

__________________
retread


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 118
Date:
Permalink  

I hope you don't have to wait too much longer! Our house sold in 4 months and we had just settled in for a long haul, so we were not as prepared as we would have liked. We had to take 10k less than listed, but it was actually about 1000 more than we anticipated being our 'bottom line'. The buyer was in a big hurry as a previous offer had fallen through for their family. The house was shown only 4-5 times in the 4 months, so try to not get discouraged. It only takes that one person who really wants your house! FWIW, our next door neighbors had had their house on the market for 3 YEARS when we placed ours on the market, so we were very anxious. The neighbor's house is way overpriced for the current market, so it sits - however, they finally began renting it out and it has been steadily occupied for the past 2 years. Perhaps in the current situation, having a rental property when folks are having a hard time qualifying for loans may be an alternative that works? Best wishes as you wait and try to stay busy with something! Distractions seem to help the waiting easier!

__________________
Craig & Linda
'09 FR Cardinal BH 5th Wheel (Traded in for vacation trailer)
'05 Chevy 3500 Silverado
http://narrowroad2peace.blogspot.com/
monkey islanders


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 26
Date:
Permalink  

Just wanted to put in my 2 cents worth....our home goes on the market in the next two weeks, but we have a bit of an advantage, a good market here in our area and I am a realtor.  I just had a couple of suggestions for everyone out there that is trying to sell. 

1.  If you can afford it use a realtor! It will expose your home to MANY more buyers. Make sure your realtor is very tech savy and will advertise on lots of websites. 

2. DECLUTTER!!! Get everything packed away, take down the nicknacks, photos etc. Even hire a stager if it is in your budget.

3. Pay attention to curb appeal, that picture of the front of your house is the first thing a potential buyer will see on the internet or MLS.

4. Price IS everything.  Every house will sell if the price is right. Make sure your realtor does a CMA (its free) and take a look at what houses in your area are SELLING for in the past 6 mo.  Not what they are listed for  but what they have sold for.

5. Consider owner finance etc.  It is getting harder for regular folks to qualify for a loan. 

Hope this helps to get everyone out on the road soon!!!

__________________
Christy and Paul
FDchief


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 25
Date:
Permalink  

We listed our house May 15th.  My last day at work is August 31st.  I could change those plans, but the future is guaranteed to no one, and so we say "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead"!

We don't want to go too much lower for our home, but will definately listen to our realtor when it comes time to entertain it.  We are planning on using our equity towards the purchase of our next house down the road when we are done fulltiming. I have a good retirement so I could hang on to the house for a while if I had to, but that would definately cut into the fun money.  In addition to that, I would worry about how well it would weather the Winter (Lake Tahoe, CA area).  So I am in the same boat, or RV as the rest of you.  Maybe I should bury a Saint!


__________________
Greg & Lynn 2003 Itasca Suncruiser 33V Workhorse W20 chassis Jeep GC Overland Toad
foxriverguy


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 214
Date:
Permalink  

I agree with those of you who talk about putting your best foot forward and finding the right price.  A Realtor can help you find the right price and tell you if you need to make any improvements.  Listen to them. 

We got a contract in 19 days.  We close July 16.  We are on Cloud Nine.

We have sold almost all of our furniture.  Still have the bed and dining room table, but my son is buying those and when he needs them, we can move into the  motor home that will soon be parked next to his house.

We start full-timing on September 8.  Life is good

__________________
George & Sandy Stoltz
With Trixie - the PBGV
2000 Foretravel U320 with one slide
2007 Honda CR-V

Full-time since September, 2009
http://sangeo-travels.blogspot.com/
Sandra


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 219
Date:
Permalink  

Congrats George & Sandy! Good going!

__________________
Sandra
monkey islanders


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 26
Date:
Permalink  

Congrats!!!  We are sooooo excited for you!  Our house has been on the market since the 3rd and we have shown it twice....so far. I am pretty happy about that. Sold the boat yesterday so things are moving along.  We can't wait to get out there.  Have fun and maybe we will see you soon!



__________________
Christy and Paul
Happytrails


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 363
Date:
Permalink  

George and Sandy, wonderful news!! I bet the view is great from cloud nine.

We have been on the market for what seems like forever. We stay busy, focused and hopeful but it is HARD!! We have lowered our price and have had lots of traffic through the house in the last couple of weeks. It is definitely a roller coaster ride.

Lets all hang in there and encourage each other. We'll all make it through and look back and smile as we enjoy our fulltime life. It will just be that much sweeter.

I can't wait to hear the next "SOLD" announcement.


__________________
Mike and Gerri Jones
2003  Dutch Star
2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
www.freedom2roll.blogspot.com
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Introduce Yourself! -> For those of you waiting for your house to sell...
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us