Like most empty nesters, the house dilemma eventually comes up

Posted By on October 8, 2011

My wife and I have been discussing our house. As the kids move out and frequent gathering of friends coming over dissipates… or will hopefully be in the next couple years … we wonder just how necessary it is to stay in our bigger house.wsj_oneroomcabin111008 We both have things we appreciate about the home we designed and built, but also know the waste it is for just the two of us. Do we really need the excess of bedrooms and bathroom or for that matter the excessive room and home theater that we use too infrequently? I do appreciate the privacy of our acreage, the neighborhood in which we live and having my tools and workshop area, but could do with less. Brenda enjoys putting her touch on and in each room, from art and furniture to personal photos and antiques, but it becomes a collection to what end? Neither of us find the cleaning and maintenance appealing and we are becoming increasingly aware of the dollars that exit our budget to pay for the insurance, utilities and taxes. Unfortunately for the time being though, even if we were to sell and could get an acceptable price for our home, I’m not sure we could agree on what to buy, build or even where? And now that I think of even dealing with the thought of downsizing and the hassles, I’m not sure it would be worthwhile? No, making that change alone will probably keep us here a few more years … or until we can no long afford to stay.

Comments

  • http://bilikfamily.com/ Scott

    Before long you’ll want the space for when friends, kids, and grandkids come by to visit.nYes, I went there. I said the “G” word! ;-PnMy wife is eager for the day we can downsize into a 3 bedroom home on ~1/3 acre. Something that doesn’t need a sprinkler system or a lawn tractor.

  • http://richc.myarchive.us RichC

    Probably right Scott. We are comfortable, but probably over did the housing side of the equation in my opinion. Still I like the acreage, the neighborhood appeal and my elbow room … so there isn’t room to complain until it comes time to paying utility, maintenance and tax bills. I do find myself enjoying this time of the year, but know that the leaves will fall, the has to be closed and I need to stop procrastinating the repairs piling up. At one time I saw the investment in a home as and “investment” … but after the last few years I’m starting to second guess paying principal and interest towards something that is heading the wrong way. nnNow that I’ve complained, I think of what you and Michelle are dealing with and am ashamed of myself … I can’t imagine the stress of health issues.

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.