Ever since I shared in a post that I had purchased a home near family in Ohio, I’ve received quite a few questions via comments and emails. Today, I thought I’d try to answer some of those questions, although I’m not sure I have all the answers myself. Before we jump into the questions, let me give you a little background about how I came to find the home I’ve come to affectionately call the “Dollhouse” due to all of its enchanting, dollhouse-like features.
I’m not sure when I started thinking about possibly moving to be closer to my son, DIL, and grandsons, but it’s been a few years now. Whenever the subject would come up, they would always encourage me to do it, reminding me that the boys, my grandsons, were growing up fast. There were things I wanted to do to my current home before placing it on the market, plus, I still really liked my current home. After living here for 34 years, I’m pretty attached, so the decision to move would not be an easy one.
Out of curiosity, occasionally I would do an online search to see what was on the market in the area where my family lives. The homes in their area that are similar to my home in Georgia tend to be a good bit more expensive, but I wasn’t sure I wanted another home just like my current one. I was toying with the idea of downsizing and going for a home that was more casual, more cottage-like. These were just some of the ideas floating around in my head, I really had no idea what I wanted, but I felt I would know it when I saw it.
A few years back, two homes came on the market around the same time. They caught my eye since they were similar to my current home, but they sold immediately as the homes often do in that area, so I never had a chance to go see them. Over the years, there were two homes that I did get to see since they came on the market during a time when I was already in town.
One was a 15-20 minute drive from my son’s home and in a different city. I was kinda hoping for something a bit closer. I had this vision of being close enough that my grandsons could visit anytime they wished. The home I saw was an older home that had been partially renovated. It had a great kitchen but I was broken-hearted when the realtor told me the owner had removed a back staircase to install a food pantry. 🙁 I remember wondering if there was some way I could remove the food pantry and restore the staircase.
Though the home was beautiful, I didn’t care for its location. It oddly backed up to a commercial building and there was almost no backyard for a buffer. The other home I had a chance to see was very fairytale-like. It looked like a home you would see in Carmel, California. It had a really unusual layout and needed a lot of work. It was closer to family but still around a 5-minute car drive away.
Eventually, a cute cottage closer to my son’s home came on the market. It happened two years ago when interest rates were the best they’ve ever been, at least in my lifetime. I called the listing realtor the following morning. He sounded rushed and said that he already had 20 showings lined up for the day. By that evening there were multiple offers and the home sold for way over the listing price.
After that, I sorta gave up. I really didn’t see how I’d ever find a home in the neighborhood my family lived in when the cutest, most desirable homes always sold within the first few days of being listed. News traveled fast in the hood, so whenever a home was even about to be listed, everyone would hear about it well in advance.
Fast forward to three months ago, and I almost fell off my chair one evening when I decided to do a search to see what was currently listed for sale. I don’t know what made me think to take a look, but I discovered the cute cottage I had loved two years earlier was back on the market! What?! The listing said that the sellers were being transferred. This time the house hadn’t sold within 24 hours. Things had drastically changed over the past two years: interest rates weren’t as favorable, plus, the home was listed for a much higher price.
I didn’t discover it when it was first listed since I had stopped paying attention to the market, so it had been on the market for a whole 6 days at that point! The listing indicated that the price had just been lowered. I immediately booked a flight to see it the following day, half expecting to arrive and be told it had sold that morning. Miraculously that didn’t happen and I was able to make an offer that was accepted.
The day after I made my offer and it was accepted, my oldest grandson had a baseball game. After the game, my daughter-in-law said friends of theirs came up to her and told her that their parents had already booked a flight to see the home and were disappointed to find it was no longer available. They added that their mother was in tears over it selling. I knew exactly how she felt since that had been me two years ago. The following day my DIL had two more sets of friends come up to her and say that they had family who were interested in the home and had planned to make an offer. I still marvel at the fact that so many things fell into place, allowing me to buy it.
One of the questions I’ve been asked a lot is when will I move, and if I will sell the house in Georgia. The answer is, I have no idea. My heart isn’t ready to let go of the home I’ve lived in for the past 34 years. I’ve had a few friends and family encourage me to put my home on the market now, but mentally, I’m not ready. Plus, there’s still stuff I need to get done before it’s market-ready. I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this, but when I sold my very first home over 40 years ago (we were in the military and had to move) I cried at the closing. I tried my best to hold back the tears, but I loved that home and I had no desire to leave it. I don’t want to do that again—I never want to cry at another closing.
Mia asked, “What are your feelings/thoughts as you travel to and from your two homes? Do you feel a transition while you are driving? Do you feel like you are merely visiting one place but living in the other?”
It’s a very strange feeling when it’s time to leave my home in Ohio to come back to Georgia. When I’m in Ohio, I don’t want to leave. I love seeing my grandsons several times a week, I love cookouts with my son and DIL, I love the office that I’ve created there and that’s still a work in progress. I love shopping in Dorothy Lane Market. I even love the little neighborhood recycling center—it’s the nicest, cleanest recycling place I’ve ever visited. This is a winter view but it’s really pretty when the trees are all leafed out.
Once I’m back home in Georgia, I am in love with this house again, its back staircase, the garage, and basement I recently renovated, the judge’s paneling in the living room, the screened porch, the plantation shutters, the laundry room that’s right off the kitchen and not in the basement. Being here is like putting on your favorite hoodie and flannel PJs on a cold winter’s night.
I do get excited when it’s time to return to Ohio because I can’t wait to see family. Also, I have so many plans for the Dollhouse. Perhaps the real test will come this winter. This girl can’t stand cold weather, and snow does not impress me. Ha! I am not the woman who stands at the window oohing and ahhing over the first snowfall of the winter season, thinking how beautiful and romantic it is. No, I’m the woman who looks out, groans, and immediately looks up the forecast to see how many days/hours it will be before it melts. I’m definitely a Scrooge when it comes to cold weather and snow! What’s that saying—there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. Well, I have plenty of cold-weather clothing so I guess I will get to test it all out this winter!
I’ve already hired a lawn service that automatically comes out and clears your walkway and driveway when the snow reaches a level of two inches. Thankfully, the city gets out and clears the roads very fast, usually within 24 hours. I bought an all-wheel drive SUV (just in case) when I replaced my ancient SUV three years ago. So I guess I’m as prepared as I can be. Mostly, I’ll just buy food in advance and stay inside until the snow melts. It will be fun watching my grandsons sled down their front lawn, they and their mom and dad love snow! Maybe by spring, I’ll be ready to move to Ohio for good. I really don’t know. I’ll keep you posted on that, though— as soon as my heart catches up to my head.
Several people asked about adding a screened porch to the Dollhouse. There isn’t a place where I can add a screened porch to the house, but there is a spot in the backyard where I could build a summer house if approved by whatever department does that with the City. I used to see summer houses on garden tours and always loved them. They are basically a screened-in room that’s located somewhere in the backyard or garden. They make wonderful places to read, birdwatch, relax, nap, dine, and entertain without the annoyance of mosquitoes and bugs.
Someone asked how I have located all the tradesmen that I’ve been using. I’ve asked everyone around me for referrals—including my son, my realtor, and my neighbors. I’ve also asked the tradesmen themselves, they often know which companies are the best ones to call.
I was asked how I went about deciding what needed to be done right away in the Dollhouse and what things could wait. As soon as I moved in, I started noticing things that needed to be dealt with immediately. I discovered a lot of electrical stuff that wasn’t working correctly. Some things had been noted on the inspection report but some had not. Whenever I’d have the electrician out, I would have a list of all the things that needed repairing—there were so many! One day, I had two electricians working for much of the day, moving light fixtures to new locations, installing new fixtures, installing a whole house surge protector, replacing numerous wobbly, broken dimmer switches, replacing bad outlets, installing new outlets, removing old, non-working floodlights and excess wiring from the interior and exterior walls, and from the garage ceiling, removing ancient alarm switches and sirens, troubleshooting the recessed lighting in the kitchen and basement and replacing or repairing it. I don’t know why none of that was dealt with in the past, but that kind of stuff really bothered me, so I had to get it corrected.
Same with the plumbing—the whole house water filter had not been changed in over three years and that’s supposed to be done yearly. The water softener wasn’t working at all. It was full of salt but the salt was one solid mass, so it wasn’t going anywhere. Oh, and right after I moved in, I could smell gas really strongly. The first plumber that was recommended to me by my realtor, couldn’t find the source. He said he fixed something small that he found, but he admitted that he didn’t think it was the real source of the leak. I called a second plumber a few days later. He found the issue and corrected it quickly.
It was discouraging to see how much work needed to be done throughout the house, so the only thing to do was to make lists and get going. These things weren’t going to fix themselves, no time for a pity party, just dig in and GO! Sadly, all the electrical and plumbing repairs have drastically cut into my renovation budget, so some things I had hoped to do right away will probably have to wait a bit. A few days before I left to come back to Georgia, I called a glass and mirror company to get a quote for adding custom-made, glass-pane doors to the shelving in the dining room. They couldn’t get out before it was time for me to leave so I’ll call them again once I’m back.
Pretty high on the current to-do list is getting a new stove, microwave, and dishwasher. The current ones are somewhere between 16-20 years old, and they look it. I haven’t been able to get the microwave to work, but thankfully, the stove works. I haven’t attempted to use the dishwasher; I just took one look inside and thought, Nope. I really should be taking photos of all these things, so that one day I can look back and see how far I’ve come with this house. I wish I’d taken a photo of the 16-year-old refrigerator before it was removed, broken shelves and all.
I know I’m not the only one out there who has faced decisions like this, the decision to leave a house and a place/state that you love, to be closer to loved ones. Life goes by way too quickly, doesn’t it? I think if I give it a few months, my heart will know what to do. In the meantime, I’ll keep moving forward, making improvements to both houses. Hopefully, by next spring, I will know what I should do. Maybe I should sell the house in Georgia and buy one in the north Georgia mountains, a place we could all visit for hiking and relaxing, although that would be a pretty long drive from Ohio.
Have you ever owned two homes at once and how did that work out? Did you find it challenging? Did you have trouble convincing your heart to part with one? Have you ever moved to be closer to family?
I hear ya on the connection you have with your Georgia house. We’ve been in our home 40 years now and are toying with the idea of selling and buying or building in another nearby town. But like you, I just don’t know how I can part with my house.
I remember following you on the old “Rate My Space” page….remember that? When you talked about your room with judge’s paneling I’d never hear of that but it sure is gorgeous.
Hopefully when the time comes to sell your heart will be ready. I’m sure the idea of living close to those grandsons will make your decision a little easier.
Oh, I do remember RMS, that’s how I started blogging—when several ladies I met there suggested I start a blog and I didn’t even know what a blog was. they had to send me a link to one so I could see what they were talking about. lol
Thanks, Judy! Being in your home for 40 years, I know that you know exactly how I feel.
I do love that part! It would be so nice to see them more often. Seeing family more often is truly the only reason I’m thinking of moving there permanently.
Yet here I am after living in my house 47 years was going to downsize to an 800sf house in the country but due to circumstances beyond our control never got to move. Yes, I wish I could have moved but it is what it is and you make the best of the situation. Everyone is different.
There is NO better gift that you can give your grandsons. Make time for grief, of course, but never doubt yourself. Your grandsons will be ecstatic and will remember this almost magical occurrence for the rest of their lives. ♥
Wendy in Suwanee
Oh I agree Wendy. The longer she waits around the older those boys will be and the next thing you know, they’ll be off to college. Susan, you just need to pull up your big girl panties and move to Ohio.:) It won’t take long to realize you made the right decision.
Thanks, Wendy! ♥
XXX
Our primary residence is Florida since retirement. For about 9 years we owned a place in North Carolina. At first it was wonderful. It was a new development and we enjoyed going there for totally different weather. However, once they formed a Home Owners Association, the people who lived there year ‘round ruined it for those of us who lived there part time. Sadly we sold it.
I don’t know whose bright idea it was to start HOA’s but a lot of people would like a word with them. What a power trip. There was the nicest older gentleman who owned a custom bridal shop in PA. He sold it and retired in Central FL. Joseph knew more about china and crystal than anyone I have ever met. What the HOA did to him should be against the law. I am sure he is deceased now. I went so far as to lobby for a Joseph’s Law. A foreclosure from a lender can take years. An HOA can put a lein on your home and take it in weeks. Now there are management companies running HOA’s who want your home. If they are not realtors, they offer your home to other realtors. Vultures.
Sorry to go off Susan, but it’s a sore subject.
Agree….HOAs are like little dysfunctional governments….given way too much power and more than not they choose to abuse that power..!! This is why I prefer Fee Simple deed deals..!!
Ha, Cowgirl Diva, that is such a good way to describe them!
Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ve heard so many negative things over the years about HOAs.
Oh Susan, I understand what you are going through. You are doing the right thing by not rushing your decision. Eventually, your heart will tell you what you should do and when you should do it. We downsized and I had to part with so many things. What I learned is that they are just things and that Home is where the Heart is! Your move is by far more difficult. We didn’t have to leave Michigan. Yes, we have had 2 houses. Our home in town and a lake cottage. I loved having both of them, but it became difficult to maintain them, especially for my husband. We chose to add on to our cottage and retire on the lake. No regrets. I’m glad you have the option of keeping both your homes for now. I wish you the best of luck and enjoy them both!
Thanks, Ellen! Such a good advice, I appreciate it!
I have been in so many apartments, houses, etc in my lifetime it makes my head spin. I got transferred at work & then went through quite a few lifetime moments (divorce, having my son, downsizing and then marrying my “forever” husband). At one time we each had a small house & were looking for a larger house for 3 humans, 2 cats, & 2 dogs. It was like juggling houses. By now, my feeling on houses is they’re just that – a house. It’s the people in your life that make it a home. Memories stay with you in your heart, they’re not embedded in the walls, staircases, etc in a house. Creature comforts & decor are all appealing, but the people are the important thing. It sure is a giant pain to have to box up all of your belongings & move, but the end result is really worth the mess – to spend quality time with & be closer to the ones you love.
Yeah, I am not looking forward to moving one day. I remember how it was to move here, exhausting! Thanks, Sharon!
Oh, yes. The more I read…the more I”m convinced we are “soul sisters” one way or another. Our 1938 Tudor in Arlington (40 years,ours) was, for us, “almost” perfect. We could see the Washington Monument, walk to subway, bike to work…but… A log cabin, we, in years, cleared the 2 acres, on a lake, built by hand (calloused) was our weekend “get away.” Fast forward…we got old. Too much…traffic, maintenance, too little time. Here we are…never dreamed I’d be living “full time” here…ina “cabin, down by the river” (albeit a mile+ views of water.) I have an obelisk in my garden view. You will know. franki
Thanks, Franki! ♥
Hello Susan,
I’ve really enjoyed your blog for a few years.
Always something fun to look at.
I’m glad you wrote this explanation, but forgive me for wondering if your husband has passed away. I don’t see references to him, or what his preferences are and input is in your myriad decisions.
I’ve learned a lot from you, reading your posts, and appreciate you muchly!
Yes, I’ve wondered the same thing. ☺️
Awesome answer.
Thanks, Barbara. No, he didn’t pass away, we just aren’t married anymore.
Thank you for responding, Susan. I’m truly sorry to hear that.
I have a big house and yard and find it difficult to keep it all up myself, nevermind having two! You are an amazing, inspiring person and I wish you every happiness!
Awww, thanks, appreciate that so much! I feel very blessed, life is good. ♥
I know how tough it is when moving. After many moves over the last 40 plus years for military and work we finally have settled and our kids are close. Sometimes, we think about moving a smaller place but decide to stay put. It is such a joy to have them near. Five are in town; the other 2 are about 2 hours away. I think it would be fun to have a ‘vacation’ style home for family to enjoy! I think you will know when it is time to make a move.
Thanks, Linda!
XXX
As a grandmother of 7, and 4 of them live near us, I so look forward to being part of their lives. I feel so left out of the lives of the 3 that are in another state, so I could see moving to be near family.
You are so awesome with your home in GA that I know you will enjoy the process of making the Dollhouse your own.
What about selling the GA home and buying that house in the GA mountains and spending part of the winter there to avoid the snow in Ohio and then you’ll have a family retreat ready anytime?
I would love that! That has definitely crossed my mind. I wish those GA mountains were closer to Ohio so my son, dil and grandkids would be able to use it/visit often. But it would be nice to have it as a getaway when the severe cold hits in Ohio. I’m so glad you have so many of your grandchildren living near you, Barbara. I hope one day they are all close near you.
You are wise to not rush your decision. As silly as it sounds there is a difference between the idea of selling and actually moving out. Your Georgia house is indeed very special and though the Dollhouse is lovely the realities of downsizing can be life changing. And not necessarily in a good way. The usual advice for retired people is “this is all you need” but when one has hobbies and interests those things require space and organization. I also just love my comforts and surroundings. On the subject of snow, I actually remember a very old post of yours when you were visiting Ohio and it had snowed. You didn’t want to drag your suitcase through the snow so postponed your departure. I thought “what the heck, that is a radical aversion to winter”. I am the opposite but nevertheless winters have their ups and downs. Sorry for the novel.♀️
lol Yup, I def have an aversion to snow! It completely paralyzes us here in the south. I also don’t like driving in snowy conditions, so that probably had something to do with me delaying my departure. Long comments are great, the more input I have on this topic, the better since I’m so torn over it all.
XXX
I love these posts, they cover everything…family, moving, buying, selling, repairs, plans, decorating, exploring new neighborhoods, meeting new people. I admire your “get it done” attitude and how you prioritize the work. We downsized and moved rather abruptly a few years ago and readied our home of 27 years in just a few weeks. It was very stressful, but worked out very well with a same day sale. However, I am not sure that what we chose to improve would have been my style and if it was even the buyers style and choice. Don’t stress over making your home perfect before selling it. I think that when the time comes the perfect buyer will come along, maybe by chance and the timing will be perfect!
We had a house in San Diego and our home in AZ. I loved both of them! Different styles and lifestyles.
Since my husband passed away I sold the SD house to our son and would like to downsize the AZ home. Like you, I’m just not ready, although moving the 14 miles to be near my daughter and SIL doesn’t sound like a big deal, it is.
I’m just 63 so I want to do this while I am easily able to do it all. Sigh, waiting for my ❤️
I know how you feel! My husband and I moved last year to be closer to family. Sold our home we built and lived in for 30 years. We found a cute cottage type home that had been updated and had to do very little to it. But the packing and moving were so stressful. I am enjoying you adventure! Love your style!
Sounds like you are taking your time and will make the right move when you feel it. Never owned two homes at once, but we built three homes (a different style each time) and moved to be closer to our jobs. Loved each one, loved the process…but the last one was as close to perfect as I could imagine. Had screen porches on the last two and loved those. But, we retired and we found it difficult to find reliable lawn care, and snow removal – forget it. Looked to move someplace, maybe 55+, and finally and quickly decided on where we landed. Willow Valley Communities…a retirement community with villas, apartment, and if we ever need it, health care. But what sold us was the floor plan of our apartment…with a screen patio…and a rooftop deck with fire pits, a bar…and a library….and restaurants…and a theater on campus….and 11 restaurants if we don’t want to cook…and all maintenance included ( just called and in minutes someone came and replaced our refrigerator filter…) and wonderful entertainment and most of all new friends that have become so dear. But…did it hurt leaving our home. Yes. Do I sometimes miss it….not so much now. But time moves on…and every 10 years we get a “refresh” of our apartment here and that is 3 years away…and I have a list. Whatever you do will be right for you…trust the process!
I loved reading this post. What an adventure. I will say one thing, if you are looking to sell your GA home and buy a getaway place, please check out Hocking Hills in Ohio. It’s like being in a wonderland of waterfalls. I haven’t visited in years, but I loved it there when I did. I know what you mean by loving a home. I’m 69 now but when I built my new home in 2020-21 I felt like I had finally come home. I didn’t move back to Louisville, my home city. I moved to Bardstown just outside of Louisville to be in the country away from congestion and tons of crime. I wouldn’t give anything for my home. I love seeing your posts about all your renovations. They give me ideas on just what to do with my new home. Carol
I love the synchronicity of buying your new home. When we purchased our home 31 years ago it was a model home for a new neighborhood. We loved it and the realtor happened to mention that the builder might sell it if we would rent it back to him for six months. We did, and while we hated waiting so long, have been happy here. The landscaping has grown up wonderfully all around and we have killer views. We have considered downsizing but have been unable to find anything that comes close to what we would like. You will know when it is time.
I downsized to a retirement home a few years ago. No, it is not perfect – nothing is – but the pluses outweigh the minuses! I had to smile at your cold weather comment. One of my sons lives in a cold climate and says there is no bad weather, just bad clothing choices. And, after I got my first pair of warm serpa lined sweatpants, I have to agree! Just make sure your clothes are warm enough and you will be fine!!!
Hi Susan,
Take your time deciding what you want to do. It may be a few years before you know. We have lived in our home for 36 years and I still love it. So much that we are building an addition (an in-law apartment) that we will move into. Our son and daughter-in-love will move upstairs (they live in the finished basement). We have 5 acres and he is our only child so all of this will be his anyway. We all get along beautifully and we will need help as we get older. I am so excited about this. Even though I will be downsizing, it is a good thing.
Good luck with your decisions.
Susan I understand so well what you are going through. Six years ago we owned a home for 28 years that my husband and I truly loved. It backed up to a pretty pond with a wooded area across the pond so our location was superb but it was 20 minutes away from our Son, DIL, and four grandchildren.
We wanted a home with a first floor master and within walking distance to our family. We couldn’t find one so after two years we bought a home that wasn’t livable and a very small lot but was a five minute walk from our family. We lived with them for eight months while we built our dream home and never regretted giving up our other home we loved with the beautiful view.
Our yard is very small but the house is perfect and the LOVE for and from our family has made up for the small lot in spades!
Good wishes for you letting go of your Georgia house but I don’t think you will ever regret it!!
We were blessed to live within one mile of our son, DIL and two grandsons when they were growing up (Southern California). No one but me has ever babysat either of our grandsons and I tutored them both through middle and high school. We started thinking about moving when the boys were about 8 and 12 and even made an offer on a home about 200 miles away, but the boys pitched a fit, our DIL cried and we withdrew our offer. Fast forward to the latter years of high school and we noticed the boys were coming over less often and were busy with their own activities and friends – all perfectly natural and a good thing. Three years ago, we began looking at property out-of-state and ended up buying a lot and building our dream home in North Idaho. Our son and DIL bought the lot across the street and plan to move here and build when they retire. One grandson has graduated from college and the other is a junior in college – they both want to move to this area eventually because it has all the attractions they like (winter sports, hunting, fishing). My take-away is that it’s very worthwhile to be near your grandchildren when they are growing up. We are all close and they call and text us all the time. However, you have to know there comes a time when they get busy with their own lives and don’t have as much one-on-one time to share with you. Then, you need to be in a place you really love. I think we found the best of both worlds and hope both boys eventually find wives who are willing to move to North Idaho!!
What a lovely post, and I agree about you not rushing to make a decision. I have enjoyed reading about your journey and have followed your blog for many years….always gleaning great information from you! Much appreciated!I am amazed by all you have accomplished in your new home without being there full time….very impressive! When your heart knows what to do, you will know….. Enjoy your time in both places and definitely hug and enjoy those grandsons while you can!!!
I think the Dollhouse found you! It knew that you were the right person to make it be the best version of itself! You are sure getting off to a great start! So much fun to follow your journey!
At the end of our days when we look back, it’s going to be the people we invested in that mattered the most. We nesters love our homes, the memories we’ve built in them, the comfort and sense of place they provide, but in the Scales of Life, the people we’ve loved and given ourselves to will weigh more heavily. “To everything there is a season…” You appear to be in the autumn of your life in Georgia. You’re absolutely right. You’ll just know when it’s time.
Yes, I have owned more than one house at a time…So, especially in this market, I would advise you to hold on to both homes as long as you can because who knows what is going to happen to the dollar and for that matter the money in general..! Bitcoin/Digital currency…? The dollar is losing value as we speak (seems to be deliberate) because of politics. My husband is a general contractor and developer and we have always believed in REAL estate..!! Why..? Because, it’s REAL..!! I would rather invest in something REAL like houses/land than just leave the money in the bank….especially in the current market..! REAL estate will always be REAL and, to be honest, money as we have seen, does not hold its value..!! Your REAL estate will always appreciate and gain value..! Period..! So, hang on to both homes if you can for as long as you can….homes/land are always good investments..! Maybe divide your time (6months/6months and of course the coldest 6 months stay in Georgia) between both and rent or not? This way you will have an income coming in that you can count on…!! One word of advice:….get the money up front in full from short-term renters and do your due dillengence when screening renters..!! Draw up a solid rental contract..! Down the road you can sell if this gets to be too much because it seems like you have chosen some real estate in some good locations which will sell quickly…And, as we know in REAL estate, it always appreciates in value because the hard, fast rule is desirable location….location…location..!! Just my two cents..! Good Luck and Blessings..!
When we bought our property, none of our children lived in Texas. Now all 4 live here – 2, one hour south, and 2, 2 1/2 hours south. We spent 21 months building a dream house. Now, they want us to move closer to them, so they can “care” for us. We are fine with down-sizing, but nothing of our size is selling. We have 200 acres. Our realtor told us after the election, things will begin selling again.
I live in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC. My neighborhood is full of retirees — men, women and couples. I would guess that +75% of them have moved here to be close to their grandchildren.
Susan,
Look at what you are gaining by moving closer to family and having your grandchildren in your lives, not what you are losing by selling your well loved home.
In 2007, we sold our house of 34 years which we had built in the 70’s and where I had invested so much mental and physical energy. We brought our babies home to that house, and they are now 41 and 47! I did everything to it, including a major remodel when it was 20 years old. I even painted the exterior of the home, and I have a photo of me standing on the roof. I worked dawn until dusk for five weeks to get that done. I had painted the entire interior a few times over.
But my boys were out of school and living in different states, one in New England and one in Virginia. We were in a climate where the winters were much more severe than Ohio. So without family nearby, it didn’t mean as much to me.
Now we are living between our two children. Both have families, an I don’t see them as often as I would like, but the weather is much nicer where we are now. So we had a reason to leave. And if I only had one child, I would definitely move close to child. You want to be a part of your grandsons’ lives so they can remember spending time with you when they were growing up. Give them that legacy.
Thanks for such a thoughtful post. If you are in a position to keep both homes, let it be. Be happy in two places. When the time is right, you will know. Maybe when your grandsons go to college, you will say “Enough of cold weather!” and sell the house in Ohio. Who knows if something will come up and your son or DIl will take a better job and relocate. Age might make a difference later. A lot of things are happening in this country and we all need to remain calm and not make big changes. I love both houses too, but I was getting homesick for the GA home!
I owned two houses for about a year after downsizing from a 4,000 sqf house to a 2,000 sqf house (both with full, finished daylight basements) after 20 years when the youngest graduated from college. Downsizing started off hard but then got easier as I went along, the more I released, the more I wanted to get rid of. I loved the 20 year house but only the memories of times with family and friends are the ones I treasure. I don’t even remember half the stuff I gave away just a few years later. What is left is curated, making it even more special. Eventually, decided to sell the first house as it no longer felt like home when we were there, more like we were visiting.
We bought all new furniture as the new house is very different in the shape of the rooms plus I was ready for new things. The location and beautiful setting along with feeling like being in the country yet close to shopping/restaurants/theaters/etc sold us more than the house itself but it has its charms. We’ve done a lot to this older home as it was built very well but not maintained. Next up is a kitchen and possibly primary bath renovation. Getting inspo lead me to your blog and am getting lots of ideas. We considered buying a vacation home but find it easier to just rent when we travel, no responsibilities for two homes. All our friends who had a vacation home ended up selling them. Your heart will eventually find its way. You are blessed to have many options.
The trickiest thing about the Dollhouse is how every room upstairs has slanted ceilings. So it does make furniture placement a challenge. Hopefully, if I do move there, I’ll be able to work that out. I like the idea of curating down to just those things we truly love…good way to put it!
Glad you found the blog, Kat! Thanks for that encouragement!
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Your Dollhouse is adorable and it looks like a terrific neighborhood. We have two houses. One is the home I grew up in that I inherited from my parents. It took time to get to the emotional place to clean it out and decide what to do with it. We decided to make some upgrades and rent it. The upgrades were minor; a whole house re-plumb, new flooring throughout, new paint inside and out, some new, updated lighting. We decided to hire a property management company to handle the rental. We only live about about 25 miles from the house, but didn’t want to have to deal with the “project management” details of listing the property, screening tenants, maintenance, collecting rent, etc., especially since we both work full time. So far it has worked out well. The tenants are excellent (same ones going on 4 years), we get some extra income that is going towards the remodel fund for the house we live in, and we have some tax write-offs from the rental. The fee the property management charges is 100% worth it. I don’t know that we’ll live in the rental, but renting it has allowed me to keep the emotional attachment, generate some income for us, and adds to the housing stock that is in short supply.
Thanks! It is a really great neighborhood, only down side is the super high taxes. I have thought about doing that, so thanks for that suggestion, Lori.
At the end of your life, what will you look back on with love…..the time you spent with your grandsons, or the time you spent in your Georgia home? Which will hold the most meaning? That will be your answer as to which direction to go. At the end of the day, our homes, though special, are just “stuff” we can’t take with us when this life is over. People and God’s word are the only two eternal things. So time invested there is supremely worth it. Just my thought.
Insightful “behind the scenes” of your 2nd home process and experiences. So much to consider and smart to see how you survive that dreaded winter. I wouldn’t think that you could really make a decision until at least into spring. So no hurry on that Open House party!
We have two homes. Since we retired, our primary residence is in Florida. Our summer home is in Pennsylvania. Both homes are in HOAs. We chose that because we wanted to be sure the grass etc was taken care of. I hate winter. As soon as the temps drop, we head to Florida. However, it is brutally hot and humid there in the summer, so we head back to PA. We had our house in PA built 9 years ago when we got married. It is perfect for our stage in life. We do not have children. As much as I would love grandchildren, we missed that important first step. LOL. As you know, owning two homes is expensive. At some point, you will feel the time is right to sell your Georgia home. When winter gets too hard to take in Ohio, it might be time to take a vacation to a warmer climate. If you don’t have the responsibility and the expense of two homes, you can afford a really nice winter vacation!! Maybe the kids will want to join you for spring break. My goal was to visit all 50 states. Maybe the boys would think that was cool too. No matter what you decide, I hope you keep blogging. I look forward to your emails.
Great post. I like hearing about how you succeeded in getting the Dollhouse. Fate I would say when you tell about DIL’s friends missing out as you did the first time around. Also, even though reading each of your updates about the “fixes” you’ve been doing, the cons you point out in this update makes me wonder if previous owner was overwhelmed with upkeep. Leaking gas? Water softener? Filters? Appliances? I can hear the Dollhouse sighing! As far as two houses at a time, if you can manage why not. The mileage between the two may make a decision easier. Our first house was a 2 bedroom/1 bath 1950’s cutie with a huge backyard and on a street without sidewalks. We eventually bought acreage and built a 3 bedroom/2 bath ranch. The excitement of a new house I guess made it less traumatic to leave my cozy first home (7 years), but the thought of leaving current home (45 years) will take some soul searching. Getting old and that makes upkeep harder. Oh, and 7 of my 9 grandchildren live in Florida and I’m in California! It’s tough. Remaining two teenagers live 1.5 hours away and that’s tough too.
I think they just knew they weren’t going to be there very long since they were in a job where you are transferred every few years, so they didn’t want to put money into a home they would be leaving soon…at least, that’s my guess.
Yes, I was so excited when we bought this home because it was an improvement over our first home here in Atlanta, so that was a positive, happy move.
I wish we could all live close to our family forever.
I very much appreciate your blog post. Those are things I have wanted to know, too. It isn’t easy. BUT everything worked out like serendipity – so you know it is the right thing. I owned my home and my future hubs had his – both in different suburbs of Columbus till we got married. Decided it was best to not have his and hers, but ours…..and start fresh with a huge yard and lots of space and storage. We’ve been here a long time now and there are days I’d love to downsize but then remember the extra room does come in handy when entertaining. I had two homes when I bought this one, so I understand. I didn’t cry at the closing but when I bought this one the seller cried at the closing. She upgraded BIG TIME and has a gorgeous house (I know b/c my two nieces were friends with her children in high school lol.) But I know how much I love this place, and she did too. Change isn’t always easy, that’s for sure. I love you aren’t in a hurry and can transition comfortably.
My husband worked Fed government and our family was in Delaware. We made trips for years back and forth from North Virginia. I missed living in Delaware close to the beaches and farmland. My husband retired and we were able to sale the house in Virginia. We owned my in-laws retirement home and had been staying there long before my husband retired. I had the top floor finished into extra rooms and a four-seasons room on the back before we moved. After we moved into the Delaware home I had a new kitchen and new upgrades to the bottom level. There will always be things to work on but the acreage and dead-end road we live on is comfortable along with the home. God has been good to us and always helped us in the decision making. I hope you will seek him in your final decision making.
This house seems like something you would like, ran across it while looking at houses closer to me. https://theoldhouselife.com/2024/08/20/deal-of-the-day-built-as-a-wedding-gift-circa-1902-in-georgia-349000/
Wow, beautiful home and that is an absolute steal! Thanks for that link, Kat!
Susan, I have two homes that I travel back and forth to. One is in Centerville, Ohio, the Williamsburg Colonial style home we built 45 years ago and the one we raised our family in. It’s in a wonderful neighborhood, my grown children still live close by with the grandchildren, and I’m very attached to it!
The other home we bought in Kiawah Island, SC in 2012 at short sale. It’s a Tidewater white open style in a lovely area among lovely folks. In 2013, my husband passed away unexpectedly, AND lightning struck my SC home burning it to the foundation! We were not in SC at the time!! The silver lining (which is always there if you look for it) was that I rebuilt my home and was able to make every single decision!!! It was exhilarating to be able to redesign the home and make it alll mine!
So, I go back and forth every 2 months or so…eventually, I will sell one or both… but for now I enjoy “walking through the Narnia wardrobe” living in a new and different land !
You are wise not to rush that decision… just enjoy!
Mary Lou, thank you so much for your comment. I have really felt the wait of this decision so it’s great hearing from someone who is juggling two houses that are quite far apart. I’m so sorry about your husband’s passing. 🙁 And then to have your home stuck by lightning and burn down. That is a lot to deal with and to go thru, I admire your strength!
I’m so glad you were able to rebuild it just the way you wanted. That is truly exciting! I’ve been to Kiawah Island once and it’s beautiful there!
I can see why you would be reluctant to sell your home in OH since your children and grandchildren are still there. Hopefully, you all get to visit and enjoy the SC home for many years to come so that will make it worth holding onto for a while. I really have no reason to keep the GA home other than sentimentality. I bet it really does feel like walking through the Narnia wardrobe going from Ohio to Kiawah and back. 🙂
I just did a search and Centerville is only 7 miles away from where my home is in Ohio! We are practically neighbors!
We made the opposite move. I was a life-long Chicagoan and we had a nearly 100 year old house that we’d extensively renovated and loved.Our daughter came to Georgia to get her masters, then PhD, and now she’s a professor at Emory. She and her husband have three darling boys. My husband and I both work from home.
We spent January 2022 in an Airbnb with a plan to find a home. At first we were discouraged but my son in law found a 20 year old home that was perfect for us. We bought it and closed before the end of that month.
We weren’t sure what our plans were for our Chicago house but decided pretty quickly that we were not cut out for owning two homes. We sold our house for a great price and used some of the proceeds to personalize our new home.
I still have pangs of homesickness but I’m so happy to be close to our family and love the new home we’ve made.
Dear Susan, You have a lot of grit! I love your Dollhouse and can’t wait to read along as you make it yours. My advice is to think twice about doing more to your Atlanta area home. The buyers usually try to whiddle down the asking price, and the home inspection also adds to this. We recently sold a parent’s home, and made the mistake of making many upscale improvements. Actually after we sold it, I found multiple homes in the same neighborhood that sold soon after with no improvements that sold basically for the same price. Save that money for your new home!
My daughter and SIL have asked me to sell my house and build a smaller home on their property. That way I’m close to them. I just can’t get a peace about it. I would have to give up so much that I love in my current home. I look around at all the memories here..all the things I have done to make it cozy, and I get emotional.
Still praying about it, and will continue weighing the pros and cons. It’s tough on a womans heart when it comes to her home, and leaving it.
You struck a nerve on this post! Lots of comments and I can understand so many of them. We have two homes, both in Georgia, one in metro Atlanta and one on a lake about 3 hours away. We thought the lake home would be our retirement home but all of our grandchildren are close to our other home. Seeing them often is priceless. We juggle the idea of something smaller in town but as you probably know, if you sell your home in the metro Atlanta area you really don’t get something smaller for any substantial savings. In fact, you may spend more depending on the area. What we are looking at now is do we use our lake house enough to keep it. We can’t put it on a rental program due to rules of the lake. Over time, I think your heart will indeed tell you what to do. For now, we are keeping the house especially since I retired from teaching in the spring and we have a little more time to go to the lake house. I think You will know if you get tired of caring for two places or if you enjoy having the space. You have shown good instincts over the years in what you did to your house. You will know. It may be bittersweet if you decide to sell and your heart will still tell you it’s the right thing. Praying for clarity for you. In the meantime, enjoy those fun grandsons!!
hi Susan, long time follower! I am a rRealtor so it is fun to read the transaction side between 2022 and 2024. MY suggestions for potential sellers is to declutter like you are making a move. Sometimes seeing how much you have accumulated is a good visual for a change. Good luck. You will have an aha moment and you will know either way. Happy Friday! laura in Colorado
Thanks, Laura! I know just what you mean, I was so surprised by how striped clear my neighbor’s home was when it was on the market a while back. Her entire home looked like a model home that no one had ever lived in. They put everything in storage since they are in the process of building. The bedrooms only contained a bed and one other piece of furniture, like a dresser. I guess that really helps potential buyers envision their stuff in the hosue. I’ve been taking “stuff” with me each time I head up to the Dollhouse, just in case I do decide to sell at some point.
Yes, I have had two houses at the same time. Our larger house had a mortgage on it and the cottage in a different community was paid for. For a few years, we’d transport things plus furniture over to the cottage. We were redoing the cottage to live in. We sold the big house and moved into the fixer upper cottage and I know ideally it would have been far better to have the cottage completely remodeled before moving in, but we had a buyer so away we went moving into the cottage. 3 storage units, a garage and cellar are full of our stuff. Slowly getting there. It’s a work out. I believe you’ll get there and be alright. You think things out and it pays off. God bless. AT 69, it’s tougher to get things done as I still think I’m in my 20s. ha. Have to pace myself.