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Moving Mayhem

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 4:56 am
by ViewsAskew
We listed our condo on the MLS in mid June; sadly, the market in Chicago was great in April and May, then tanked in June, according to a few people we have talked to. We have had three people want it, but each - for issues out of our control - decided against it. I wanted to be in California by the end of August - I need to see Dr. B. this month for my annual visit. But, we are still here.

Thankfully, we agreed on a new plan. We decided to take the condo off the market, put most of our furniture back in the condo, (we had been renting the condo before spiffed it up to sell), and rent it as a month-to-month furnished rental. If it works out as planned, we can use it when we visit, husband can use it if he needs to come back for work, and it will be rented enough to cover all expenses.

This actually helps - we had no idea what to do with our stuff. We are staying with my cousin when we get there and can stay for a few months - so there is no pressure to immediately rent or buy a place. But, we didn't know what to do with our stuff and didn't want to store it in a pod for several months. Since much of our furniture was originally purchased for the condo, it looks good there and fits.

On Saturday, we move the furniture and everything we know will stay at the condo - glasses, dishes, some other kitchen stuff, bedroom set, etc. Everything that goes to CA will stay here until we leave. Then I get to spend the next week or so buying all the missing things for the condo - as I go through what is in each room, if I am taking it to CA, I write it down so I have a list of what to purchase. Once that is ready, then back here to pack everything that we take to CA. All while doing the dance we all do with our lives, lol. Thankfully I just finished my month off of pramipexole and just started it again. I hope a month was enough. I just do not have enough brain function each day taking only an opioid.

Here is hoping that I can get the condo marketed quickly and that someone wants to rent the darn thing! While making money would be nice, I will settle for covering the mortgage and expenses for now. If we price it aggressively at first, I think we should do OK.

If anyone is looking for me and I am not around much, know I would rather be here than where I am and will be back soon.

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 5:05 am
by debbluebird
It will all be over soon and you will be in California. I loved living in San Diego. Lived there 3 years in the 1970's. Hugs

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 6:48 am
by ViewsAskew
Thanks, Deb! I love San Diego, too. I would rather be there...but we will start by LA and Dr. B and see how that works.

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 11:34 am
by Polar Bear
Views:
When I was a tenant I was very respectful - this isn't most definitely not always the case.

I have rented out my home twice and would consider these points vital.

1. Consider making sure your deposit is sufficient to cover any damage or non payment of rent. I only took one month's rent as deposit which is standard - it's not nearly enough.

2. Make sure the Agent if you are using one, is visiting the property and doing an itinerary check list. You can dictate how often, and definitely they need to report back to you following any check visit, even ask for a copy of the check list. I didn't do this and it was a big mistake. This is so important as it puts the responsibility very much onto the Agent to keep on top of the condition of the property and earn their commission.

3. Remember you are a landlord, not a friend.
My tenants only had to speak to the agent and I authorised them to have a workman in place. Example 1 -- For a Plumber to replace a washer was equivalent to a half week's rent. This was because I couldn't let my husband go and fix it as he was so fed up with them he'd have asked were they stupid etc. Example 2 -- The gas company was laying pipes in the road and disturbed mice, the tenant had two mice and reported it to the Agent. I said to refund them half of that month's rent - I was stupid, my home was in perfect and clean and well maintained condition when they took possession. Two mice were not my responsibility.

4. Guarantor - Make sure the Guarantor Document is valid. Signed by the Guarantor and witnessed by the Agent. The Guarantor also has to be in a position of security to be able to cover any losses caused by the tenant. (one of my tenants forged the Guarantor).

Wishing you good tenants and a speedy occupancy :thumbup:

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 5:17 pm
by ViewsAskew
Thanks, Betty.

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2017 2:11 pm
by ViewsAskew
Movers are here. I managed a few hours sleep on an air mattress (our bed is in pieces). Will be sleeping on said mattress for a week; we ordered a new mattress for the condo since it is a rental and we wanted to start with everything clean and encased in allergen protective covers (as well as bedbug covers - ewwww!). But, it doesn't arrive until last week.

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2017 10:38 pm
by Polar Bear
:thumbup:

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 3:32 am
by ViewsAskew
Yikes am I ever tired. The plantar fasciitis is in BOTH feet right now and the running up and down stairs (both places) and being on my feet for about 12 hours - am not sure I can stand and walk now that I am sitting.

The knee (with the tendon issues) is complaining mightily. I think the worst is over (until we leave for CA), thankfully.

I love being back in the condo. I never liked this house - but it helped us and helped our inlaws to be here. The condo is in a much more vibrant neighborhood - within a block in each direction, I have two grocers, a city library, a pharmacy, two dentists, two gyms, a yoga center, two urgent care facilities, about 15 restaurants, bus and train transportation, etc. In a 4 block walk in one direction, I hit a mini-downtown (many of Chicago neighborhoods have a 2-6 block area with a ton to do, places to eat, theaters, etc), and a 5 block walk in another direction, I hit a second. There are at least three parks close by. And, just 10 blocks away is Wrigley Field - Go Cubs! (American baseball :-) ).

Why are we moving????? Oh, yeah! Dr. B. and year round weather!

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 3:56 am
by leggo_my_legs
Hi Ann! How stressful for the market to have tanked exactly at the wrong time. Sounds like you are very organized and handling it well though. I will be keeping you in my thoughts during this ordeal. You are moving to CA in the best season in my opinion! Beautiful weather here in the fall.

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 3:57 am
by leggo_my_legs
Oh by the way I've had plantar fascitis too. It's awful! ☹

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 6:51 am
by ViewsAskew
leggo_my_legs wrote:Oh by the way I've had plantar fascitis too. It's awful! ☹


It truly is!!!!

Thanks for the warm thoughts. I wanted to celebrate my birthday there - mid October - but looks like it will be a bit later. Ah, will get there eventually!

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 4:07 pm
by Polar Bear
Plantar Fascitis - coincidentally, yesterday I saw on the big on-line shop a pack of 4 socks (£12 approx) that are recommended for this condition. "You can walk again" --- apparently !!
The reviews were very positive --- Just saying.....

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 5:33 pm
by ViewsAskew
Polar Bear wrote:Plantar Fascitis - coincidentally, yesterday I saw on the big on-line shop a pack of 4 socks (£12 approx) that are recommended for this condition. "You can walk again" --- apparently !!
The reviews were very positive --- Just saying.....


Yeah - just as with RLS, there are many "cures" for PF - and few help much at all. Socks, inserts, special shoes, stretching, and more - been there, done that. Stretching seems to help the most, followed by good shoes with correct arch support. One time I went almost 3 years without it. But, I get tired on ONE pair of shoes that are heavy and require socks - and that only really go with jeans. I have a pair of crocs with inserts that are good, too, oddly. But, this summer I was so hot and wanted sandals. I am paying the price.

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 5:40 pm
by Polar Bear
I feel your pain, not literally the same pain, but I do have arthritis in a couple of joints and so have tried all sorts of insoles.
I am an insole nerd.

Re: Moving Mayhem

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 7:03 pm
by Rustsmith
As a runner, plantars is a near constant companion. The only thing I ever found that provided help was a splint that I would wear at night. The idea was that if you could keep the foot from dropping while you sleep, that the tendon heals in the normal walking position and therefore doesn't get re-injured during those painful first few steps each morning. Only problem is that the position that the splint (toes lifted up, sort of like the position required to walk on your heal) requires isn't very comfortable and that it requires a couple of months for the tendon to completely heal.