Looks Like I'll Have To Move

I love my old 145 year old log cabin. Many of my family were born while livings here, and others have died here. So much history, and a lifetime of memories are wrapped within these walls, But now that I live on my own I can't keep up with the repairs needed. Because the construction of my home was built so long ago, it's almost impossible to find someone to work on it, and when I do it is concidered a specialty, so of course it is more expensive.

Yesterday, my water well went out for the third time since Michael died 18 months ago. So I'm out of water for two or three days. The well man said he hoped to find replacement part in by sometime his weekend. $$$. If it's not one thing breaking down it's another.

So I've decided to sell my home and buy about a 1/4 to 1/2 acre of property, and put a trailer on it. I thought about a house, but in reality I won't be around long enough to worry about if the home will last 20 to 50 years.

And, if I move to the small town that my step-daughter, Patricia, lives in I'll at least have someone that is closer to me, and will check in on me throughout the week. The town is large enough to provide what I'll need, but small enough to actually get to know the town's folk.

 

@Ina I. Wonder Have you looked into whether or not there's some way to have your home designated as a historical building? It doesn't seem Texas (or at least the Houston area) values historical buildings much, but maybe that's just when they're in the way of 'progress', and perhaps there is some sort of grant money (or other assistance) out there that would enable you to afford the repairs and to stay in the home. I hate to hear of you having to move because you can't afford the upkeep. Also, are you a registered member of a Native American tribe? If so, perhaps there's some sort of assistance you could get from them. There's also sometimes money available for seniors, with regard to replacing older equipment/appliances/home repairs, especially if you're looking to upgrade to be more energy efficient.

 

@Ina I. Wonder - I feel it will be a good move for you being close to your daughter
Sincere wishes that everything goes smoothly for you

 

I think it's a good move on your part, Ina. With an older home, even if it's not specially made like yours there is always something that needs repair.

Plus, you'll be by Patricia and just the process of setting up a new home, etc will be fun and exciting. Something to look forward to.

I like the idea a lot!

 

Hang in there Ina!

 

It is wise to live near people who will drop by and check on you. I kno must have been a decision that was hatd to come to. Good luck with your move.

 

@Diane Lane your right about Houston not being concerned about historical sites. The Black Historical Society wants me to donate the cabin, because it's part of the freedom trail, but I can't afford to do that.

As far as assistance with home repairs and care, I recieve to much income to qualify, but not enough to do things on my own.

My mother's heritage was always looked down upon by my father's side of the family, so it has only been recently that I've taken an interest in it.

@Patsy Faye & @Chrissy Page , I think you're right about being closer to Patricia. At least she wants me. I was so surprised when Patricia's son, at 26, moved in with me back in March, when the Dr. said I needed someone to be around more. That's a big reason I decided to move closer to them. That way my grandson can go back to the life he interrupted to help me. I also am coming to see that to go forward with my life I need to let go of my past. I can't live in the past, so I might as well start anew.

@Joe Riley , I'm hanging ten!!!

 

I'm always in that grey area also, Ina...not poor enough for aid but don't have enough for expensive jobs.

Hopefully you can make a profit on the whole transaction too. At least hope you don't lose money on it in any case.

Don't know real estate in your area.

 

This can't be an easy decision but I hope it will be the right one for you. A huge house like that can only be a burden I would imagine.

Once the upset of moving is done, I hope you will feel well and settled.

I'm sure some of you remember the house troubles of one poster on that "other" forum. An inherited house she can't seem to repair or sell.

 

I can't begin to imagine how hard this would be Ina, but the new place could be such a blessing. More enjoying your life close to folks, and so much less worrying about the next thing that will be draining your pocket-book.

I bet there are several on here that know "exactly" what you are going through, love you, denise

 

I think you will have much less of a headache if you move Ina, I think that it may be hard at first, but having a place you don't have to worry about maintaining would be a Godsend. I just got a chunk of money, and wanted to use it to do some upgrades on the property to ready it for sale, but due to ongoing expenses like insurance, dentist, and car registration it is gone already..sigh! I hope you can get a good realtor who has some experience with older homes, that may have historical value.

 

I had the home up for sale last year, but I just wasn't ready to let it go, so I took it off the market.

After my son and husband died in 2014, I was left with five acres that had two house of around 2500 sq. ft. each, a two story 4000 sq. ft. metal barn, with a large hen house, and other sheds. I put 4 & 1/3 acres with the newest house, the barn, and the other buildings up for sale, and it sold in 12 days.

That got me pretty much out of the debt that a long illness can cost. So if I sell this place, I can move to Dayton, a very small town, and still be able to put some into savings.

Maybe if everything is different it will be easier to make a new life for myself.

 

Oh, @Ina I. Wonder this is a sad thread to read. I am deeply touched by your concern for your old home but I am more touched in your statement about not living for long. I understand that our life span has limitations but I hate to think of the end, I am scared to think of the limitation of our life, it ruins my day to realize that we are temporary tenants of this world. I cannot imagine myself living alone especially when I don't have to money to live comfortably.

On the other hand, I admire your tenacity and even sense of independence. I think a trailer home is practical if you are alone. By the way, my parents-in-law lived in a trailer home for a time when they first settled in Orange County, CA.

 

I think it will be good for you, Ina. I know you have memories with the house you're in now but in a way it will drag you down. Thankfully my husband lived only a year in this house so nothing really ties me to this place. I have no good memories of him here. Being his caregiver the last year of his life was nothing but sadness and bad memories of how he was deteriorating.

If that house is holding you back and costing money, your husband would want you to sell it.

Were not getting younger and there is always something that needs done, for me it's just stressful.