Covid19 Spare time

customboss · May 23, 2022

3 hours ago, diyer2 said:

We did the RV thing 20 years ago. Not full time though. Costly. They are still cramped IMO even a big 5th wheel.

I lived in a 2014 Thor 22' dually Chevy 2500/3500 chassis with 6.0L V8. For an unemployable disabled vet it was perfect but cramped indeed since everything I owned as loaded.

I was able to see the West US on the ground since I had flown everywhere in world by then. I could urinate and make coffee, without being locked behind a cockpit door what a life! LOL

Donstar · May 24, 2022

Yesterday we found a house that we were excited about and would have freed up some equity. We phoned our sales agent and it was already sold. Later on I found a cargo trailer posted on FB that I've been looking for to haul my trike. When I went to buy, it was already sold. Both of these disappointments were acted upon within minutes. I was upset about these events last night but now that I've had time, I've settled down. The stress of moving and/or having a cargo trailer crowd our driveway would have stressed me out today!

KARNUT · May 24, 2022

56 minutes ago, Donstar said:

Yesterday we found a house that we were excited about and would have freed up some equity. We phoned our sales agent and it was already sold. Later on I found a cargo trailer posted on FB that I've been looking for to haul my trike. When I went to buy, it was already sold. Both of these disappointments were acted upon within minutes. I was upset about these events last night but now that I've had time, I've settled down. The stress of moving and/or having a cargo trailer crowd our driveway would have stressed me out today!

It used to be you would price your house and lower offers would come in. Now there’s a bidding war driving prices up. There’s rental companies coming in and buying 70-100 homes at a time. Some smaller communities are passing laws against those purchases. My son recently changed from selling homes to solar panels. The home inventory is very low. The one once thriving business of selling recreational vehicles because of Covid I expect to reverse big time. I also expect large vehicles like trucks and SUVs to decline as well. Gas prices.

Edited May 24, 2022 by KARNUT

Donstar · May 24, 2022

1 hour ago, KARNUT said:

It used to be you would price your house and lower offers would come in. Now there’s a bidding war driving prices up. There’s rental companies coming in and buying 70-100 homes at a time. Some smaller communities are passing laws against those purchases. My son recently changed from selling homes to solar panels. The home inventory is very low. The one once thriving business of selling recreational vehicles because of Covid I expect to reverse big time. I also expect large vehicles like trucks and SUVs to decline as well. Gas prices.

Yes my truck is parked and only used when necessary. I'd probably trade it in on an EV if everyone else in my area wasn't thinking the same thing! Two months ago trucks were selling for top dollar and EV's came in a choice of colours! Now trucks are parked and there is a year long wait list for EV's.

KARNUT · May 24, 2022

1 hour ago, Donstar said:

Yes my truck is parked and only used when necessary. I'd probably trade it in on an EV if everyone else in my area wasn't thinking the same thing! Two months ago trucks were selling for top dollar and EV's came in a choice of colours! Now trucks are parked and there is a year long wait list for EV's.

I’ve read that California is requesting EV owners to set their timers after 10. To ease the load. I’m wondering if their putting the cart ahead of the horse.

Donstar · May 25, 2022

I watched a commercial on TV for the Silverado EV last night and it spoke to me ;-). I promptly went to my computer and reserved the first available WT level truck. A pickup truck has been my preferred daily driver for 50+ years and I would rather not change. These past few weeks of daily driving a Toyota Yaris because of gas prices has definitely challenged my joy of driving! I've always preferred the more basic trucks and the most fuel efficient in the line-up. Pickups and fuel costs have always been a negative for me! It will be a long wait and many things can/will change but it is exciting!

KARNUT · May 25, 2022

1 minute ago, Donstar said:

I watched a commercial on TV for the Silverado EV last night and it spoke to me ;-). I promptly went to my computer and reserved the first available WT level truck. A pickup truck has been my preferred daily driver for 50+ years and I would rather not change. These past few weeks of daily driving a Toyota Yaris because of gas prices has definitely challenged my joy of driving! I've always preferred the more basic trucks and the most fuel efficient in the line-up. Pickups and fuel costs have always been a negative for me! It will be a long wait and many things can/will change but it is exciting!

Yea I’m with you. I talk to myself all the time I’m driving the CRV. The Avalanche keeps me sane. I’m waiting for sanity to return with auto pricing. The maverick may be on my radar.

Donstar · May 28, 2022

We're going to look at a house today that is priced below market value. The game, of course, is the seller is creating a "bidding war". The sad part is the current asking price is already in the stratosphere! (It's all a matter of playing with numbers as our current house enjoys the same market dynamics.) The really stressful part is why we're considering a move. The property we're looking at has a house similar to our current one but has a huge workshop and lots of space for RV's and other larger "toys". My dilemma is whether our ability to drive/tow a recreational vehicles ever become manageable? It would be ludicrous to buy a house to accommodate a part-time home on wheels if fuel costs keep it parked!

KARNUT · May 28, 2022

31 minutes ago, Donstar said:

We're going to look at a house today that is priced below market value. The game, of course, is the seller is creating a "bidding war". The sad part is the current asking price is already in the stratosphere! (It's all a matter of playing with numbers as our current house enjoys the same market dynamics.) The really stressful part is why we're considering a move. The property we're looking at has a house similar to our current one but has a huge workshop and lots of space for RV's and other larger "toys". My dilemma is whether our ability to drive/tow a recreational vehicles ever become manageable? It would be ludicrous to buy a house to accommodate a part-time home on wheels if fuel costs keep it parked!

For years down the road from me was a double wide on a nice piece of property. It had an electric gate and a little shop. Next to the double wide was a huge carport. In the carport was a diesel pusher motor home. Recently the double wide and motor home disappeared. All that’s left is the shop and electric gate. I’ve spent many miles pulling a camper for work. Never had a problem. If someone threw me the keys to the fanciest diesel pusher and all I had do is buy fuel. I’d hand back the keys. My wife’s grandfather life’s ambition was to camper travel. He never driven anything larger than a van. One trip from New Jersey’s to Texas was enough. He park the camper at a park and sold the truck. Most every weekend in the summer they went to the camper. My father would drive his motor home to the casino even though they had free rooms. Now days you can rent a camper. I recommend doing that a few times for most people. It’s a different experience.

Donstar · May 30, 2022

The house we looked at on Saturday was excellent in pictures, description and price. That is where the good ended. A couple of months ago the housing frenzy found people bidding on houses, sight unseen". This viewing demonstrated the potential risks of such buying behavior! When I am selling something I strive to capture a true representation of the item so buyers aren't immediately disappointed! This particular property was also an example of how DIY home improvement shows mislead homeowners. These shows are for our entertainment and often over simplify the skill required for home renovations. This particular homeowner appeared to have more confidence in his DIY abilities than would make me feel safe!

KARNUT · May 30, 2022

13 minutes ago, Donstar said:

The house we looked at on Saturday was excellent in pictures, description and price. That is where the good ended. A couple of months ago the housing frenzy found people bidding on houses, sight unseen". This viewing demonstrated the potential risks of such buying behavior! When I am selling something I strive to capture a true representation of the item so buyers aren't immediately disappointed! This particular property was also an example of how DIY home improvement shows mislead homeowners. These shows are for our entertainment and often over simplify the skill required for home renovations. This particular homeowner appeared to have more confidence in his DIY abilities than would make me feel safe!

My brother in law is close to retirement. They want to move back over here. The prices are insane making the taxes likewise. My suggestion to him was buy an old fixer upper. He can do the work, he’s very talented. Once he’s 65 the taxes are set and can only go up so much per year. Sometimes an older home is simply dated not really needing much. My wife an I both like defined rooms, open concept is a no go for us. Sometimes that’s the only undesired element the lowers the house value for most buyers.

Donstar · May 31, 2022

Yesterday a close friend informed us his lab results were the worst case scenario. He is half of a couple we have known for over 40 years. Like us, they spent a great deal of time over the past couple of years preparing for when this time arrives. It wasn't welcomed news in the least but their preparation makes it "easier" to manage. My wife and I took on many separate household responsibilities throughout the years and have gradually been sharing the "how to" of our roles. When (not if) your turn comes, and you are given some time, you want to focus on relationships. You don't want to be scrambling to deal with getting, "your affairs in order".

KARNUT · May 31, 2022

A few years ago I hurt my back and that effected my stomach muscles. Took almost all my mobility. With a large yard and almost daily something to do keeping it maintained. Knowing without a doubt was something my wife couldn’t do. That shocked me into reality older age was right there. I started visiting all the older age type communities and assisted living sites. My wife has learned over the years just to follow along and I’ll become rational eventually. I started feeling better and became better at pacing myself. What came out of that was planing. We planned up to retirement as the finish line, not after. First was updating our will. Then there’s things you can hire out. The rest you plan for.

customboss · May 31, 2022

1 minute ago, KARNUT said:

A few years ago I hurt my back and that effected my stomach muscles. Took almost all my mobility. With a large yard and almost daily something to do keeping it maintained. Knowing without a doubt was something my wife couldn’t do. That shocked me into reality older age was right there. I started visiting all the older age type communities and assisted living sites. My wife has learned over the years just to follow along and I’ll become rational eventually. I started feeling better and became better at pacing myself. What came out of that was planing. We planned up to retirement as the finish line, not after. First was updating our will. Then there’s things you can hire out. The rest you plan for.

Brother I feel your pain for sure. Reality is a real taskmaster. Well said on pacing the warhorse bodies!

Donstar · June 2, 2022

The number of homeless people in our neighborhood has increased noticeably over the recent past. I believe Covid and recent cost of living increases are exacerbating this crisis. Yesterday we stopped at our favorite place for an ice-cream treat and a homeless person had settled for the day right next to the front door. He wasn't bothering anyone and nobody was bothering him. The fact that it was so acceptable is the shocking part of the story. I get how hard it can be to afford a comfortable life and how scary it must be without a safety net of family. My wife and I have been fortunate that we had family around during tough times and our children have enjoyed similar security. Karnut's comment about planning for retirement is so important. You may be managing now but chances are good that you will hit retirement age. You may find that your body may not want or be able to work. Combine this with the passing of the bank of mom&dad and you too may have the recipe for homelessness.