Our attempt at being MF!!

lulabelle1

CathT wrote: »

Thanks Lula, what will be will be. Lovely to hear how settled you are now you have made changes to your house. Was it wanting a bigger property that spurred you into wanting to move in the first place?

If we had a decent secondary school near us then the decision would be far easier.

It is much less stressfull knowing we have options though.

A few things really, but if I'm totally honest I think a lot of it just boiled down to the fact that I was drawn in to the way of thinking where you feel you should just have "more", whether that be more space, or more desirable village location etc etc. When we sat back and really took stock of what was important we realised that where we are is actually really lovely and that we already had a beautiful home that many people would only dream of. It might sound daft, but when DS1 was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes it just made me want to focus more on doing nice things as a family and having the freedom to go out for a day/weekend etc without worrying about the huge mortgage noose around our necks.
I guess the extension could be seen as frivolous, but as a family it's given us the extra room that we wanted and we have a utility room now which means that I don't need to climb in to the cupboard under the stairs to use the tumble drier (or bang my head anymore on the low door frame as I do it!).

Everything will become clear for you I'm sure

CathT

Thanks for your post Lula, it resonated with me as we were chatting with friends about our proposed move (their house is also for sale) and I said I thought we deserved a better house as we work so hard, are in a stronger financial position etc). However, what you said makes sense.

Ultimately what makes the children happy, a fancy house or parents who aren't overwhelmed with the noose of a huge mortgage. I realise we are lucky to have a plan B and if I am honest I am much more comfortable with staying here and extending.

We have given it a go though and will see what happens.

5p Tilly tidy made. We will be in the 80's soon, cannot wait!

HelenDaveKids

It is hard to decide. We had a semi, looked at detached houses and then decided to extend instead. Few years later we became MF, we then bought the detached AND extended... Part of me wish we'd just gone for it. Although hoping that MF status comes again soon..

newgirly

Hi Cath, Its so hard to decide what to do! We spent years going round in circles before the choice was taken away and we couldn't borrow more on the mortgage. I'm now happy we stayed put and spending about 30k on the loft made a massive difference.

I still think location can make just as much an impact on your lifestyle as the finances or the property size itself.
Location for schools, travel distance to commute, familyand friends, nice neighbours, when kids are older the opportunity for them to travel easily and independantly. I feel differently about our home now the kids are older, it may have a small garden but they can be in london in 25 mins from our front door.

Sorry I am waffling . I guess what I'm trying to say is we don't usually find everything we need in one house, and even if we do needs change overtime. How long do you have before you need to look at senior schools and are the ones nearby suitable?

CathT

You're right, one house can't tick all the boxes. The new build isn't in a good catchment area but ticks all the boxes. At the moment I am very focused one one particular school which it may be possible to send the children to as the bus picks up near our house but they are tightening admission criteria.

Location wise, where we are is good, there is just no guarantee of a school place but they are all accessible. I just want my children to go to this outstanding school but there are other brilliant schools. Work commute ok, mine is about 25 mins each way.

At least if the house doesn't sell, the decision has been taken out of our hands and can go down the plan B route in the Spring.

newgirly

Well if the schools are all good thats a major plus point maybe leaving it to fate is the best option!

lulabelle1

CathT wrote: »

Thanks for your post Lula, it resonated with me as we were chatting with friends about our proposed move (their house is also for sale) and I said I thought we deserved a better house as we work so hard, are in a stronger financial position etc). However, what you said makes sense.

Ultimately what makes the children happy, a fancy house or parents who aren't overwhelmed with the noose of a huge mortgage. I realise we are lucky to have a plan B and if I am honest I am much more comfortable with staying here and extending.

We have given it a go though and will see what happens.

5p Tilly tidy made. We will be in the 80's soon, cannot wait!

See how things work out over the next few months, I'm sure everything will work out for the best

CathT

Where has this week gone? It's truly flown. Plan for tomorrow evening is to stay off the wine! DH not feeling great so at least he shouldn't be leading me astray.

A house on our possible short list (catchment area for superb school - note not the outstanding one!), takes 10 mins off my 25 min commute, has 3 double bedrooms BUT no kitchen-diner has reduced the asking price by 5%. Will have to show it to DH again as he wasn't keen last time but the price reduction makes a difference.

School application made for DS to start reception, 30p Tilly tidy made. Nothing exciting but with over a week until payday we can only plod.

Had some great feedback in work this week which adds to the job satisfaction. Maybe that's why the working week has gone so fast.


Food. - £127.38
Petrol - £77.17

lulabelle1

Sounds like you've had a great/productive week - well done!!

CathT

Hmmm, 1/3 of the way through the month and spent half the budget! Need a quiet week to get back on track. Have enjoyed a great couple of hours at a local mere and park. I really do love Autumn, there were lots of families making the most of the fine weather and a really lovely atmosphere.

Done no housework or decluttering but I guess that isn't what weekends are really for?