Get a grip !

Skint_yet_Again

Lovely walk with the dog in the sun but there’s a cold blustery wind. 

Walked to a nearby house on the market, near a different park. Needs work £225,000. If it’s still on the market once DS & gf have their mortgage agreed I may go and view it. Ceilings downstairs are clad in wood. Worry is whether there is asbestos in the ceiling underneath if start removing the cladding. There is a chimney on the roof but no chimney pots so it may have been capped and there is a fireplace in the living room but no chimney breast in the bedroom. All things that would need investigating. If it will cost a lot to correct might as well buy one with no work at £250,000. Would also need double glazing. However no chain & may get in a cheeky low offer if not sold by then. 

Council tax bill has arrived £167 over 10 months up from £162. Nothing about how we are getting the refund will check out their website 

MovingForwards

If it's still for sale I would definitely do a cheeky offer, provided it ticked all the boxes. Extend your search area a little bit as you may find a hidden gem; potentially you could do a sale to DS and GF while doing your onward purchase as a cash buyer.

I think England are getting the money paid into the bank, provided the CT is paid by DD.

Skint_yet_Again

I’m having second thoughts about looking at the property needing work. It will just eat into my capital and could end up being a money pit. My search area already covers the whole city but I would rather buy in a good area. The bad areas are pretty bad. Another property I’ve had my eye on needing no work priced at £260k has just been reduced by £10k is now in my price range but will probably go fast now. 

Have pottered around today doing very little. I wrote a list out of monthly bills & increases and stuck it on the fridge. If DS & gf don’t hurry up the “rent” will be going up! Especially once the gas and electric fix ends on 1 May. 

I checked my council website & £150 is being paid out between April & September 

Hopefully meeting up with my non dog owning friend tomorrow. 

Chrystal

I agree with you Skinty about not taking on a property that need loads of work, as they can, and usually do, turn into money pits! Different if someone in the family is a builder, or someone 'in the know' about these things.  

Really hoping that you can find something you like.  At  least it's the right time of year to be looking, as Easter has always been the traditional time for property to  come on the market.

I'm in the process of trying to sell a retirement flat that has been eating money in Service Charge and Council Tax whilst standing empty for the last 5 years (!!!) since it was left to us in my BILs will.  We can't sub let, and it's at the other end of the country to us, so you can imagine the hassle.

Hopefully we'll both have good outcomes.

Skint_yet_Again

Hope you find a buyer soon Chrystal. Not all properties are shooting up in price wars and selling immediately as some people seem to think. I don’t mind a bit of work but more redecorating I think than major work. 

Just back in from walking the dog. It’s a lovely sunny day but again a cold wind. Still wearing my wooly hat otherwise I get brain freeze. Some chap walking round the pond in shorts this morning 🥶 Lots of daffys in flower & some bluebells showing signs. Saw 3 robins at various locations on our walk and 2 foxes sunning themselves at the edge of the field 🦊 🦊 

One load of washing dried on the line yesterday & I’m just about to hang out another. The kitchen doors are open & heating is off until later tonight. It still comes on for 15 mins at 7pm and 9pm when it starts to get cold in the evening. Hopefully not for much longer. 

MovingForwards

It's worth looking on the edges of the city too, a few miles out may get you more for your money, especially as it's potentially not your final move.

I'd be putting the rent up anyway, they have very cheap accommodation for two people.

I've still got your sunshine and warmth, sorry!

Chrystal, those retirement properties are a PITA to sell, I remember numerous conversations with the freeholders to get agreement to keep reducing the price and get them sold. Not all would agree to it, especially when they have to be sold via them.

Skint_yet_Again

Thanks MF. I already live on the edge of the city near lots of green space and the coast. I’ve included the decent areas in my search area. 

I don’t want a huge commute to work, I would rather stay within a short journey to work, within a short walk to a green space and near my friends as a couple of them don’t drive and public transport is rubbish. 

I don’t want to isolate myself and have to travel down the motorway every time I want to go anywhere or see anyone. 

Met up with my friend this afternoon and walked the path over the fields to a local shopping park. Got a few bits in b & m £5.29 and had a look round t k max. Sat in the sun with a drink from Mc D. Had a rest and an ice cream when I got home, then walked the dog round the pond & nature reserve as DS & gf were at work. 

Used half a pack of mince beef and made spag bol for tea. Remaining portions in the freezer. Half a pack of mince beef left to make a pasta bake tomorrow using up peppers and courgettes from the fridge. Bought peach squash, cheese, eggs, milk, tin of tomato & basil soup for pasta bake in lidl £6.18

5 more working days then 2 weeks off 🤗

MovingForwards

I understand the need for greenery and remaining by the water. You will find something.

Your day sounded wonderful, a right mixed bag and you're coming across as more relaxed. 

Not long until you're packing, better decide what you're taking this time as the nicer weather is coming.

Skint_yet_Again

Sunny morning again. Just about to walk the dog. 

I have been into the office for a few hours this week and will be back to 3 days a week after my 2 weeks off.  I wore my mask & used lots of hand gel. The new glasses helped. 

Had pasta bake for dinner using up half a pack of mince & a courgette & yellow pepper with some cheese grated over the top 😋 Leftovers in the freezer. 

I am now in self imposed isolation until I go see DF next week. If I need any shopping I will get it delivered. The co op deliver to the door within an hour for £3. However I have lots of leftover home cooked frozen meals so should have enough in. I also have basics like bread, rice, wraps, pasta, cheese, butter, eggs, milk & flour. May need more milk but can get DS & gf to pick some up. I also have some potatoes, tinned tuna & tinned mackerel & tinned sweetcorn. Plus a few salad & veg bits & pieces to use up in the freezer. 

Not including today, 2 more working days until time off work 

MovingForwards

It's good the glasses are making a difference.
You'll be making some nice meals with those staple items.
Nearly time to pack!