Tightening the belts for unpaid leave

[Deleted User]

@astrocytic_kitten - to be fair, she is ok, most of the time.  We had a bit of a fall out when she dropped us in it over childcare with no notice but I'm over that now.  However, I do (often) remind her how much it's costing us per year! (she gave DH's sister free full time childcare for both their kids until they turned 5, but wouldn't with us as apparently "we can afford it").  

@Buffythedebtslayer - OMFG I am now going to see if they are still half a point as if so, I shall be getting some of those (I mean, who doesn't love a party ring or a fondant fancie?!)

[Deleted User]

So, spending and eating have been rather out of control (again!) this weekend.  Did a big shop Fri and got the other stuff couldn't get there on Sat.  Don't want to post how much it was but well over £100 not including any alcohol!  To be fair, we needed lots of things we had run out of like dishwasher tablets, cling film, big bag of breaded chicken for DC1, fishfingers for him, loo roll, formula.  And I forward bought nappies as they were 3 packs for £15 which worked out cheaper than buying elsewhere/online and we didn't "need" those this week.  Plus, trying to eat healthy is expensive.

Sat went to watch DC1 play cricket then a long walk.  Bought the kids loads of clothes for summer as last year the shops seemed to run out early and got DC1 a coat for this coming winter.  I had seen it in Monsoon ages ago but it was more than I had wanted to spend at the time, but it was lovely and thick with a fur trim on the hood.  Anyway, was half price in the sale so scooped it up and DC2 can use it when he gets big enough so is really good value and quality (and can probably still then sell on after).  Then went to meet friends for afternoon tea for a friend's birthday.  I didn't eat but was hoodwinked into having 2 g&t's!!!!  

Yesterday was just a disaster.  A house had come on so we went to walk by it and both kids screaming as it was freezing and we hadn't been prepared.  Anyway, luckily walked past a friend's house and they were outside and brought us another blanket to borrow!  House is very overpriced (by about 60% compared to what the one next door sold for in september).  We are going to see tomorrow but will not be going anywhere near that asking price!  Had a coffee at some tea rooms (points!).  Then in afternoon went to MIL's and then we stupidly decided to get wine on way home as we were having crab for tea and we sank 2 bottles white wine and I ate a bl**dy magnum!!!!


Anyways, I still somehow have not gone over my points total for last week (by a hair's breadth) and have lost 3lbs!  So I am keeping going this week (though DH and I on a staycation Sat night so no way I'm dieting then!) and it's going well so far today!

[Deleted User]

OH and got the DC into the lovely nursery!!!!!!  Can't get DC2 a friday morning spot but he is just going to go to MIL then (which also saves us quite a bit) so we are relieved!!!!

Sarahwithlove

Sadly house prices have risen this year and where you don't really want to be waiting to long to move you may find you end up paying more than you like for your ideal home. 

[Deleted User]

@Sarahwithlove - yes, they have definitely moved but it's on at 500k more than the one next door which sold end November and it is basically the same house (very slightly bigger).  We spoke to 2 agents about it and they both agree that is a ridiculous try on.  They said they thought the november house was possibly undersold, taking the house which has just come on to potentially 150k more but not 500k!!!!

We also don't mind paying over the odds if it's the right house as we know what the market is like right now but this is just a try on!

Sarahwithlove

Wow that's crazy does it come with extra land or planning permission as that's only thing I can think of that might cause it to jump so much 

Buffythedebtslayer

It must be on a goldmine! 

Saying that, a few doors down had theirs on for 500,000 which is about 50 - 75 more than other houses, plus theirs is very specifically decorated if you see what I mean...... and they had to give up. I look at a lot of houses and am always surprised at how long places are on there and that some come and go. Covid may not have crashed the housing market but it has made it bloody annoying!! 

[Deleted User]

@Sarahwithlove - nope - exactly the same size plot, parking slightly better (as in, not tandem parking) and it's about an extra 50sq feet in size but that's it - if anything, it's also not as in new condition internally!!!  Hence a massive try on.  As another example, there's another one coming on - a derelict farmhouse coming on at 965k.  Was bought for 560k end 2019 and has even been refused planning permission and they're just trying to flip it for a massive profit due to shortage of supply.

[Deleted User]

@Buffythedebtslayer - Bufster it is on at 500k MORE than the one next door which sold end Nov.  And it is not as nicely decorated either.  It is crazy.  I just don't think that this is "the market" - this is an absolute joke of a try on.

Had an email from another agent last night and his youngest goes to same nursery as DC1.  He said that he had done loads of valuations last week and is going to push those to see if we can get viewings before they are marketed - so am hoping he has valued something meeting our criteria.

A bit worried about DH and this house today (the one on at 500k more).  We are going to see it (I thought) to build a relationship with the agent.  But DH talking like we might make an offer (nowhere near asking mind!).  When I showed him the house next door last year he wasn't interested at all and we didn't even view.  I fear he may be thinking that we will buy something just so we have somewhere.  But that is a huge mistake.  If that is the case, we should've just stayed in our previous beautiful house and waited.  I have to get him back on track otherwise all of this camping out in rentals and moving twice will have been for nothing.

DC1 in nursery today thank god.  Might take DC2 for a walk a bit later on.  Seeing house at 0930.  Waste of time in my view.

HampshireH

How did the house viewing go?