Prosperous soul, mortgage neutrality & creativity Year 2

savingholmes

Thanks Merlin, Beanie and LWAP

I'm glad I went and looked at the £225K as it will stop me second guessing myself later. I'm booked in to see a £275K house in the area on Saturday - and am tempted to go for a second viewing on the £295K one and see if anyone would go with me. The £275K one is not to my taste looking online but I don't think they've shared photos of all the rooms. It's not as private - so debating whether to just skip that and focus on the £295K one. I can just afford the £295K one and cashflow it - may have £3K left EF - but if I could get it under asking at say £285K that would make life a lot easier. She has lounge carpet and I spill things a lot - so that isn't a good plan for me unless it is one of the bleachable kind! Plus with the cat's recent visitors - the less carpet the better.

I've happily tested one Sunday lunch and one Italian - so you know important things done! The coffee shop was a bit meh but she told me of a nicer one a little out of town I could try next time. But before I put in an offer I need to resolve the question of is that the right location. It's a quality home - but do I definitely want to commit to that much travel? The nearest major hospital is 15 miles rather than the 20 I thought but the next one is about 27. I hated my local hospital so much though that I willingly went 25 miles away when I had to have an operation. It would be a pain to travel for more minor appointments though. It's only about 20 minutes (in theory) further to my parents. It's 1hr10-1hr30 from where I live now. Sis says its due to be 1.5 hours to her on a good day. 

Yesterday my cleaner and I got privacy film up on the top quarter of the windows in my kitchen. Horizontal stripes. The windows look smarter, more finished and it's stopped the over-bearing feeling of 'house eyes' looking down on me. She also put some on about 1/5 of the patio windows in my work from home space at the height I see when I'm sat down - so people can't look directly at me when I'm working and I can't see their top windows. It already makes the spaces feel better. In the fourth bedroom that doesn't currently have curtains - she covered two thirds of one window pane. I need another roll to complete the other. I love it though - I'd definitely use it in other houses - and it only cost £24 to do. I wish I'd done it years ago.

Grateful again for my cleaner. Will definitely miss her when I move.

I'm in a meeting in 8 minutes - I'd best get a shufty on!! Not dressed yet

EssexHebridean

Merlin's_Beard said:

Worth thinking that 100% WFH jobs are likely to be more popular over time as well, if you're thinking that far ahead.

I'm not so sure about that you know - although it probably depends on the sector. In London certainly, there is a distinct leaning towards people returning to offices - the roads seem to get busier every week, and MrEH says the same is true of the tube. We are expecting a degree from his firm before too long that people need to be back in at least the majority of the week. 

I think dismissing a house with that much work to be done is probably a good thing - it doesn't exactly give of a good vibe, that one. I would really struggle to do any form of major works on a house again I think, it's one reason why we upped the budget and ended up with the increased search that lead us where we are. I really struggled with just the sheer intrusiveness and disruption on building work. I think it's not a route I'd be comfortable going again in a home I also needed to live in - although if you had the budget to arrange alternative accommodation while the works were happening, and could employ a professional project manager it might be easier. 

savingholmes

Thanks EH and Merlin

I think on the WFH side of things - it is very much role and sector dependent. A lot of employers have struggled to get staff in recent times so are more willing to be flexible. I think many employers are also sensitive to the high cost of living. It's also a matter of whether the work you do is mainly with your direct work colleagues at a single base or if you cover work across multiple bases. Recently I've been on calls where the people are spread across multiple work bases and where whether you work from home or not is utterly irrelevant as the people you need to speak to are across different organisations. Some employers are therefore looking to reduce their office space cost which can easily add 20% per employee by continuing to support WFH. Then there is the issue of individual performance... 

My ability to cope with the demands of work improved significantly when I could WFH more and when colleagues were enabled to do so as well. I also offended a lot less people - as I had less social interactions so there was a reduce risk of accidental offence... Like people complaining you blanked them at a photocopier.... Well obviously I blanked you - because I was so focused on my work - I didn't even see you... Therefore I didn't even have a clue who was complaining about me.... That was pre-diagnosis but that was the kind of stupidity I got hassled about before... 
I could make a strong disability case to support WFH most of the week. I go in when specifically asked. I'm nipping in for my flu jab and showing my face - but will then go home again as my home environment is much better and has less distractions. I'm far more productive at home.

The privacy stripes across the windows kept making me smile today too. It definitely lowered my stress. I think subconsciously or otherwise it's probably why DD always kept her curtains shut. I wish I'd realised that sooner. 

Anyway - today I forgot about my art class until I finished work 20 minutes before it began. But I got there 10-15 minutes late - and it was enjoyable. I wasn't made to feel bad for being late. I'm quite pleased with what I did which was flowers in a bottle vase - it's not finished but I did better with the drawing side of things than I expected. Show the difference a reference picture can make. The other people in the class were repeat attenders - so that speaks positively to the tutor. It was nice to do something fun in the company of others. Pretty low stress. A great antidote after a busy day. I will continue to touch it up this week. 

I've been trying to see if a particular family member will go with me to a second viewing but no joy yet.

jwil

Glad the privacy film is making a big difference.

Shame about the house, but it's definitely worth having a second viewing on the other one now that you've got that additional perspective.  Hope you manage to find someone to come with you

I also have significantly improved productivity by WFH.  I'm always surprised how little comparatively I get done on the days when I'm in the office. I agree that there seems to be a move to get people back to the office in some places, but I think good employers will recognise the value of at least hybrid working in those jobs that can be done remotely.

savingholmes

Thanks Jwil. I think family are opting out. It is far to travel so understandable.

I'm still sleeping badly. I woke up thinking 'I'm still giving others a vote on my life instead of an opinion.'

I wanted certain people to go with me - for the practicalities of 'is this a sound house?' - but also because I wanted their approval/buy in. It's natural to want reassurance but they aren't the ones that are going to be living there - I am - and therefore it's my vote that counts. I was in conversation with someone yesterday who lives about 75 minutes from work in a rural area - but only goes in 1 or 2 days a week. She would not trade her hill and field views for an easier commute. I go into work less than her so it should be fine.

I will ring the estate agent and ask about a second viewing. I've done the same research on the house value of this house as I did on the others and it's coming up favourably which is positive.

Having studied the photos some more - I realised that only a tiny proportion of the kitchen cabinets are fitted - so I may need to replace it - as chances are she'd take her other pretty cupboards with her. I'm not entirely sure I'd want them anyway. I have an assembled Welsh Dresser equivalent (from 1kea) in the garage - and may still have a second dismantled one - if I can still find all the pieces. They would be good replacements for what she'd presumably take but have no drawers. She's used at least a double width section of kitchen counter with nothing useful underneath. I need to study the kitchen more in person and then cost out what I'd need to do. There are also two doors into the kitchen diner - if I blocked one it may be easier to fit in a full height fridge freezer. She's used separate under counter ones which I'm not keen on either. She has oodles of counter space but very few cupboards

I've gone through my budget again to look at what I can save - but because I've booked a cottage in October - and really need the break and have loads of car bills imminently - I can't boost my normal savings until November and that will then be hampered by Xmas costs. I've paid for DD's presents already as she bought clothes and I have refunded her. I just need to wrap them. For DS I need double as Xmas and his birthday are close together. Then I have 5 tinies to buy for, my parents, one sis (I don't buy adults if I buy for their kids) and then token gifts for 2-3 friends. The kids aren't of an age where they notice spend value so shouldn't be too much. I'm really hoping our backpay comes through no later than Xmas as that would also help.

My new meds arrive today. I'd want to start them tomorrow - and drive where I'm going before taking one. I'm due to see a £275K house on the same estate tomorrow for comparison. It's a 4 bed with a separate utility. The views are to the front rather than the rear and the house hasn't been designed to maximise them. So need to consider what the costs would be of changing that and what I'd lose in privacy.

TallGirl

Sounds like you’re coping well with all the decision making. I agree having someone to give you their approval when they are not actually living there. Could you get your DG to come with you she knows you really well at least. You could always bribe her to come with you  . I know what you mean about making the most of the views. My offices ones an amazing so are the bed room but a lot of the time the blinds are titled but I do make an effort to open them and admire the night time city scape in the distance before bed.  

savingholmes

Dear diary an' all

I've had a tricky day today.

I forgot my meds were coming and set off for work for my flu jab - realised part way - come back within 15 minutes only to find I'd missed the delivery - and then need to rush to get to work on time before they packed up for the day. I kept saying as a mantra 'I'm ADHD. This is normal. This is forgivable. My brain is doing well overall. Everyone makes mistakes... ' They are going to try and re-deliver tomorrow - but I'll be out - and it's not letting me tell them that on the tracking system which is frustrating. I have enough meds left it is just I feel daft for letting it happen.

I thought a work issue was fixed - only for it to blow up again today. I feel let down and have let the powers that be know about the issue diplomatically (by my standards) while channeling FS and telling people the required solution. Have some specialists on a call (very early for me) first thing Monday in the hope they can fix the issue and we can still hit a key deadline. Everyone on my side of the fence took it well so that's what matters so trying not to let it stress me out all weekend.

@TallGirl My viewings are too early tomorrow (by the time you add in travel) for anyone to agree to come with me so soldiering on. I've debated staying overnight but I'd be better off saving the money for the move. I've seen a few houses on my list drop £10-20K today - but not any near the top of the shortlist. Some others I was interested in but not enough to view at that price have sold. It's a very unpredictable market. I'm still in my debate of if I do offer - how much. As Blackcats and others have said though - if I take the long view it doesn't matter too much whether I pay £5-10K more than I ideally want as things should balance out longer term. That particular area seems to be rising in value generally speaking and with the views combined with a bus route to the estate and being within a mile or two of town, GP etc - it should stay marketable longer term. My boss admitted the houses looked nice even if she doesn't want me to move that far away.

DD has started asking for other bits of furniture from this house. She's going to take some this weekend. That will make the whole moving thing feel more real for me too. I've encouraged her to find a solution for her bikes too. She may sell at least one. 

I'm going to dig out a little paint and try and do a bit more on last night's art work. That would be a nice activity before bed! Hope you all have a lovely weekend. Looking forward to the views tomorrow and hopefully do a bit more exploration of the area.

mark55man

Sorry to hear your day was one of those days - hopefully you can sort out the meds in good time

I'm in awe of your house analysis - I'm a big believer that you will know what you want when you see it, but the more research you do the readier you are for that aha moment and the more you can trust it

savingholmes

Thanks Mark - I feel like a swimmer on the high diving board - eventually I just have to go for it. A lot more info is available than there used to be which also helps. I just need to avoid being paralysed by indecision.

I've done a bit more painting on last night's art work so happy with that.

I applied anti-flea stuff to the cat in the hope that gets under control. I need to find the worming tablets I bought for him and give him that too. They don't ever show this side of pet ownership in the movies!

Fortune_Smiles

Hi there SH.  House move decisions are tricky but remember - price is not the same as value. Keep in mind your dream and what it is you really want and need from this move.  We all strive to make good financial decisions here of course but there are some things you can't put a price on.

Fortune x