Well, here goes. The start to our trek North to Maine, our new home-state. (Portland: condo, hotels)

[jonesg]

Originally Posted by Kittenfoster

We bought a second home in Bath and we love it there. Convenient to everything without the big city traffic and people. We were supposed to just stay six months during the summer and fall, but fell in love with the snow this past January when we visited for some heating issues. Now I plan to stay in Florida a few more months so I can be in Maine in Jan and Feb. I cant stand the Florida heat after 40 years, not to mention the rude unfriendly people. If I could, I would live in Maine all year. We found a great remodeled home (rare) right on Kennebec River in the heart of the city (3/4 acre.) A dream come true! We are both 72 years young, so its never too late to do something adventurous. Thank you Mainers for being such friendly helpful people.

I lived in Sarasota for a winter, found it a bit strange and moved back north again.
Maybe it just depends where you are in your life.
A slower pace of life in Maine eliminates certain pressures, less traffic reduces stress.
People have to be self reliant and interdependent on and with others to survive, it all works to the general good. Its a great place to retire. Cheap housing, good neighbors , low crime.

[OutdoorLover]

Originally Posted by Kittenfoster

We bought a second home in Bath and we love it there. Convenient to everything without the big city traffic and people. We were supposed to just stay six months during the summer and fall, but fell in love with the snow this past January when we visited for some heating issues. Now I plan to stay in Florida a few more months so I can be in Maine in Jan and Feb. I cant stand the Florida heat after 40 years, not to mention the rude unfriendly people. If I could, I would live in Maine all year. We found a great remodeled home (rare) right on Kennebec River in the heart of the city (3/4 acre.) A dream come true! We are both 72 years young, so its never too late to do something adventurous. Thank you Mainers for being such friendly helpful people.

Sounds like a great place :-). No town is perfect, but I think Bath is underappreciated.

[Cuffler]

Hi all.

WE SOLD THE HOUSE!


Well, the buyer offered, we countered and they compromised. We were told by our realtor that the deal is done and now we're waiting for paperwork and dates. Now the real work begins.

It took almost 1-1/2 years to sell this place. The realtor we have working for us now put dozens and dozens of people through here during their 6 months. I am very pleased with their work. In the end we had three very interested parties all poking at the price but these people made the offer first. She told my realtor that if she could not buy our house she would have stayed in hers; that's how bad she wanted it.

Ultimately the price we got for this place is disappointing. It's a reflection of how bad the economy is here in CT and how taxes affect the overall price. I figure, without exaggeration, we left $75k on the table if not more. Back in '08 we were offered $300k for our place but we were not prepared to move. Seems the story of our lives, out of sync market and schedule. Oh well. We were told by some buyers that $7k in property taxes was just out of their budget. I fully understand.

So, we're going to store what's left of our stuff in pods and move in with my wife's Mom who is 2 miles from here and in the last 1/3 of her hospice care. My wife is the executrix. Mom's got 24/7 care required and us living there will help. Plus I'll be able to begin determining how to shut down that house and get it ready for the realtor, too. As we get closer to that time (I figure 2-3 months) I'll be getting serious about house hunting in Maine. First we'll pick a bank and get our ducks in order. We've been concentrating in Lincoln County. There are some really nice properties for reasonable money there, still. I've noticed that prices have been coming down slowly in some towns. The market has finally leveled out, I guess.

Anyway, I'd like to finally say this one more time: WE SOLD THE HOUSE!

Feels good to be able to say that finally. I'll be in touch with more info as it solidifies. Nice to have some place to share this ordeal. Maine, you've been calling for a long time and we hear you!

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Cuffler

Hi all.

WE SOLD THE HOUSE!

Congratulations

[fumbling]

Congrats but technically isn't the house just under contract to be sold, even if the realtor says it's a done deal?

[svband76]

Originally Posted by fumbling

Congrats but technically isn't the house just under contract to be sold, even if the realtor says it's a done deal?

Now, now, don't jinx the poor guy ..lol!

Congrats on your sale. So happy for you. Take care of the more important things like your MIL's health. Maine ain't going anywhere. But I have a feeling any place you find in Maine will be a bargain when compared to CT. Be well and keep us updated.

[maineguy8888]

That's great!

[WhoFanMe]

Originally Posted by Cuffler

Hi all.

WE SOLD THE HOUSE!


Well, the buyer offered, we countered and they compromised. We were told by our realtor that the deal is done and now we're waiting for paperwork and dates. Now the real work begins.

It took almost 1-1/2 years to sell this place. The realtor we have working for us now put dozens and dozens of people through here during their 6 months. I am very pleased with their work. In the end we had three very interested parties all poking at the price but these people made the offer first. She told my realtor that if she could not buy our house she would have stayed in hers; that's how bad she wanted it.

Ultimately the price we got for this place is disappointing. It's a reflection of how bad the economy is here in CT and how taxes affect the overall price. I figure, without exaggeration, we left $75k on the table if not more. Back in '08 we were offered $300k for our place but we were not prepared to move. Seems the story of our lives, out of sync market and schedule. Oh well. We were told by some buyers that $7k in property taxes was just out of their budget. I fully understand.

So, we're going to store what's left of our stuff in pods and move in with my wife's Mom who is 2 miles from here and in the last 1/3 of her hospice care. My wife is the executrix. Mom's got 24/7 care required and us living there will help. Plus I'll be able to begin determining how to shut down that house and get it ready for the realtor, too. As we get closer to that time (I figure 2-3 months) I'll be getting serious about house hunting in Maine. First we'll pick a bank and get our ducks in order. We've been concentrating in Lincoln County. There are some really nice properties for reasonable money there, still. I've noticed that prices have been coming down slowly in some towns. The market has finally leveled out, I guess.

Anyway, I'd like to finally say this one more time: WE SOLD THE HOUSE!

Feels good to be able to say that finally. I'll be in touch with more info as it solidifies. Nice to have some place to share this ordeal. Maine, you've been calling for a long time and we hear you!

Congratulations. I'm not sure if you closed (and got paid) or you are under contract, waiting to close.

[jonesg]

Originally Posted by Cuffler

Hi all.

WE SOLD THE HOUSE!


Well, the buyer offered, we countered and they compromised. We were told by our realtor that the deal is done and now we're waiting for paperwork and dates. Now the real work begins.

It took almost 1-1/2 years to sell this place. The realtor we have working for us now put dozens and dozens of people through here during their 6 months. I am very pleased with their work. In the end we had three very interested parties all poking at the price but these people made the offer first. She told my realtor that if she could not buy our house she would have stayed in hers; that's how bad she wanted it.

Ultimately the price we got for this place is disappointing. It's a reflection of how bad the economy is here in CT and how taxes affect the overall price. I figure, without exaggeration, we left $75k on the table if not more. Back in '08 we were offered $300k for our place but we were not prepared to move. Seems the story of our lives, out of sync market and schedule. Oh well. We were told by some buyers that $7k in property taxes was just out of their budget. I fully understand.

So, we're going to store what's left of our stuff in pods and move in with my wife's Mom who is 2 miles from here and in the last 1/3 of her hospice care. My wife is the executrix. Mom's got 24/7 care required and us living there will help. Plus I'll be able to begin determining how to shut down that house and get it ready for the realtor, too. As we get closer to that time (I figure 2-3 months) I'll be getting serious about house hunting in Maine. First we'll pick a bank and get our ducks in order. We've been concentrating in Lincoln County. There are some really nice properties for reasonable money there, still. I've noticed that prices have been coming down slowly in some towns. The market has finally leveled out, I guess.

Anyway, I'd like to finally say this one more time: WE SOLD THE HOUSE!

Feels good to be able to say that finally. I'll be in touch with more info as it solidifies. Nice to have some place to share this ordeal. Maine, you've been calling for a long time and we hear you!

The $75K you lost in CT, you'll make back in Maine....first when you buy and every year in taxes.

[Cuffler]

Under contract is, of course, the correct term. But , after a year and a half of being on the market it feels really good. Closing date is set for the 31st. We're ordering up our PODS and moving materials this week and getting ready to close up shop. More to come as we move forward.