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rodeosweetheart
7-16-13, 8:36am
Well, just wanted to report that after 1.5 years of looking, we are (hopefully--don'[t want to jinx it) buying a house up in Michigan.
We have looked and bid on several, but had several fall out due to condition of house not passing muster for a mortgage, and expensive repairs like new wells and septics. After the last disastrous deal, I told dh he could do as he wished, but I would never again apply for a mortgage. This put us in a much lower price range fast!

Well, couple of weeks ago, we saw something that we had seen and almost bid on in the spring. The guy who bought it did some expensive work like a new furnace and then decided to do other things with his time and money, due to life changes. So it went on market at a very reasonable price. It had tons of interest in first 3 days and we bid on it sight unseen. (Webought current foreclosure sight unseen and it has turned our really well, knock on wood.)

It is a little farther from kids than I wanted, but DH itching to get back up north, and it has so many things I want--really pretty house, a big barn for horses and other livestock, and 40 min proximity to Lake Michigan (I live 8 miles from Atlantic now) and city of Traverse City close enough to enjoy.

WE are pulling money from our 401ks at work to do cash. And yes, I know how dumb many consider this, including Dave Ramsey, who helped us to finally get out of debt. But we figure this is our retirement, a roof over our heads and room to grow our own food. Our jobs are portable, so we will continue working where we work now. It cost less than the Sequim park model, although I know northern Michigan not considered quite as glamourous as Sequim, lol. On other hand, I can't afford West coast and want to liev ew/in our means. Plus it has a barn, a barn, a barn!!!!!

If we ever get up there to see it, I will post pics!

Tussiemussies
7-16-13, 8:40am
So exciting, sounds like it just about meets all of your needs. You sound so happy about the barn -- glad for you!

rodeosweetheart
7-16-13, 8:43am
Thank you, I am--it is a classic big red barn, room for lots of hay storage!

iris lilies
7-16-13, 9:57am
Two sets of friends have spoken about retiring in Traverse City area. It must be beautiful, good luck!

rodeosweetheart
7-16-13, 9:59am
Two sets of friends have spoken about retiring in Traverse City area. It must be beautiful, good luck!

Thank you, Iris Lilies, it is spectacularly beautiful up there!

Simpler at Fifty
7-16-13, 10:14am
I have family in Charlevoix . It is beautiful in that area. Maybe you can paint a barn quilt and get on a barn quilt tour list.

rodeosweetheart
7-16-13, 11:35am
I have family in Charlevoix . It is beautiful in that area. Maybe you can paint a barn quilt and get on a barn quilt tour list.
What a cool idea, Simpler!

Float On
7-16-13, 11:48am
Wonderful!
Congrats!
I'm always looking and dreaming about property in MI - love that state!

rodeosweetheart
7-16-13, 12:18pm
Well it's a good time to look, Float!

sweetana3
7-16-13, 12:22pm
I go to Elk River? just north of TC once a year and totally enjoy it and the drive (7 hours). It is really beautiful and a couple of the ladies at our retreat live in TC.

Gardenarian
7-16-13, 12:34pm
Best of luck to you with your new home-to-be!

rodeosweetheart
7-16-13, 1:24pm
Best of luck to you with your new home-to-be!

Thank you so much, Gardenarian!