The difficult part is that I don’t have a job waiting for me in B’ham. So I’m looking at houses I can afford to pay cash for, in case I have a hard time finding work (Washington’s unemployment rate is a bit discouraging). I found one place that was on half an acre with two cabins on it. When I actually went to look, both of the places were “tear downs”. The “good” place had a sagging roof and ceilings, and the floors weren’t level. And the two bedrooms were only seven feet wide.
The other place was 1/3 more money, but was in much better condition. But the solarium would have to be torn down or re-built by a certified contractor, the slope of the roof was questionable, and there was an outstanding complaint by a neighbour (which I couldn’t find the nature of); plus some other problems occasionally associated with a repo.
If I had a job that what I’m making now I could get something in the $200,000 - $250,000 range, which would be very nice in that area. But fat chance I’ll get the company to let me telecommute! Any job I could get up there would probably pay half of what I’m making. I could still get a $150,000 - $200,000 house, but it’s scary to commit myself without an income. As much as I hate to dip into my inheritance, I may have to move up and rent for a while.
I’ve heard that people are moving away from Seattle because of the dot.com crash. My realtor says they’re moving to Whatcom County, which he says is the fastest-growing county in the state. A friend of mine just sold (or is trying to sell) her house in Hoquiam. She’s taking a beating because people are walking away from houses there and it’s driving prices down. Hoquiam and Aberdeen are cute little towns, but they’re too small and too isolated for my tastes. Considering my present commute, they are within commuting distance to Olympia; but it’s still a drive. A co-worker is looking at houses in the Anacortes area. That’s within commuting distance to Everett (and possibly even Seattle). Her (Camano Island) sister says to avoid Skagit County, as you have to get your car smogged there (which is good from an environmental standpoint, but who likes to have that chore?).
The difficulty I’m having is with overcoming inertia. What I really need to do is to just move. But I’m being too cautious for my own good. I always like to leave an “escape hatch” for myself, and if I pull up stakes and move the hatch will get smaller and smaller the longer it takes to become established. I could live for two or three years on my savings, but when it’s gone, it’s gone. If my company had laid me off, then that would have given me the shove I need. It’s awefully hard to leave a nice job.
Anyway, the house thing is a bit frustrating. I’m thinking maybe I should buy a building lot while I’m down here, and have a house built. My realtor says houses generally cost between $85 and $90 per square foot to build. I can avoid problems with the houses like the ones I saw in the two places I made offers on, but I’ll end up spending more than I’m comfortable with right now. Still if I get the lot first, at least I’ll have it ready. Ah, if only I had twice the money available! It would be so much easier!
