Put me in the “sell” camp also. And sooner than later. A house that is livable yet needs repairs is much more marketable than one that is unlivable until repairs are done. And if you can’t afford repairs you’re going to be really screwed when something serious goes bad.
Even if you do not qualify based upon age or income, perhaps the condition of the property would warrant a reassessment of the property taxes. Contact the tax man.
As many have said, you paid nothing for the house, so you’re not taking a loss. Anyone who is looking at the cost of houses during the bubble and hoping the house will get back to that is kidding themselves. But you didn’t say anything about taking a loss in your OP. You said that someone was saying you were crazy to move because you had no mortgage, and that your husband didn’t like moving in general.
Well, even though you have no mortgage, you can’t afford this house, and you know it and are sure of that knowledge. That leaves only 1) arguing with any someones saying you’re crazy, and you have plenty of ammunition for that, and 2) the fact that your husband doesn’t like to move.
No one likes to move. Moving is a big bushel of bother. It’s not going to be fun. But it’s necessary when the place you live is driving you broke. Even if everything turned around and you were flush with cash, you know you’d be happier someplace smaller that didn’t have so much maintenance that needs to be done. Maintenance is also no fun.
I wish you good luck. May you find just the right house to buy outright, so that you have no mortgage, less tax, and less maintenance. Now is also an opportunity for a smaller lawn to mow, if that’s a bother. Oh, and a shorter commute. If it’s possible, I wish you a shorter commute.
Bad idea. They could go up anyway.