I think I need to clarify:
[ol]
[li]They built their Charlotte house when their Raleigh house was under contract. The (not) buyer broke the contract thirty minutes before closing.[/li][li]They have one mortgage. My MIL wanted to make sure they had a couple of years mortgage-free before they retire.[/li][li]they drive to Raleigh a couple of times a month to make sure the house looks immaculate, in case it’s shown.[/li][/ol]