by Hope
I mentioned a month or so ago that I had decided to sell my home next year. Then I took a 3 week trip to Texas, followed quickly by a 1 week trip to Princess apartment. And phew, that made me re-think my idea of being transitory. The last few weeks of being home have me thinking again. (I know, a solid case of whiplash – me too!)
While I KNOW that keeping the house is the best idea financially. And there are lots of other reasons for me to stay put…the one that stands out after all my travel is my fenced yard and doggie door. It truly is the simple things that make life so sweet.
But on the other side, I am so lonely. I haven’t left the house in the week. And while I am a serious introvert, this constant aloneness is not good for my mental health. In fact, the only reason I’m out now, while I’m writing this is because I needed to come get my car serviced to drive back to Texas at the end of this week.
Asking the Expert
So while I am not rushing into any decisions. I am getting all the facts. Today a family friend who worked as a real estate agent for decades in this area is going to come by and take a look at my house. She’s retired from real estate now, but continues to manage rentals in the area. I’m hoping to learn for her what I should do to the house if I want to sell it and make the most, what would be good to do to the same end, and what to just leave for the potential buyer.
On the other side, I am considering renting out one or two of the rooms after the holidays. That would include a private bath too, well, hall bath, but I don’t ever use it. Or even possibly renting out the house in its entirety.
I just don’t know. When I mentioned it to my dad, his comment was, “would you rent it out furnished?” But honestly, the two extra rooms have no furniture in them. Well, my desk is in one of them. And I don’t think short term rentals (like AirBnB) are really a thing in this tiny town.
Options
I have options. And I want to make the best decision financially. AND for my mental health.
Having the retired real estate come over and take a look at the current state of things will give me a perspective that I just don’t have as I continue to noodle what I want to do. But I don’t plan on doing anything on a whim or until after the holidays. We shall see…
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.