Bought my house a few years ago that was built in the 60’s. I am a single mom and I dont complain about my salary. Since I have moved in, after a relative good home inspection, longevity is running out faster than I can keep up financially. I now need new windows as they are leaking and it has affected several rooms. I have already dumped ALOT to fixing and struggling to even do any remodling I wanted to do. I had a home warranty and i was waisting money there. So i never renewed. They would come out and fix stuff all to have it break again and home warranty wouldnt replace anything. It was very stressful dealing with them. I wasnt expecting to dump a total of $150k into this house. Which was a result of a poorly maintained home after effect. I am torn because of these high home prices/and rates and everything else is old homes in this area. I would have to move further out for a new construction home or somewhat newer home. I called about a second mortgage and that was a joke. So i feel “stuck” what would you do?
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I’d get a roommate and find a general contractor you can trust to evaluate the situation and propose smaller repairs that will help get the house where you want it to be on your budget. Any large project is a series of small jobs. Focus on one project at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Thanks! Roomate is a no go, I am a single mom. I dont think you understand that. I did mention i am a single mom. I dont need to further explain that.
Also, when doing the math to fix up a old house is the same as buying new. That is my dilemma. Move far away for new or stay? Sounds easy, but it is not. Seems old houses are nothing but problems after 50 years. But will this non sense and costly repairs stop?
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I hear ya and understand you have some challenges.
There are always more transition costs in moving than are obvious. New place can have higher taxes, utility costs, insurance......Longer commutes can add up as well.
One option is to patch up vs replace windows that leak.
You can use tape or caulk to seal leaky windows. Inside film can also make a big difference in heating and cooling costs.
They make removable window sealing caulk if you need to preserve the ability to open windows.
one last bit of advice you did not ask for.
The secret of financial success is to spend less than you make. Easy to say, can be hard to do.
Thanks for being as good a mom as you can, and good luck with the house issues.
Measure twice, cut once.