Life in our house has just gotten crazier! We are in a mad dash to get our house ready to list it for sale next week. This may be a huge shock to many of you, but it has been a long process and a rather easy decision. We are a couple with some very strong values. Values that really shape and form our each and every move. While from the outside, our choices and actions may seem insane, sad or difficult to us they are simple (black & white) and therefore rather easy to swallow.
One of our major values (it was even part of our wedding vows) was to be debt free. When we purchased our home back in February of 2007 we felt like we were making a wise decision. We were buying a home that was nice, but not extreme. We were planning to use an inheritance to pay for the actual house and without a mortgage we found a home with property taxes we could easily handle for the long haul. Seth was making good money and with the real estate industry the way it was in Texas, we were looking at the opportunity for him to make much more. We pictured our life in a few years consisting of living well below our means.
Fast forward two and a half years (and 2 kids later) and things are much, much different. Not due anything that is really our fault. Seth's training classes being canceled last minute and leaving him ill prepared for his state test. He took it 3 times in 4 days always missing the mark by less than 3 questions. After the 3rd attempt it was 6 months before he could test again. By the time he was able to test and we could get the business up and running, we went a full year with zero income.
Then, after 2 great months in home inspections, the economy takes a dive, unemployment skyrockets and we are faced with the decision of trying to run a business with a next to zero clientele or taking the one and only job offer. Since some money is better than no money, we chose the job. Making less than half of what were making before and involving a 3 hour commute daily. If there is one thing we did NOT move to Texas for, it was having Seth work so far from home.
The money we were planning on using we were told would be distributed by now and it hasn't. We have drained our savings (much of which went to cobra payments and doctor bills for our two little munchkins) and are now faced with the decision of staying in a home we can not afford or making a move. We like our house, but we had planned on moving in the next few years anyway. When we bought and designed this house as a married couple, we had no idea how different our life would be as a family of 4.
If we can find a buyer for our home, our next step is rental. We are looking to move a little closer to the freeway to help ease Seth's commute a little, but we are definitely staying local at least for now. Seth's company has been talking about moving him closer to home and he is still waiting on a promotion with them. Once we have a better picture of what that means, if it is even going to happen, if Seth is going to stay there; then we'll look at possibly purchasing real estate again. Regardless, we want the flexibility to be able to walk away and go anywhere we need to for the best interest of our family.
We really are not sad about it. Honestly, we like our house, but it's just a house. Anywhere we go will still be filled with the same joy, the same love and most importantly, the same God. So keep us in your prayers as we go through this process. Trying to pack, show and move a house with two 16 month olds is not going to be easy. But, we'll get through it and like the many trials we have met in the past, we'll come out stronger.
One of our major values (it was even part of our wedding vows) was to be debt free. When we purchased our home back in February of 2007 we felt like we were making a wise decision. We were buying a home that was nice, but not extreme. We were planning to use an inheritance to pay for the actual house and without a mortgage we found a home with property taxes we could easily handle for the long haul. Seth was making good money and with the real estate industry the way it was in Texas, we were looking at the opportunity for him to make much more. We pictured our life in a few years consisting of living well below our means.
Fast forward two and a half years (and 2 kids later) and things are much, much different. Not due anything that is really our fault. Seth's training classes being canceled last minute and leaving him ill prepared for his state test. He took it 3 times in 4 days always missing the mark by less than 3 questions. After the 3rd attempt it was 6 months before he could test again. By the time he was able to test and we could get the business up and running, we went a full year with zero income.
Then, after 2 great months in home inspections, the economy takes a dive, unemployment skyrockets and we are faced with the decision of trying to run a business with a next to zero clientele or taking the one and only job offer. Since some money is better than no money, we chose the job. Making less than half of what were making before and involving a 3 hour commute daily. If there is one thing we did NOT move to Texas for, it was having Seth work so far from home.
The money we were planning on using we were told would be distributed by now and it hasn't. We have drained our savings (much of which went to cobra payments and doctor bills for our two little munchkins) and are now faced with the decision of staying in a home we can not afford or making a move. We like our house, but we had planned on moving in the next few years anyway. When we bought and designed this house as a married couple, we had no idea how different our life would be as a family of 4.
If we can find a buyer for our home, our next step is rental. We are looking to move a little closer to the freeway to help ease Seth's commute a little, but we are definitely staying local at least for now. Seth's company has been talking about moving him closer to home and he is still waiting on a promotion with them. Once we have a better picture of what that means, if it is even going to happen, if Seth is going to stay there; then we'll look at possibly purchasing real estate again. Regardless, we want the flexibility to be able to walk away and go anywhere we need to for the best interest of our family.
We really are not sad about it. Honestly, we like our house, but it's just a house. Anywhere we go will still be filled with the same joy, the same love and most importantly, the same God. So keep us in your prayers as we go through this process. Trying to pack, show and move a house with two 16 month olds is not going to be easy. But, we'll get through it and like the many trials we have met in the past, we'll come out stronger.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
6 comments:
love the positive attitude! you guys can do this.
Hi Vanessa,
Great attitude girl. If you need somewhere to stay while the house is showing come over here. You are welcome anytime with your little ones. My kids would love it.
I have to agree with the others about how positive your attitude is. But I know you and Seth have thought this through and discussed it and I'm sure, had a small cry about it. All that being done, the only thing left is to look up and move forward.
Good luck with the whole process. I wish you all the speed in the world.
My house is also available for the two cutest little guys I know at any time. You get a last minute show, need to get out and have no where to go; we're here.
You guys will get through this and come out stronger for it. We'll all be thinking of you!
We'll miss u when u go... Please let us know if there is anything we can do?
All our best
The Lovells
I completely understand the boat you are in now. My family is going through a very simular situation. I actually wrote about it on my blog earlier today. It is nice to know that we are not alone in our situation and others are having to make the same tough choices. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I know that God has a perfect plan for your family, and he will provide for you in His perfect way. All you have to do is continue to trust Him and allow Him to do His job. :)
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