Moving...Job Promotion...etc....

[69MyWay]

Just got word last Thursday that I had been selected for a position in our Florida regional office about 200 miles from my current location. (Central Florida in Winter Haven-between Orlando and Tampa south of I-4)

My start date there is 9/26.

MAN, have we got some MAJOR work on our hands between now and then...and then for a while to come. I still have to put the replacement 9" in my Camaro...YIKES!

My company is very generous on relocation benefits. However, we have to squeeze some last minute major repairs (new roof, carpet, etc) to our current home while also shoping for a new one down south!

Houses are SO expensive right now. Just because I am getting a larger price for my current housethan what I paid for it does not mean I am now in any better position to buy another that has also inflated in value. Only the realtors, tax collectors, and mortgage companies have benefited from this recent spike in values.

Trying to find a place with extra garage space to keep my cars under cover, plenty of nice interior features, and a good location for our son to live.

Anyway, if you don't see me around here much, you know why.

If anybody is looking to relocate to NE Florida and wants a fairly inexpensive house with FOUR car garage (1/2 bath in the second garage/workshop), in a fantastic location...speak up fast because it should sell quick (about $179K).

See you guys around!

Chris

[ProdigyCustoms]

Are you old enough to live in Winter Haven? I think the minumum age requirment is 62, and you have to have dual residency in New York and Florida, JK! At least you are close to Orlando though, look forward to seeing you out and about.

[XcYZ]

Congrats, Chris. Moving on up...

[jonny51]

Congrats Chris.Don't fell to bad a newer 1800 sq ft home with a 5500 sq ft lot goes for about 750k here and im in a affordable area :willy:

[MaxHarvard]

damn man, 179k for that house!?!? I'll take two!!

[69rs]

I know the Camaro is way too special, but if the Vette needs a home..... :unibrow:

[Steve1968LS2]

My wife LOVES winter haven.. we will be there in September and that is on her list of places to visit..

Congrats on the promotion and at least you are not moving across country!! :thumbsup:

[Steve1968LS2]

damn man, 179k for that house!?!? I'll take two!!

Tell me about it.. that would buy my driveway and garage.. sometimes i really hate this state.. lol

[hotwheels]

I think the minumum age requirment is 62 lmao............now that is funny

[69MyWay]

Actually Winter Haven and surrounding area is growing fast. Lakeland is on the move. I guess since I act more like 65 than a 35 year old, it is a perfect match!

Went down today and didn't see anything of interest. Came home and got a listing notice of a house built in 92 with a 3/2 2 car garage and a 6 car detached on 1/2 to 1 acre about 22 miles from the office. Price is right as well. Waiting for some email pics and getting ready to plan another shot down there this weekend. The house hunting trip today was a bust. Saw some real stinkers that looked great in the preview for the MLS listings.

Believe me guys, the income level here is also on par with the house value, vs. California. In other words, if you saw what I make for a living you would laugh, but it does stretch a bit further with NO state income tax and all the tourists paying for things through user taxes down here.


Here is an interesting twist. I lived down there in 98 and 99. Had a swinging house with four car garage, 3/3 2000 sq' on 3/4 acre with a screened pool backing up to a nature preserve on a culdesac street. I stopped over and saw the guy that bought it from me and made him an offer. He has not taken care of the place at all. However, I had to throw $100K more on the deal than I sold the house for 6 years ago. He is thinking it over. We still have furniture we bought specifically for that house. Too weird. Stranger things have happened. At least I know that house inside and out, and short of wear and tear repairs can move right back in and not skip a beat.

[onebad68]

HOw about pics of your house here? Thanks

[69MyWay]

HOw about pics of your house here? Thanks

Soon as the roofing company gets the roof finished and hauls off the debris I can take some shots.

[groovyjay]

Congrats Chris on the promotion! We're planning a trip to Eckler's Reuninon this year, would be a great opportunity to meet up again? That's if you're not all too busy, which is totally understandable! :D :thumbsup:

[Smack_talker]

Welcome back to central Fla. It's pricey down herer too. I could buy a killer house with land cheap in Tenn. The old car shopping is alot better there too.

[radrambler]

yeah.. i know its a promotion ..but damn
no more real car bud in the area will suck big time.....every ones moved away...well....anyway ill know i can cruise the rambler down for a weekend trip sometimes.....we will have to hit old town.. cruise in....

still sucks
radrambler

[69MyWay]

Hey groovyjay, it sounds like a plan! :thumbsup:

Rad...once the Rambler is done you can cruise down on Saturday and do the Kissimmee Olde Town cruise with us at night. They do it every Saturday, and it blows the local Jacksonville cruise away.

This moving stuff is an emotional roller coaster. Everything is in the balance along the way. We know the house we want to buy, just not sure if we will get it. Having to wait and see as the time ticks away.

The new job is sounding more cool by the day. Looking forward to a change of pace at the office. It also requires considerable travel so I might be able to look some of you guys up when I am around the country.

Roof is almost done on my house. Have to swap the 9" out in the Camaro still and wrap up some other small stuff so we can hit the market with this house by next week.

Was painting until AFTER dark last night on the north wall of the house.

[onebad68]

radrambler - "no more real car bud in the area will suck big time.....every ones moved away..."

Hey.. what about me?

[69MyWay]

Everybody likes pictures...so here you go.

Looks like we have a deal on our OLD house down there. Details are pending. It wasn't even for sale, but it is surprising how powerful simply asking somebody a question can be and putting your faith and trust in God that it will all work out.

These pictures are from 1998 when we first saw the house in central Florida. The current owner has allowed the yard to get out of control AND the house is covered in mildew/slime. The screens are torn from the pool and there is some other wear/tear here and there. He is also a HEAVY smoker, so the interior has to be gutted (sounds like a regular project..eh?)

If you look at these photos you will notice the lot sits on the outside of a bend in the road. The backyard is state property and is all thick woods. The yard is 3/4 acre with a well and irrigation system. The house gets city water for drinking but has its own septic.

Specs:

approx 2,000 sq foot
3/2 (main house)
wood frame with siding
central vac
hardwood floors/ceramic tile/carpet
indoor laundry
vaulted ceilings
LP water heater and remote control lp fireplace
covered patio
15x30 pool fully screened
oversized two car garage on house
**Notice in the building to the left in the photos. This is a 25x35 workshop with a/c, cable, FULL bath, and attic storage. It is divided off with a tool room to the right and general parking in the main section.

After we moved there in 98 I added a huge driveway to connect the shop to the main drive. We did some fencing work and landscaping work.

Right now you can't even see the shop for the overgrowth. It is like a jungle. We have some work on our hands, but once cleaned up again she will be a jewel with plenty of space for our family, cars, tools, equipment, and close to most of the places we want to go in the area.

Grapefruit Drive (http://mcspeed.homestead.com/shoulder.html)