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Any stories, support, or heck even warnings, appreciated. I am kind of freaking out as the moving day (Oct 21) approaches. Planning to leave my (for sale) house vacant and with plumbing winterized here in northern MN and move to state of WA, and this I have never done before. Kind of worrying me leaving such an asset behind, vacant, although my Realtor says people leave vacant homes behind all the time that are on the real estate market.
Anybody else done this? Did it go okay? Or should I come to my senses and cancel my move and just keep living in my house until it sells?
It should be fine. Realtors are generally very observant. I'd call weekly to check -in on progress of selling though. And, as the above poster mentions, maybe leave keys, your cell # and authority with a trusted relative or neighbor just in case of emergency. enjoy your relocation!! Where is Wash??
Are you aware that insurance co. frown on a vacant home ? If they learn that it is vacant, or you should have a claim, they may either cancel you, or raise rates. There is a specific policy for covering a vacant home, at higher rates.
Also, have you heard the horror stories of "squatters" moving in to vacant homes, sometimes due to a fraudulent rental agent "renting" the home to them ? Police will do nothing, you have to go thru the eviction process.
Are you aware that insurance co. frown on a vacant home ? If they learn that it is vacant, or you should have a claim, they may either cancel you, or raise rates. There is a specific policy for covering a vacant home, at higher rates.
Also, have you heard the horror stories of "squatters" moving in to vacant homes, sometimes due to a fraudulent rental agent "renting" the home to them ? Police will do nothing, you have to go thru the eviction process.
Words to the wise........
Just learned that, sigh. I have decided NOT to leave my house vacant. Better to have a property manager manage it as a rental until it sells, at least it will be occupied, heat will be one, avoid crackhead squatters or worse.
be sure to advise your insurance agent. Vacant house coverage is generally the same or lower than regular HO insurance because material possessions are not covered. Likely you will want to cancel the HO and get vacant house coverage. Also discuss extending your liability if needed. This shouldn't cost more, just modify your coverage to reflect the status of the house and ensure you are covered for all risks.
I have not had bad experience leaving homes vacant. I always have motion lighting for the exterior and some timed lights inside. Plus neighbor or realtor with a key.
I think this is a wise choice in this day and age. I hope it sells quickly!
I am bleeding net worth as I keep dropping my asking price, sigh.
Just listened to an NPR podcast this morning on the tough housing market, how tight lending is by banks; so maybe a good thing that I just decided to offer seller financing Contract for Deed, probably what it could take to get my house sold. still, so nervous leaving it in MN while I will be in WA, even though I will have a property manager (luckily he lives only six blocks from my house and says he also manages another house on my block; just that we get such brutal snowy bitter cold (-30F or worse) winters, but I figure once renters are in they likely will not move during the bitter cold so will keep the heat going to help prevent damage to my house from cold. Might have to remember to hire a service to pull the snow off my roof partway into winter.
I am bleeding net worth as I keep dropping my asking price, sigh.
I feel your pain. You just have to stay focused on the reason for your move. If you moved for a better economy, you will make up that loss eventually, even if you lose some net worth in the short term.
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