Moving from Michigan to Houston PLEASE TELL ME IM MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION. (short sales, apartment complex)

[patty0024]

I plan to move June, 28th my husband put in his notice today. He works at the Salvation Army as a manager. He told them his last day has to be the june 25th. They were really nice about it and offered to put in a good word about him to help him transfer in houston. Im so scared nothing will be avalible for him and we will be jobless there. He has 5 years experiance in retail managment. Im sure he could find somthing. The thing is we have three kids ages 1,6,4. We will have about $7,000.00 saved to pay for moving costs, rent and food. We are putting our two houses up for short sale. Im risking so much but im living dollar by dollar and my houses are so upside down its not funny. Im looking for a change. I've always loved houston. I used to live there and I would visit my aunt there every yearr for vacation. Im 27 and my husband is 29. He is a dj on side. I think he would do better there than here.Im not expecting happiness over night but I love some input on if I'm crazy for doing this or what. PLEASE HELP! INSPIRE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[danieloneil01]

Moderator cut: unnecessary Maybe 2 yrs ago, but with the economy like this in the ****ter. Good luck because you'll need it.

Also you have kids so this could be a a huge mistake.

[modster]

I would see if there are any positions open with the Salvation Army here that he could transfer to. The economy is not great, but Houston is still doing better than a lot of places.

[Topaz]

Well, a general rule of thumb is that it can take a month of job search for every $10K of annual income you want to earn, and that's in a normal job market, not a recessionary job market. One concern is that you will run out of money because you will likely go through all the $7K just to pay moving expenses and then how will you pay rent, food, etc.?

[AlexTx]

I'd have a job lined up before I quit a job and make a move like that. I'd be afraid that with 2 short sales on my credit and no job, it would be hard to qualify for an apartment.
Good luck to you.

[westres1]

Very risky with children involved. Maybe one of you could come down and line up a job beforehand. Then you might qualify for an apartment (maybe)... with two foreclosures you may end up in a terrible apartment complex that is not as selective about it's occupants.

[jbhawkeye]

If your husband has a job, then you may be okay. I am in the mortgage biz and I am moving to Houston. I know that the market in your area is not good. Just do your reasearch as you have time with June being a few months away. Save as much as you can. I have a foreclosure, too. You know how many people do? Houston hasn't been hit as hard so not all are aware. But, I am working with a great agent in Houston that is helping me get a rental home. The thing is you have to have jobs and income to qualify for rentals as they have to know you can afford the payment. You also have to anticipate they may want a higher deposit down to reduce the higher risk of your credit. You have to plan it out right for it to make sense. Keep your options open. Jobs are the key to making it work though along with as much funds as possible! Good luck!

[patty0024]

Originally Posted by jbhawkeye

If your husband has a job, then you may be okay. I am in the mortgage biz and I am moving to Houston. I know that the market in your area is not good. Just do your reasearch as you have time with June being a few months away. Save as much as you can. I have a foreclosure, too. You know how many people do? Houston hasn't been hit as hard so not all are aware. But, I am working with a great agent in Houston that is helping me get a rental home. The thing is you have to have jobs and income to qualify for rentals as they have to know you can afford the payment. You also have to anticipate they may want a higher deposit down to reduce the higher risk of your credit. You have to plan it out right for it to make sense. Keep your options open. Jobs are the key to making it work though along with as much funds as possible! Good luck!

Thanks for the input. I didnt include in my post that I already have a house there that I am renting for 825.00 a month. He is my aunts friend so luckly I'm good there and my husbands boss is working on getting him a transfer because they love him. Im almost 100% sure he'll get a transfer.
Im more scared about not knowing if we'll love it there. We wont have any friends but my mom lives there and she can babysit somtimes so we can get out. Im am so excited but I hate hearing that it might be a mistake. I grew up in houston then had to move to michigan in 3rd grade because my mom broke her leg and couldnt work. Her paents live in Michigan. Now were all coming back risky or not.

[Maybe So]

Now were all coming back risky or not.

Well then it is what it is.....

Since you have kids, it will probably be easier for you to meet people....through school, church etc. You will love the Houston winters! Good luck and I hope it all works out well for you and your family.

[jbhawkeye]

I am in Minneapolis and we visited Houston last week. as long as you can adapt to the traffic and crazy drivers, and take the summer heat...it is beautiful! Palm trees, orange trees and WONDERFUL summer weather. Michigan is a tough state right now. Think positive and be positive and there is much to love!! The kids will like the neighborhood pools!!