For those of you that offered neighborhood help... (Knoxville: fsbo, for sale)

[mysticfire0213]

how old are your children, if you dont mind me asking?

Just curious if ours are close in age.

As far as location, I telecommute, so it wont matter for me as long as I can get internet--lol and IF this Sears job works out, he will get a company vehicle, so while location will matter from a time standpoint, shouldnt be an issue from a fuel standpoint...so that would be nice. We are spoiled now in that he works on the property where we live and uses a company vehicle for rounds, meetings, etc. So we have managed to duck out of the insane fuel prices.

And, like you, I tend to "overthink" but I wouldnt call it that.... hehehe

And I am not sure how the schools there work, any way to send your kids to a different school? We havent really looked into any of that yet....just looked at schools where we may be going...

[gemkeeper]

Just to throw my two cents into the mix - I don't think either of you are overthinking your situations and options.

You are very smart to look at every thing twice and then go back and look at it again.

Hik, I know that you have been keeping your eye on the market and your ear to the ground for the thump of falling prices, so I would trust your gut feelings entirely.

I hope you both find great homes - but please, not the same house.

My only advice is watch the schools!

[hiknapster]

How funny!

Nah, there are so many houses out there that I doubt that we will fall in love with the same house. My house has to be perfect, be in the perfect neighborhood, but the bottom line is that it is a business decision.

We have an eight-year-old girl. As forum members will attest, she is the light of my and my husband's life.

No, there is no school choice. You go to school where you live. We had school choice in Florida and as far as I am concerned, it was no choice at all. I'd rather buy my home and know where my kid is going. I don't like the unknown.

Yeah, my gut is still saying to wait it out. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. Even if I am dead wrong, the most that houses will go up will be a few thousand dollars. But there is too much inventory, way more than I have ever seen around here in three years. Being what the economy is, how could prices possibly go up?

So far I've been very right, to the point of where I have scared myself. I think I'm the "House Whisperer."

Oh, and gem, I've spent all day with the MLS, the foreclosure list and the greatschools map. The bottom line is the schools.

[SmokyMtnGal]

mystic - good luck in your search! My son has worked for Sears for over 3 years and believe me when I say that they move their people around, a lot! Make sure you find a place you love, and not just close to a certain Sears location. I think it is smart to rent first. I moved where I am for the schools, so I agree with the others on here that recommend finding the right schools and then the right houses.

[mysticfire0213]

Originally Posted by SmokyMtnGal

mystic - good luck in your search! My son has worked for Sears for over 3 years and believe me when I say that they move their people around, a lot! Make sure you find a place you love, and not just close to a certain Sears location. I think it is smart to rent first. I moved where I am for the schools, so I agree with the others on here that recommend finding the right schools and then the right houses.

Does your son work in a store or in service? My DH would be working in service, so I agree it wouldnt make sense to try and get by one location--Does he like working for them despite them moving people around?

And Hik--I couldnt agree with you more.

Hey-- not the same house, but maybe we'll end up neighbors

[SmokyMtnGal]

Mystic - my son works for them in the store. He started working for them right when he turned 16. He is 19.5 now and is still with them. He has a 401K with them, gets time off, etc. He has gotten three promotions with them and they have been very, very good to him. I talked with one of the managers today actually and they are just like a second family to my son. When he graduated from high school last year they threw him a party, gave him many gifts and cards. How many stores do that for teenagers? The management comes and goes but they all pretty much stay in the area (Knoxville Center or West Town mall or here in M-ville, etc.). My son just returned for the summer from MTSU and they are going to let him work 40 hours a week, during the college year they let him come in on weekends of his choice or school breaks. Sears corporate has changed a lot over the last few years (with the purchase of KMart) and the managers have a lot of stress on them. I am very grateful to the greater Knoxville area Sears for what all they have done for my son. Best of luck to you both!

[hiknapster]

Go Sears and K-Mart; I worked for both, in and just out of high school. May they trounce Walmart. When I buy that house, I intend to furnish it with Kenmore appliances. They have never let me down.

mystic, it would be great to be neighbors!

[gemkeeper]

Home Depot is another wonderful employer for students. Two of my sons worked for them throughout high school and could schedule work hours around sports practices, football games, exams, etc. They were wonderful.

My oldest son worked for them throughout college, much as your son with Sears, SMG. He worked the weekends that he was going to be home and full time each summer.

My nephew had the same experience with Sears and is now a store manager for them in Ohio. He is 35 years old and just stuck with them and has a great career now.

I'm with you, Hik. When I see a company that gives generously to their community, I will support them with my patronage no matter what.

School, always number one decisive factor with your kiddos. You can always get the bigger house and nicer car later on, but while you have the youngsters, make every year count.

[mysticfire0213]

Gem--as far as schools go, I couldnt have said it better myself

SMG--I am glad to hear that Sears has been so good to him! Here in MD KMart is not the store of choice only because all of the management stinks, but then again...the whole states kinda does...LOL...I worked for Kmart over a holiday seasonally when I was younger But anyway--it is really great that they seem to take such good care of their emplyees--thats one thing that is so great about where I work--everyone is like family. My hubby's current job is like that too...I am so worried to have him leave this place and end up somewhere where he is overworked and underappreciated-at his last job thats exactly what it was--he was everyone's scapegoat. ANYWAY, I digress....

Here's to finding a house--THE house---for both of us!

[SmokyMtnGal]

mystic - Best of luck to you and your family in all of your endeavors. Please keep us posted.