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12-05-2011, 06:58 AM
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63 posts, read 138,245 times
Reputation: 33
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husband and I are born and raised and lived in scotch plains, nj for our whole life. Came to bethlehem pa 4 years ago for better quality of life, cheaper taxes, new house, etc. With the understanding that his business in Newark would relocate out here also. Otherwise, I would have stayed in NJ because I was against the move with having to have him commute 1 15 minutes each way. Now he told me a month ago, will not be possible to move his business. Also, economy has hit us and we have no equity left in our PA house, will be back to struggling for mortgage payment (like in NJ) and not sure if you add in the commute, cost, time, wear and tear on cars, if it's really worth it anyway. I am not even sure I like it here anyway. More rural than I would like. My sister moved here also with her family, but her husband is retired and doesn't commute and they have no mortgage. I would hate to leave my sister, but so much has changed since we came out here 4 years ago. Everything backfired on us. But my husband seems to like it here and tells me he doesn't mind the commute. Should I go back?
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12-05-2011, 07:35 AM
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Location: NJ
17,578 posts, read 44,605,036 times
Reputation: 16249
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One thing to consider is what would you do for housing in NJ. Doesn't sound like you are going to be able to buy a house given you financial situation.
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12-05-2011, 07:54 AM
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91 posts, read 263,150 times
Reputation: 37
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I was in Bethlehem over the weekend chopping down a tree from uganst, i would take the more space, bigger house, cost savings, low taxes, way of life out there if i could. most people nowadays lost all equity in their homes, be thankful to have a job that can provide you your basic needs.
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12-05-2011, 07:59 AM
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11,337 posts, read 10,368,050 times
Reputation: 14993
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Quote:
Originally Posted by judyr908
husband and I are born and raised and lived in scotch plains, nj for our whole life. Came to bethlehem pa 4 years ago for better quality of life, cheaper taxes, new house, etc. With the understanding that his business in Newark would relocate out here also. Otherwise, I would have stayed in NJ because I was against the move with having to have him commute 1 15 minutes each way. Now he told me a month ago, will not be possible to move his business. Also, economy has hit us and we have no equity left in our PA house, will be back to struggling for mortgage payment (like in NJ) and not sure if you add in the commute, cost, time, wear and tear on cars, if it's really worth it anyway. I am not even sure I like it here anyway. More rural than I would like. My sister moved here also with her family, but her husband is retired and doesn't commute and they have no mortgage. I would hate to leave my sister, but so much has changed since we came out here 4 years ago. Everything backfired on us. But my husband seems to like it here and tells me he doesn't mind the commute. Should I go back?
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No. Your husband is cool with the commute. There is no point in uprooting now. Find a way to make yourself happy where you are. It's more about you than "the place". Moving means selling in a bad market, paying selling fees again, and renting in NJ. You need 20% down to buy a house, and you said there is no equity.
And please, I do not want to hear from anyone about 3.5% FHA mortgages. That is what got everyone into trouble in the first place.
Just tough it out and stay put. "Everything backfired" is the past. Start rebuilding for the future. If you don't have an appointment for chemo this afternoon, everything is good! |
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12-05-2011, 08:03 AM
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Location: The Sand Hills of NC
8,773 posts, read 17,508,939 times
Reputation: 11976
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Quote:
Originally Posted by judyr908
husband and I are born and raised and lived in scotch plains, nj for our whole life. Came to bethlehem pa 4 years ago for better quality of life, cheaper taxes, new house, etc. With the understanding that his business in Newark would relocate out here also. Otherwise, I would have stayed in NJ because I was against the move with having to have him commute 1 15 minutes each way. Now he told me a month ago, will not be possible to move his business. Also, economy has hit us and we have no equity left in our PA house, will be back to struggling for mortgage payment (like in NJ) and not sure if you add in the commute, cost, time, wear and tear on cars, if it's really worth it anyway. I am not even sure I like it here anyway. More rural than I would like. My sister moved here also with her family, but her husband is retired and doesn't commute and they have no mortgage. I would hate to leave my sister, but so much has changed since we came out here 4 years ago. Everything backfired on us. But my husband seems to like it here and tells me he doesn't mind the commute. Should I go back?
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That one hour and 15 min on I 78 can get to you after a while.
I know a few families who made the move just like you and after a couple of years regret it.
If you can sell your house in PA for close to what you paid there are good deals in Somerset co. with an acre and prices 150K lower than they were five years ago. It won't be new but new doesn't see to be making you happy in PA  |
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12-05-2011, 08:14 AM
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Location: NJ
12,285 posts, read 34,547,324 times
Reputation: 5298
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I do know people who have moved back but their situation was different than yours. If your husband doesn't mind the commute, I'd stay put until you can get back on better financial footing. Good luck.
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12-05-2011, 09:03 AM
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9,124 posts, read 35,208,310 times
Reputation: 3619
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I agree with the others- moving back to NJ right now will likely only make matters worse for you. If the commute was a huge drag for your husband, it might be a different story, but if he's trluy OK with it, you'll just be increasing your financial burden.
One question, though- you put "struggling for mortgage payment (like NJ)" and "no equity left in our PA house" in the same sentence, as if those two were somehow related. What does not having any equity left have to do with struggling to make your mortgage payment?
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12-05-2011, 09:25 AM
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Location: The Sand Hills of NC
8,773 posts, read 17,508,939 times
Reputation: 11976
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I am a firm believer if you are not happy with where you live then you bite the bullet, cut your losses and move to where you are happy.
Nobody knows when the economy will recover so are you prepared to stay where your at hoping things will get better?
Lots of people move even further away than PA and discover it's not really what they want and move back home. It ain't always just about the money. Cheap taxes and a new home is not making you happy and only you know what will.
Good luck.
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12-05-2011, 10:15 AM
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1,787 posts, read 5,545,220 times
Reputation: 1298
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Quote:
Originally Posted by judyr908
... Should I go back?
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Are you planning to move with or without your spouse? You didn't say "we." |
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12-05-2011, 10:23 AM
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Location: NJ
12,285 posts, read 34,547,324 times
Reputation: 5298
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PDD
I am a firm believer if you are not happy with where you live then you bite the bullet, cut your losses and move to where you are happy.
Nobody knows when the economy will recover so are you prepared to stay where your at hoping things will get better?
Lots of people move even further away than PA and discover it's not really what they want and move back home. It ain't always just about the money. Cheap taxes and a new home is not making you happy and only you know what will.
Good luck.
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Normally I would agree, but we're not in normal times. It seems the OP is the only one "unhappy" and it seems their already precarious financial situation would be exacerbated by a move - if they could even unload their house in this market.
I think it's a good idea for them to work together for a long term goal, whether that's getting a job out there, or putting a plan in place to move back. Doing it now though, from what she's posted doesn't seem like a good idea. |
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