If you had $120,000 cash, which would you do? (San Diego: retirement, pay)

[mrmanz]

120k isnt much money.. id invest $20k with me and u make $10k profit in a month

[UrbanDecay]

Originally Posted by Beware_of_Dog

Well folks, I have read all of your responses and suggestions, and I will be boarding a plane in Austin in a couple hours with my $120K. I will let you know how and what I did when I return in a few days. Wish me luck!

Please don't tell me you have the $120k in cash on you.

[Skizzo]

You should buy my house so I can move to SD.

[Ragnar]

Combined with some of our savings and current home equity (even in this market), another $120K would allow us to put a nice downpayment on an upgraded house. As long as we weren't targeting a large home, we could probably get into just about any community in the San Diego Area.

[Beware_of_Dog]

Well, I am back in Austin. For those of you who have been on pins and needles waiting to hear what I decided to do (ha ha), wait no longer. Here is the skinny:

Looked at about 25 mobile homes from Oceanside to Escondido. Thought I missed out on the ideal one when someone beat me in with an offer by 2 days. It was even nicely furnished with gorgeous views of the hills in the nicest park of all, whose swimming pool even sits high on a hill with views of the entire area and surrounding mountains. But then it happened. I was shown the newest one of all, 1440 sq ft, with real walls, meticulously decorated (painted), real home type doors, and even bracing for earthquakes. A gorgeous solidly built mobile home, with huge windows in front all the way to the floor overlooking a park management maintained rose garden, and a lovely covered porch off the dining room with nice views and a patio out back for sun bathing and turning into an outdoor gym. But what sealed the deal for me was when I stood in front of the home, which is on a hill at the end of a cul-de-sac in the park, I was watching the sun set into the Pacific Ocean. Yes, I could see the ocean from the front of the home, as clear as day (at least that day).

So I made an offer yesterday morning of $65,000 to include some nice furniture that was in it and a short escrow of only 2 weeks. I then raced to the airport to catch my plane back to Austin. When I arrived home I had an email saying the offer was accepted, and the owner was anxious to move to Texas ..... sort of ironic I suppose.

So, as long as the park management accepts me (they thoroughly screen each prospective owner before allowing them in), the deal looks done. I will have a space rent to pay of about $500 a month, but will be able to afford that. The park is on rent control so the rent should stay reasonable (they have only raised it $5 in the last 2 yrs.) The ocean breezes and watching the sun set into the ocean most nights will be worth that.

Well, looks like I may be a San Diegan again within a month. This way I will have enough money left to buy a 2-4 yr old low mileage BMW or Lexus convertible, keep some money in savings for an emergency, and use the money I get from the sale of some $100,000 worth of Native American Art I have in my collection to splurge on eating out, taking an occasional cruise, and buying that new 73" HD 3D TV I have my eye on.

So, that's the answer to the $120K question which started this thread. Thanks for the input. Now wish me luck .... and I hope to see you all around soon. I will be easy to spot, so make sure you honk or say hi. I will be the one in the convertible with my white lab, Gracie, in the back with her head in the breeze sticking up over the windshield.

[earlyretirement]

Beware of Dog,

Congratulations! Sounds like a great use of cash for you. Now tell us the truth...... did you really even consider taking it all to Vegas to bet on red/black?? LOL.

Good luck in San Diego.

[UrbanDecay]

Originally Posted by Beware_of_Dog

This way I will have enough money left to buy a 2-4 yr old low mileage BMW or Lexus convertible, keep some money in savings for an emergency, and use the money I get from the sale of some $100,000 worth of Native American Art I have in my collection to splurge on eating out, taking an occasional cruise, and buying that new 73" HD 3D TV I have my eye on.

Living in a trailer park is gonna be awesome! You should splurge on some 22" chrome rims for your new ride while your at it. It doesn't matter if the rims are worth more than your car, or if your car is worth more than your trailer. Just go for it!

[wrcousert]

Neither. I'd use it as a down payment on a cheap house or condo.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Nice Dog! From your past posts I remember this has been in the works for some time. Glad to see things coming to fruition for you.

Enjoy those sunsets

[MovingAloha]

CCongratulation Dog! I was just thinking about you and your move to San Diego. Its finally happening for you. I hope the remaining portion of your relo goes smoothly.