[‎‎‎‎‎Patricia]

Looking for ideas. I lost my hubby about a month ago. We live in my family home. It’s 75 yrs old and literally, slowly falling down around us.

We were waiting to move somewhere till he was better. Now it’s me and my pup.

Way more than I can do. I’m 74 so buying is not an option. Rent in our area is about $1400 a month.

He and I were looking at a motorhome but for this old lady not the best option either. My plan is to sell the property, no structure. I still work. Me and pup are just fine today but tomorrow could be another story I’m staying here till I can decide.

No big changes for a yr if I can.

The house is frame and the cost for repairs is astronomical. The city I live in will only let rebuilds to current codes. Zoned AAAA.

Thank you.

At my age and my income most are smart but aren’t practical for me.

[Ashley]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I would start putting yourself on waitlists for the more affordable 55+ apartments in your area.

Also sorry to bring this up at such a hard time but have you made any arrangements for your pup in case anything were to happen to you?

I only say this because I foster with rescues and know some organizations that will foster during hospitalizations and such.

It’s good to make contacts before it is an emergency situation.

There are good organizations that do this for elders on thier own.

[Michele]

Can you sell some thing on market place and use that money to do necessary repairs to get a better price when you sell.

Is relocating a option. If it’s a great job or if it’s low pay can you find something in a area were rent is cheaper or near family or friends – planning for mobility issues in the future?

Can you rent out your home a room to student?

[Alexis]

I am sorry for your loss. Honestly, I could be in the same boat as you and I am not sure what I would do. I agree one year – no major decisions.

Take time to look around and see what is available in your area befor you do anything.

There is also a Seniors group you might want to join too, if you do not belong now.

[Leanne]

From experience don’t make any major changes in your life after the passing of your loved one for about a year.

Even if we think we are doing ok it’s takes a bit of time to settle down. Please take care.

[Kim]

If you do sell, definitely include everything on the property. You may see the house as worthless, but one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure.

Handy people adore a challenge,a house you’re still living in for another year has good bones. Everything is worth something.

Please don’t short yourself in that area. You could be leaving $22,000.00 behind.

I would also suggest that you visit the library once a week. Pick 8 interesting books about travel, art, finance, job hunting for seniors, volunteerism, house selling etc…, sit at a table and thumb through them, let your mind think about new hobbies, time fillers, making memories.

It is very easy, free, and educational. My last dive into a rabbit hole was EMDR Therapy and how specific eye movement during therapy can unlock deep trauma.

It is a way to soak up most of the trauma experience and throw it away while rewriting the script.

The train conductors association adopted it, they are face to face with accidents, sometime eyes locked and they can’t take a different route to work…

[Michele]

Maybe check into your local weatherization program. My brother got a furnace, a new bathroom, and several other things done free! They also do windows and doors.

they deduct 20% of the total cost off each year.

So, if he stayed 5 years it was all free. If he sold they would pro-rate the price.

This is in ohio btw

[Michele]

This is a challenging situation, good that you are seeking options. Have you thought about speaking to the local college where trades people train & learn their skills.

They could provide the labour and probably discounted products and it could be a project then rebuilding, fixing and getting your property stable and fixed up.

I know our colleges for example offer discounted services while the young ones are training.

Also appeal to high schools or Churches as some young people are more than willing to cut lawn & other smaller jobs etc and can help.

Last thing, we have a Befriending Group in my community, full of plenty volunteers, who are kind generous and helpful.

Sharing really is caring reach out, there really are kind and trustworthy people in our communities

[Jess]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Similar situation with me. I’m thinking about moving to a mobile park for 55 & older. Possibly a regular mobile park.

For me, I would buy as rent in my area is $3000-3500.

Perhaps that might work for you too. Also, what about a room or casita for rent that will allow your puppy to.

[Annita]

IMO, people think motor homes are cheaper and that’s not true.
Falling down around you how?

Foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, replace floors?

Or more cosmetic, paint, new floor covering?

[Ruby]

Just a thought but some friends reached out to other widows and rented spare rooms.

Had to come to agreements regarding common areas but might help getting through the next year or two.

[Amanda]

Good suggestions here. Talk with your banker. Talk with an attorney, and a finance or tax person if you have them.

When my husband died I found a roommate through the local college.

It helped financially and emotionally. Don’t let yourself get too hungry or too tired.

[Lin]

Some counties will give you grant or low interest loan to help you fix your place. One person got so much to replace couple windows.

She hoping they will do couple next year.

Another got help to insulate her house. Another redoing her bathroom. Call your county see if they have there.

[Glenna]

Sad you lost your husband. My husband died 23 years ago leaving me and my 7year old son to finish a major house remodel.

Did the best I could but sold it a year later. Don’t think you cannot buy something…especially if you are still working.

You own property! Check out what a mobile home would cost to put on it.

At 70, I found a “home and land” deal at Clayton Homes. Their bank financed me because I was still on the job plus receiving SSA and had a good credit rating.

My house payment came to under $900.oo for everything brand new.

My electricity is half what it was and no worries about appliance breakdowns for a long time.

Plus…almost 5 years later, my house payment is half of what an apartment smaller than my mobile costs! Doesn’t hurt to make some calls.

Oh! And go to Social Security to find out if you qualify for a different benefit amount.

I did. I was on widows benefit but qualified for full benefits because I was 70 and still working so I got a $400/month raise!

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