[USER]

I’m looking for advice because I’m really stressed out. I’m disabled and barely make enough money to scrape by. I have a bit of money in savings and I bought a house in 2021.

It’s a money pit and I’ve already spent half my savings on repairs and I have a lot more projects to go.

My question is what happens if I run out of money and I can’t afford house repairs?

For example things like mold issues or plumbing or electrical issues. Issues that would make this house not safe to live in.

It seems that programs that have been able to help in the past are overwhelmed and not able to help everyone who needs it.

There’s also a 3 year wait-list for income based housing. I’m just nervous that I’m going to lose everything and end up living alone on the streets.

Please no hateful comments. I’m struggling enough.

[Debra]

Habit for Humanity does free repairs for needy people. My brother in law volunteers with them and works every day with them.

[Angela]

Just wanted to say that if you decide to rent a room of your home out, consider renting to a travel nurse. ( If there’s potential for that in your area.)

If there’s a hospital near you, they often contract with traveling nurses to help with staffing shortages.

Nurses generally make great renters…. they have gone through background checks, fingerprinting to obtain their license, etc.

Plus, any illegal activity/illicit drug use would put their licensure/livelihood at risk so imho they are low risk/low key enters.

[Kerrily]

My first question would be what is your disability? Because you may still be able to do part time work.

[Tina]

do you know any trade schools around you that need the experience that could help you at.

[Gina]

My thoughts are with you. Call your representative office and complain. Let them know how assistance for singles need to be looked at.

There’s loads of help for children but what about the seniors??

[Karen]

Check to see if your community has a thrift store for building supplies for when you do your next project.

When we remodeled our home, we removed perfectly good cabinets and donated them to a thrift store like this in Mesa, AZ.

[Sandy]

I would say get on a waiting list for affordable senior income based housing now

[Lori]

Locally there is an organization called On Your Own and it is aimed at keeping people in there homes. They do entrance ramps and help with projects.

Also, several Churches in the Council of Churches offer project assistance where they go out and redo a kitchen or siding etc. Fund raising and physical assistance on occasion.

All houses are money pits. The insurance and property taxes, utilities. Is the floor and roof good?

Windows working? Solid secure door? Does it have running water? Heating and cooling? Good shower with hot water. Fridge.

Washer and dryer? Or laundrymat nearby. Everything else is fluff.

Air fryer, microwave hot plate, coffee pot, toaster, crock pot, blender/ninja CreamI favorite fluff but fluff all the same.

Please let the worry go and focus on what u can do now. Praying we both have Enough now and tomorrow

[Katrina]

There is a Facebook page called Handy Women and they are pretty good at problem solving through one task at a time. So, I’d start with a question about the window, with photos. Fix that, then move onto next issue.

And maybe pursue other ideas here. Also join buy a nothing page in your area, sometimes it’s helps to join the local page that perhaps has a few more donors than requesters.

Say Issaquah instead of Carnation if both were close. Anyway so if the handy women suggest using a window insulation product, then ask for that with a brief explanation on the buy nothing page…often times, local people are happy to share a specific item, that they no longer need.

Best Wishes!

[Kay]

There’s programs that help with repairs in many cities and counties…call your county community services and ask for info.

In my county of you own a home and have insurance and need repairs they will help…but you have to live in the home and plan on staying…not getting it ready to sell or anything.

[Rhonda]

I’m in the process of selling right now because I foresee a lot of expenses coming with my home of 28 years.

I’m looking forward to lower maintenance living

[Sally]

Perhaps you could rent a room to a tradesman or handyman. Low rent and he does $x amount of maintenance and repairs

[Jessica]

I was in a similar position and honestly? I just addressed the most immediately urgent things to the best of my ability and the place kind of fell apart around me for awhile until I was in a better place financially to address things.

It took years and it was a huge source of stress, but eventually things kind of fell into place and I was able to refinance and didn’t have to let anyone in to inspect (early COVID).

I cashed out some equity and was able to put a small down payment on a new place and do repairs on my old place and sell it.

[Nikki]

Old trailers depreciate quickly. If you are not on the waiting list, get on it.

Consider cutting your losses and renting a room from a friend or family member.

Only fix safety issues and try to get yourself relocated as soon as possible if you are in an unsafe housing situation.

[Shirley]

Put your name on the list to get into the low cost housing. Move there when it becomes available to you.

[Brenda]

Needs vs Wants around the house and get on the waiting list. I have been wanting a new countertop for 11 nothing wrong with mine but I want to upgrade.

I rather have the $ for other stuff for example a hot water tank.

[Amanda]

I would try your local community pages. You might be able to find someone willing to barter with you.

Habitat for Humanity & Salvation Army might be able to help as well.

I would definitely get on some waiting lists.

[Laura]

Myself, I would sell it and get an apartment that you don’t pay for maintenance.

I did it, and as a senior, it’s been perfect!

Also, get on the wait list now for income based housing.

[Lisa]

Did you get a home inspection done before you bought the house?
Maybe rent out a room to help with expenses.

[Sally]

Each low income apartment complex that accepts Section 42 keeps their own list. Are you over 55? Over 65? If so, you could get on more list for apartments.

Have you looked at local, county and state programs for low-income House repair projects?

Have you looked at any programs like CASA?

[Sara]

Check with your municipality or county for income-based home repair/rehab programs that are funded by federal dollars, but administered by local governments.

Also call your local Habitat for Humanity and see if they have a home repair program.

[Pamela]

Only fix what you can afford to do
Take care of the most important part. You can post in local social media forums and ask for volunteer organizations and explain your circumstances disability and income challenges.

A lot of organizations help people with those things you just have to look around.

Be mindful of your safety so I’d work with organizations not individuals.

As someone mentioned, part time work if you can or if you have a skill set that you can barter for the work.

Cut your spending on frivolous things and make sacrifices of wants to cover the needs.

[Susan]

I had an old house that needed or was going to need expensive repairs. I didn’t have money and it was stressing me out! I ended up selling it to an investment company (kind of like « We Buy Ugly Houses »).

They offered a fair price and we didn’t have to do any repairs or cleaning. We were even able to leave behind things we no longer wanted, like furniture and 2 mattresses.

It was so easy and stress-free! They sold it to a realtor and did all the repairs – new roof, all brand new appliances, etc.

We all met at a good lawyer’s office, signed a few papers and it was done.

For us it was a really good solution! We’re now in a nice rental and if something needs to be fixed we just call maintenance!

[Janna]

I would look in your town for volunteers to help with repairs. Also, there’s community programs that may be able to help.

Also, churches may be able to offer assistance.

[Gloria]

My mother lives in another state. My brother found a program through the city that helped with home renovations.

Find someone with the time and computer skills to help you. Maybe at the library.

A money pit drains your finances and emotions.
There are handy women groups. Those women could advise you on repairs. They are really really smart humans.

Are you able to do any yourself with their guidance?

[Author]

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