feeling a little scared

[stroglass]

Is it normal to feel a little scared about this move, retirement selling our home in nj and
having enough to live well? I know we have done things right and that from a coast perspective fla offers us the best deal but I still have this voice in my head telling me What the he heck are you doing. Trying to take this in small steps We are cleaning out and fixing what needs to be so the house can be listed. House hunting in the villages starts on Oct 26 for 5 days then it hope the house in nj sales fast so I can retire and move to the Villages
I would like any input thanks for listening :pray:

[ilovetv]

Is it normal to feel a little scared about this move, retirement selling our home in nj and
having enough to live well? I know we have done things right and that from a coast perspective fla offers us the best deal but I still have this voice in my head telling me What the he heck are you doing. Trying to take this in small steps We are cleaning out and fixing what needs to be so the house can be listed. House hunting in the villages starts on Oct 26 for 5 days then it hope the house in nj sales fast so I can retire and move to the Villages
I would like any input thanks for listening :pray:

A couple of things....

Selling the house is probably the biggest concern. Make sure when listing it that it is "move-in ready"....absolutely nothing to repair, and make sure it is updated cosmetically with the help of a professional stager. Most people watch the t.v. shows of home makeovers now, and the dramatic but often low-cost renovations like neutral paint and new carpeting in main living areas helps people envision their furnishings/taste in it. A trained, certified home stager knows how to keep costs down by spending on the things whose cost will not only be recouped in the sale price, but will boost it above the others in the listing photos online. This is very important because pictures online are your home's first impression, and they tell the buyer whether it's a place they'd like to see in person or not.

Would you go to a job interview dressed in your 1970's polyester leisure suit and expect to get the job? Probably not, and the home presentation is the same way.

Once ready for the beauty contest of real estate showings, price the home at an appealing price compared to others like it. It's not worth it to agonize over your home not selling when you could be here in the sunshine every day.

[LuvlyJubly]

Absolutely it is normal! In fact as we sit here in England we wonder the same thing you do. Selling and moving house is a huge stress on anyone and there will always be voices telling you the possible "right & wrongs". I think you have to follow your heart and I am a strong believer that: "Everything happens for a reason" and whatever is meant to be, will be! Just go with it, I am sure you will find lots of happiness in The Villages!

[RETIREDSFW]

I agee "follow your heart"

[Bonnevie]

just look for my previous post "second guessing". I was in the midst of clearing out my house and moving....and I was scared as well. It just seems so overwhelming....but hang in there.

[Madelaine Amee]

Is it normal to feel a little scared about this move, retirement selling our home in nj and
having enough to live well? I know we have done things right and that from a coast perspective fla offers us the best deal but I still have this voice in my head telling me What the he heck are you doing. Trying to take this in small steps We are cleaning out and fixing what needs to be so the house can be listed. House hunting in the villages starts on Oct 26 for 5 days then it hope the house in nj sales fast so I can retire and move to the Villages
I would like any input thanks for listening :pray:

If you were not concerned I would think there was something wrong with you. This is a really difficult time in your life. You are selling your home where your children grew up, you know all the neighbors, you know everything about your town. You are leaving a job, or jobs, to go somewhere new and live on a fixed income for the rest of your life - very scary.

We were fortunate in that my husband's company had a pro and con seminar where he had to sit down and put down the good and the bad parts about retiring (and never mind moving), then we had to tell the kids we were going to move and leave them and our grandchildren ............. major guilt trip.

It all came together, we moved, love our new neighborhood, love our new life which is now (8 years old) and the kids have adjusted to us being here and not there! Things will be fine, you will get used to being part a new neighborhood along with all the other people going through the same emotions and insecurities as you. :wave:

[wendyquat]

Yep, sounds normal to me!

[drooney60@hotmail.com]

We decided to move to Florida from Bellevue, Washington. I had lived in my house for over 30 years and still had a lot of my husband's things when he died 10 years ago. I recently remarried to a wonderful man who understood my dilemma and had lived in Ft. Meyers for 15 years. Together we sold everything in the house and sent a few boxes to his son in Ocala, Fla. We then drove and it took us 3 weeks to get there. We golfed and visited relatives along the way and saw the sights. We bought a house in May, bought a golf cart in June and retired within two months!!! This was the best decision we have ever made. It was scary, but together we made it!!!

[tippyclubb]

I felt the same way worrying about everything in regards to retirement. This feeling did not leave until we bought a house in the village of Collier last week. After signing the dotted lines and giving our 10% deposit a feeling of calmness came over me. Our dream had finally become a reality so it felt right.

We still have many things to do until we retire such as selling the old house and getting the new house rented for a year. Once we bought that house I refuse to worry anymore and know somehow it will all work out.

As you stated do this in small steps but get started downsizing as soon as possible. Good luck to you.

[JAV0108]

Where in NJ? My kids are looking to buy a house in the surrounding ares of Old Bridge, Freehold, East Brunswick etc.

[stroglass]

I have not told my daughter yet_i know she will give me a guilt trip but I was a single parent and took care of her alone then when my parents were i.l i cared for them Ithink its time fome and my husband

[stroglass]

Old bridge we have a 4 bedroom

[Wi11iam]

Is it normal to feel a little scared about this move, retirement selling our home in nj and
having enough to live well? I know we have done things right and that from a coast perspective fla offers us the best deal but I still have this voice in my head telling me What the he heck are you doing. Trying to take this in small steps We are cleaning out and fixing what needs to be so the house can be listed. House hunting in the villages starts on Oct 26 for 5 days then it hope the house in nj sales fast so I can retire and move to the Villages
I would like any input thanks for listening :pray:

Very stressful time. We bought and built on Allaire loop. Took possession last February. :pray: we listed our house in point pleasant beach in April. We sold it today and it is stress free from now on. The last dock line has been cast off and now we can move at our leisure. We both have work to finish but when the time is right..:pray: (May, June) we will depart permanently. I intend to work from my remote location for a time of transition. Scary Yes..... but the best is yet to come..:pepper2::bigbow::bigbow:

[Mayeapple109]

Yep....Been there. Broke down and cried when the house was empty. Lost sleep worrying if we could do it. Once we moved here and I got to talking to people it seems that these amxieties are the norm! Hang in there and as ling as you are honest with yourself and live within your means, you'll be fine. One thing I do like about The Villages, NO ONE is concerned about what you own. We are all here to keep active and make friend, whether you are drenched in diamonds or the latest WalMart fashion discount! 😊

[senior citizen]

Is it normal to feel a little scared about this move, retirement selling our home in nj and
having enough to live well? I know we have done things right and that from a coast perspective fla offers us the best deal but I still have this voice in my head telling me What the he heck are you doing. Trying to take this in small steps We are cleaning out and fixing what needs to be so the house can be listed. House hunting in the villages starts on Oct 26 for 5 days then it hope the house in nj sales fast so I can retire and move to the Villages
I would like any input thanks for listening :pray:

You are not alone, believe me. We've been doing the exact same thing.

However, we are waiting till after winter to list the house.

It's just "what's done" up here.....as winter can be a messy time to have folks traipsing through the house......so May 1st is a good target date.

We've always listed all of our homes on May 1st and they've always sold quickly.

However, the house looks so great now........I keep wondering "What are we doing?" We should just rent and winter in Florida. Why give up a perfectly beautiful comfortable home to live in a tinier version? Why give up all of our close friends and community for the unknown?

Then I think of the nice flat terrain, the warmer climate, and hopefully more sunshine than the rain of late (in Florida) and I know why. It's a better place to "age in place".........

[PattyPan1]

Two years ago we were in the same boat as you. Listing our house in NJ, crossing our fingers that it sold quickly and for a good price.

Then we rented while our house was being built. It was in July and it seemed it rained every day. The neighborhood was empty, think it was all rentals. I cried and kept asking myself if we did the right thing.

Flash ahead 3 months, in the house, meeting new people, and now I think it is the best move I ever made.

Is it normal to feel a little scared about this move, retirement selling our home in nj and
having enough to live well? I know we have done things right and that from a coast perspective fla offers us the best deal but I still have this voice in my head telling me What the he heck are you doing. Trying to take this in small steps We are cleaning out and fixing what needs to be so the house can be listed. House hunting in the villages starts on Oct 26 for 5 days then it hope the house in nj sales fast so I can retire and move to the Villages
I would like any input thanks for listening :pray:

[ActsOfKindness]

hi this is marlene in the villages . i m not sure when this post was posted..that i am responding to.. i still cant figure out the ins and outs of this forum but i try my best. at any rate..i would like to encourage you!! moving and change are difficult especially as we get older. there are no sure things in life...none at all. if we dont take risks and step out in faith. then we are not blessed tho i feel...so much is lost when we have fear..it is normal to be afraid and 'scared' but courage is when you move forward anyhow into the unknown . will you have enough to live on? we are not rich villagers . my husband retired from the post office many years ago . we lived in las vegas retirement before moving out to florida 8 years ago. we have social security and his post office pension to live on. no investments. no savings. (we are technically poor slugs h ere in the villages haha) but we live grandly. we have an adorable ver comfortable warm and cozy ranch home..and dance weather permitting in the town squares..which are free of charge 365 days a year, golf pretty much for free on the executive courses here. i never ever..golfed in my life before i came here, and frankly i am the anti christ of golf...but i love it anyhow..give me a tree , a bird singing..a pretty lake and im a happy camper even if i cant hit the ball. people who have lots of moola here live very nicely to be sure..anywhere you have money that is the case. to be middle income though ..and still have a fantastic lifestyle, i cannot say enough about the villages in that regard, its wonderful. you can save on gas here by driving a golf cart around town...it gets u everywhere not just the golf courses. do your own lawn yardwork and save every month that way too im 67 ..hubby is 68 and relatively good health and good exercise we mow our own lawn etc. if you read this post...and want to speak on email...it is flowerpower55@gmail.com i hope you sold your home in new jersey and are living in the villages now...good luck good health

[rjm1cc]

Is it normal to feel a little scared about this move, retirement selling our home in nj and
having enough to live well? I know we have done things right and that from a coast perspective fla offers us the best deal but I still have this voice in my head telling me What the he heck are you doing. Trying to take this in small steps We are cleaning out and fixing what needs to be so the house can be listed. House hunting in the villages starts on Oct 26 for 5 days then it hope the house in nj sales fast so I can retire and move to the Villages
I would like any input thanks for listening :pray:

You really have a series of independent questions. Do you want to retire, can you afford to retire, do you want to move out of your current home, if moving is it to a more suitable local or distance home, etc. etc.
I would list your questions and your answer to each. If you move spend as much time as you can in the location you plan to move too to make sure you will like it.

[caseycasebeer]

Your discomfort and anxiety are Quite normal.

Retirement is a BIG step, and relocating is also a BIG step as well.

Two things to consider:

(1) The Villages are a great (GREAT...) place to live. On the other hand, are you sufficiently familiar with TV and the lifestyle(s) here? Will five days of house-hunting be enough time for you to acquaint yourself with the geography of the area, choices, and all the other factors involved in your big-move-decision? Don't rush into things; take your time, and you'll find that your comfort-level will be higher.

(2) Many folks buy a place in TV before they've sold their long-time Home elsewhere. Moreover, there may be a mortgage remaining on their "old" home and/or they really don't know how much they'll 'net on the sale of the "old" home ... yet they feel compelled to buy in TV NOW. I would find that very stressful. I would find having a mortgage in retirement challenging; having [U]two[U] mortgages would probably put me over the edge!

Take things slow; be Comfortable with your choices.
...and enjoy The Villages if/when you get here!

[conniesue]

We just sold our home in NY.It was inthe middle of both of our children, six miles to either home.. we have been here two months. We love it. Hang in there.

[graciegirl]

If you are not sure, wait until you are sure.

I received an anonymous letter a couple of years ago that said due to my enthusiasm about this place the writer bought here and was VERY unhappy.

I felt a terrible sense of sadness over that. Not everyone is happy here and it is a lot of work to move.

It IS normal, but it is a real stressor and I am seeing people who land here and don't bounce back for awhile. It is a BIG step.

Please know that we care, you would be welcomed here with open arms and I am sure that you would be happy, but just take your time.

Hugs and good wishes,
Gracie

[lightworker888]

Gracie, this is a perfect example of someone who couldn't take responsibility for their own choice. Your enthusiasm for TV has also been the thing that has tipped the balance for others to oome and see for themselves and who have subsequently bought and loved it as much as you. Interesting that the note was anonymous.. Keep your honest posts coming. Each person will take whatever they want from it and do with it what they will. Nothing any of us can do about that.

LW888

[stroglass]

Thank you all for you encouragement and honesty We have bought in orange blossom and hope to be their soon. We know this was the right thing to do
Kathy

[DandyGirl]

Yep....Been there. Broke down and cried when the house was empty. Lost sleep worrying if we could do it. Once we moved here and I got to talking to people it seems that these amxieties are the norm! Hang in there and as ling as you are honest with yourself and live within your means, you'll be fine. One thing I do like about The Villages, NO ONE is concerned about what you own. We are all here to keep active and make friend, whether you are drenched in diamonds or the latest WalMart fashion discount! 😊

Love this post! :wave:

[McP1605]

I can assure you it is normal. For the last three months since I put a contract on a house, I have had every feeling you are having and then some! I am sitting in a hotel room at the Waterfront Inn waiting for my closing on Friday. I have moved here by myself (I am a widow)... I know no one here and I am terrified. But I keep just putting one foot in front of the other and trust what everyone tells me about this place... "it is the friendliest place!" So.... come on down and lets make them prove it! Best of luck to you!

[stroglass]

Mcp1605 you are such a strong person I know you will be fine . Were are you buying? Hopefully we can meet once I am there full time and exchange stories good luck

[McP1605]

I am moving to the village of Poinciana. About 3 miles south (I think) of Lake Sumpter Landing. Contact me sometime. My email is texasmacs@gmail.com. Bet you can't guess where I'm from?!!

[2BNTV]

It's a normal feeling especially when you first arrive. Moving from one state to another at this time of our lives is stressful. It can be overwhelming for some people. You need to learn the landscape, getting new doctors and learning to build a list of vendors for needed services.

Just take deep breaths and putting one foot in front of the other. I think couples have it a little bit easier time of moving, than singles. Don't put pressure on yourselves that everything has to be done in a week.

After a short while, you will begin to feel the move is all worth it. Just keep reminding the prize is orth all the effort. :smiley: