Thinking About My Next Move
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I’m thinking about my next move, as I’m planning to apply for a home loan the first of October. I wonder where will I be, in what neighborhood, and will everything work out in terms of timing? Moving is so stressful. But living here is stressful too.
I’ve got to go through the closets, which is not going to be fun. See what I’m keeping or dropping off at Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
That will be quite a job. This apartment does have good-sized closets, and that was a plus.
Today I’m showing you photos of the condos that have recently sold here in Tulsa that were in my price range or close to it.
Of course it is not time for me to buy yet, but naturally I’m already looking online to see what’s out there.
The Fireplaces That Take Up So Much Room:
Below is one example of the fireplace space in the condos I’ve seen online. It seems to me that you could make better use of that space, considering the condo is small to begin with. Around 800 square feet.
What do you think?
I could certainly do without the fireplace and the small window looking into the kitchen. And whatever that is with the glass front. Too much wall space is taken up with these unnecessary elements in my opinion.
In a condo this size, the square footage could have been utilized differently.
This condo was snapped up as soon as it hit the market. But I wanted to show it to you because it’s probably the best scenario I’d be looking at.It was in my price range and updated, so that was a plus.
This is the kitchen.
I like this kitchen, but the backsplash is not what I would have chosen. Seems to me that the pattern of the backsplash is a little large for the space. I would rather have had something like plain white subway tiles.
This apartment I currently live in is two bedrooms and two baths with 1150 square feet. My old apartment had 725 square feet, and I was perfectly comfortable in that size space. Especially given the large privacy fenced patio I had.
The other plus was that it was on one level so no one lived above me.
I moved here, after being on the waiting list for nearly 3 years, because it was 80% seniors around my age. And I’ve come to regret that move.
Living Smaller Again:
I’d hoped to get a one bedroom apartment when I moved here, but one wasn’t available. I feel like the second bedroom is kind of wasted. I rarely go in there. And I only go into the second bathroom to clean it.
I know I’ll have to acclimate to a smaller space again. Most likely I’ll have between 800-1000 square feet. So I’ll have to scale down what I own. And that’s a good thing really. But something that takes quite a bit of time.
I have good-sized closets here. And as typically happens, closets get filled up with this and that pretty quickly. Things just seem to materialize out of nowhere. And I doubt very much I’ll be able to get a garage with my price point, so storage space will be tight.
Ivy and I will be snug as bugs in a rug in a small condo with one bedroom and one bath. I just hope to have a decent sized kitchen space, because I do cook. And is there ever, EVER enough counter space?
I’d love to have enough counter space to get a stand mixer. It would be easier on my hands certainly. And two mixers with one functioning beater on each one is truly aggravating.
I Hope To Have Room For The Freezer:
I’m hoping to have room for my freezer, as I’ve had it just over a year and it’s been very useful.
I don’t use the dishwasher here. The motor is going out and it’s quite loud, so I use it for storage.
I hope to have a kitchen where I can turn on the microwave and the oven at the same time without blowing the fuse or whatever that’s called. Because you certainly can’t just go and flip the breaker switches in order to fix it.
I try to remember not to turn on the microwave while something is in the oven in my current kitchen. But occasionally I forget for just a few seconds. And that’s all it takes for things go out. My refrigerator, my oven, and my microwave.
Which wouldn’t be too bad and I could wait overnight to get this fixed, except for the food spoiling in my refrigerator.
So I have to call maintenance, and of course it’s always when I’m cooking my meal.
What I Liked About This Condo:
I swooned over these counter tops, what Kendra calls stained butcher block. Not only that, but look how much counter space there is! I could have a stand mixer!
Yes, I would have loved the condo with this kitchen. The beautiful countertops and their vastness in a condo kitchen is very appealing to me.
I hope to have a pantry, as I have one here and it’s very handy. And a dining space for my white table and four beige chairs. Unlike some people, I actually do eat meals at the dining table.
I’d like to have more counter space in a bathroom. There’s never enough room to put things in there. And no shelves or medicine cabinet.
I have no linen closet, so having a linen closet would be nice. And I told Kendra I want a space big enough for a full sized washer and dryer. Because I can’t fit blankets and quilts and such in the one I currently have.
I really don’t want a fireplace. It’s kind of wasted space to me because I doubt I’d use it. I’d rather have the wall space. But nearly every condo I’ve seen online has a fireplace.
What I Loved About This Condo:
The cabinets built all the way up to the ceiling was a great use of space, I thought. I even like the color of the cabinets, and I especially liked the glass-fronted doors.
However this left very little counter space, so that is a negative for me.
Wanting A Good Sized Patio Space:
And of course I want a decent patio space. I told Kendra a water spigot outside was mandatory, since not having one close by has been such a problem here. I’ll want to spread out my garden space and hopefully have more sunshine to grow flowers.
I loved the size of my previous patio and made good use of it to suit my needs and desires.
The condo I choose must be on the first floor. Downstairs condos are at a premium. These get snapped up quickly while upstairs condos sit on the market for a little while longer. I think investors come in and buy those much of the time.
My Needs & Desires For My Next Home:
So I think my needs and desires are fairly basic. A home of my own. Well, and the bank’s of course. A place where I can feel safe and less anxious. It has been stressful here since the first of the year.
And though I hate to wish away time, because that’s all one has, I’m truly ready to say goodbye to living here. I love my neighbors, but hopefully my friends here will come to visit me. I most likely will buy a condo less than five miles from here, so hopefully they will.
Maybe the conventional mortgage rates will go down. I think the number is just under 7 percent now. I’ve read that the sellers market may be shifting a little too.
Being able to afford a house would be unlikely. Kendra told me I probably couldn’t handle a house now anyway, with all that would entail. Dealing with roof issues and everything that comes with owning a house instead of a condo. She said she’s barely able to do it herself.
Kendra will be 50 in November, and Kasi will be 46. They’re four years and two weeks apart. Heavens, that makes me feel old.
The Condos I Wanted Last Time Around:
Just before I moved here, I was looking at this particular complex. I liked it because of the location and the fact that it’s all on one level.
These condos would have been in my price range several years ago, but they’re out of range now. They are now priced $25,000 to $40,000 more than they were a few years ago.
When I moved here, I thought I was through with moving. But it didn’t turn out that way. And you have to roll with the punches and deal with the cards you’ve been dealt.
Don’t write off a 2 bedroom if you can afford it. Seems possible you could utilize the 2nd bedroom as a huge walk-in pantry/ utility room. You would have room for your freezer, washer & dryer and maybe shelves for pantry items. Also, with all of your decorating expertise, I’m sure you could decorate around a fireplace….maybe one of your lovely quilts over it and furniture in front. I know several people who have done similar things. Just ideas. Would really like to see you have your very own place. Best wishes!
I think my favorite condo was the one with all the counter space. Especially since you like to cook, you need room to do that. I hope you can find one that is affordable and has everything you’re looking for.
Looking at the pictures of your search was fun. Good luck in finding a place that is not only convenient but also enjoyable!
Yeah… not liking that fireplace area. I don’t get builders that have these awkward and useless areas. It’s like the architect doesn’t plan and they end up with dumb space. I also don’t like these tiny, tiny kitchens either. That one is really narrow. Crazy narrow. If there’s a place you like, even if it’s not for sale it may be later. Could it be fruitful to look in hopes one comes up for sale?
I like old – older has charm and seems to have more closets and yard space, but older comes with issues too. You’ll know when it’s the right place. And if you purchase, you can always, put in countertops you like or add a closet!
I enjoyed looking at the various condo possibilities. Like you a fireplace would not be on my wish list. We live in a one level house and we seldom use the fireplace. I think it is wise to start looking now. By the time you are ready to move you will have a very good idea of what you don’t want in a condo. I’m certain you will be able to find something in your price range for you and Ivy. Moving is stressful, but you have been living with an awful lot of stress this year in your present place , so moving out is a positive step.
Very fancy looking place, Brenda…but if you do not get something fairly nice, chances are very big for very bad people. You can get bad ones in any place of any price I am sure too. Also, I was thinking, as to a 2 bedroom, 2 bath…if you get where you need a full time caregiver, it could allow you to stay in your own home, rather than be in some horrid so-called care facility. Have never seen any I hope to live in. As to the fireplace, I think it depends on how much pleasure you would derive from it. The kitchen is huge…twice what I have had for a very long time now. Again, you may not need that much room in a kitchen. However, if you have almost no storage space elsewhere, it could be useful to use some of it for non-kitchen stuff…I guess we all have too much stuff…I seem to gather a lot in a short time too…how I am not sure (books mostly). Wishing you all the best and that you will end up with GOOD neighbors. And that is a very iffy thing. I hate having to live under the jerk above us…a criminal at that.
These condos look really nice. I would rather have wall space than a fireplace, too. We have a fireplace in our home, but we rarely use it – maybe a couple of times in the winter. (It’s a wood burning fireplace, not gas.)
Getting personal, will you be able to afford a mortgage, taxes and insurance, and HOA fees? Do you have a reserve in savings for any special assessments that might occur? Just things to think about.
Brenda has proven time and time again that she definitely has the money to afford all that and redecorating her new space!
I agree. I think she’s grown up enough to know. LOL.
Ann & Claudia – no need to get surly, ladies. I’m only concerned about Brenda’s well-being, since she’s used to renting, not owning.
I agree Melanie! Absolutely no need to be rude. You were not, just asking questions Brenda may not have thought of. HOA fees are something I would have not thought of, never owning a condo. You deserve an apology Melanie.
I know searching for a new home will be stressful for you, but I hope (and suspect) you can really enjoy the process of finding the perfect spot for you and Ivy! At least you aren’t forced to move immediately.
This is a premature suggestion, maybe, but If you should find a condo you love, but is short of bathroom space, remember that there’s a ton of storage between the studs in most bathrooms. I don’t need extra storage, but if I did, I would remove the sheetrock between two vertical studs, add narrow wooden horizontal shelves, and a thin door, maybe disguising it with a tall mirror. Or in my particular case, I could make it look like wainscoating used in English homes, as I have a tall, wide plain wall.
If, by any chance, you need to remodel a bathroom, please consider this option, which has made my life so much easier that I love passing the suggestion on:
Our toilet is located in a room with tiled floor and walls up to chair rail height. The shower is a connecting completely-tiled room. (The vanity sink is in a separate connecting room with a wooden pine floor.)There’s a little marble rise between the vanity room and the toilet area. (It could be used as a handicapped bath.)
I had our builder install a drain in the tiled floor about 12” in front of the toilet. I can take the shower nozzle (with hose attached) and wash down the toilet, walls and floor. I squeegee any water into the drain and use dedicated old towels to dry everything. (Or I could just leave it to dry.)
I keep a small cotton rug over the drain so no one even knows it’s there. The drain line is probably attached to the shower drain a few feet away.
You can use your imagination to think how handy it is in all situations, like when someone has flu, upset stomach, etc.
I’ve followed you for years and have seen how extremely resilient and adaptable you are. I have faith that you are going to find an even better home and situation than your current one.
Best wishes!
The right home for you and Ivy is out there!! Unfortunately in this housing market you won’t have much time to mull over your decision. I feel sure one will jump out and grab your attention. The pictures you showed are lovely.
When I purchased this house almost 5 years ago it was slim pickings because investors were snatching up everything. I love it but it is a little too big for me. It works just fine and I’m basically content.
Relax and enjoy your new journey.
Brenda, how exciting!!! I love condo living, there’s no outside maintenance for me, except for what I want to do on my deck…I’m sure your daughter will guide you, but take a close look at the HOA fees and how they are managed. You don’t want to be caught with a ‘special fee’ which is usually when the HOA miss-manages the account and much needed repairs are deferred until too late, and then you are hit with a one time fee, mine a few years ago to the tune of $18,500…there went a few vacations. I personally love a fireplace, mine is placed perfectly, but it’s all in the design. Washer / dryer in your home is almost mandatory at least for me….I live in a 2 bedroom/2 bath approx 1000 square feet. I couldn’t do with out the 2nd bedroom, wish I had a third…Have fun , it’s a new adventure for you and Ivy…..
Kendra knows all about those “assessment fees.” She will guide me.
Good luck. I found my forever home. Apartment, 1200 square feet, two bedroom, 2 bath, first floor, attached extra large garage, two outside patios, sauna, hot tub, heated pool, all of which I use. Wonderful neighborhood and neighbors. Private. They will have to drag me out of here, kicking and screaming, lol!!! I will never buy again. You are fortunate to have your family helping you. Good luck. Btw, I’m in Colorado.
Your price bracket would be beyond me! And in Colorado!
I’m excited for you and your next adventure! You’ve made several good friends so this move wasn’t a waste. A condo in the 575 to 900 ft range would seem perfect for you! These pictures are fun to look through. I love looking at places for sale and imaging what I would do with it. Although first floor condos go fast. you have the advantage of seeing it during the day while some have to wait after work. I have a feeling something perfect will land in your lap soon.
I hope so! I’ll continue to show photos if you like to see them.
Yes please!!
I agree with you about fireplaces, especially in small apts or condos and makes it difficult to place furniture.
It’s such a shame there aren’t more one story condos but it’s all about the money. Out here the builders are going crazy with three story townhouses. Garages are half of the first floor and there might be a room for a bedroom or office on that floor. Then kitchen and living spaces on second floor followed by all
the bedrooms on the top floor. I could only envision a mother having to carry a baby up and down all
those stairs day in and day out.
My first house was 850 sq ft and it was perfect and easy to care for. I’m sure you will find something and I can’t wait to see you do your magic on a patio again❣️
That amount of square footage would be perfect for me.
I heard on a report this morning that because the latest “new jobs added” number was considered low compared to what the economists had expected, people are now speculating that the Federal Reserve may lower interest rates in September. I’ve also read that several real estate markets have been cooling off.
I read the same thing. They said interest rates would not be lowered until September and that in Florida, the seller’s market for condos has completely shifted. Not sure why.
I think it is referring to condo reforms passed by the Florida Legislature. Two of the changes for condo owners are a mandatory structural inspection and increasing reserve funds for condo associations of buildings at least 30 years old. Many owners are now selling their pre-1994 condos before these changes take effect so a flood of inventory is bringing prices down. The condo reforms are a result of the 2021 condo in Miami that collapsed in 2021 killing 98 people.