We were without HI for almost 20 years and the lack of it nearly cost the life of my wife. It nearly cost us everything we had worked our entire lives for. Still, I don't think the Obamacare thing is the solution.
When we were without insurance we couldn't afford $8-10K a year but we could have managed $1-2K. The problem there was no sliding scale between the government supported poverty programs and the full self pay system. We couldn't afford to self pay and the government said basicly: "sell your house, put yourself out of a job and when you are totally broke come see us. The private insurance said "we have to cover abortions and maternity care for your 60 year old wife so we can't lower your rates".
It seems that if there was limited government assistance based on income a lot of the 35 million who have no care could afford a bare bones policy who's cost was not jacked up by coverage that you didn't need.
Being able to shop across state lines might help too.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Ya know, sandman, I was all set to stay in Florida after grad school. I only ended up back in NJ was that jobs were tight at the time and there was one to be had here. Funny thing was that job got eliminated in a budget cut in less that a year.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
It might work for regular wage earners but Medicaid also considers "resources" in addition to income. This makes it very difficult for self-employed folks (like farmers) to qualify.
In our case we qualified on income (lord, don't I know it) but because we owned the farm we were considered "rich landowners" with "excess resources" We were told to sell the farm and spend the money until we were broke (under $2000). I imagine many small business owners are in the same position.
I like the rest of your proposal but I fear someone would call your requirements racist, sexist, homophobic or some other emotionally charged pejorative. Politicians would cave like a house of cards.
Believe me, when I was without HI I would have not had any problems documenting anything anyone asked of me. Those days of limping around the field working through the pain because I didn't want to pay for the emergency room were not fun.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"...starting to get on my [non-permissible content removed] about being on Edmunds..."
Tell her you are doing volunteer work counseling various crazy car salsmen and old coots who would otherwise be running wild in your neighborhood. Tell her to think of it as public service.
Also wait until she is looking over your shoulder and type in something nice about her. We'll take the hint and post back about what a wonderful woman she is. By the time we're done she'll be INSISTING that you spend more time here.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My son has a pretty beat up 1984 with 200hp which would be considered a slug by today's standards. Still. I was pleased to see how fast it was for an old car. Must have a lot more torque than horsepower.
Corvettes are just too darn small for me. I'd like one but I just couldn't stand to drive with my face pressed against the roof.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
If nycguy makes a mistake, he's young enough to rectify it. You're not.
That was a funny answer, you have learned the Driver Method" of never admitting you are wrong....ha ha.
Interesting development. We are still negotiating but a bank held one came up. It would be about 12% less than the unit we are negotiating on. You have to wait a few weeks to let government housing bid on it then you can try to get it...not sure how you grab it before someone else. On the internet it looks pretty nice. We don't like to buy while negotiating with someone, but she hasn't been that easy to negotiate with. We are going to look into this unit too...see what is involved in putting in an offer (though it is a set price...no bidding).
I appreciate your warning, and I agree completely with your assessment, that it is better to rent than buy if using it temporarily. The only reason for buying, is because it makes emotional sense. It would be like buying a yaught, or even a boat....probably makes no sense financially, but it is just the enjoyment you get from it. It's like buying a Jaguar (or BMW, or SRX) instead of a Kia.....it is the enjoyment factor.
Ah, to be able to drive legally at that time...pure bliss!
Don't get carried away. Sure, cars of that era had an undeniable style, but with their loosey-goosey steering, drum brakes prone to overheating, rubber band suspensions & downright primitive bias-ply tires, you wouldn't want to drive one more than 2 blocks from home.
Give me 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, stability/traction control & steel-belted radials any day of the week.
Since you have a couple of kids, get a 4 seat convertible.
That is a really good point. I tried an MB 2 seater sports car hardtop convertible, but when I looked at the BMW hardtop convertible it had back seats and the price was the same as the MB. I am so glad I got the 4 seater, it is so much easier to take the dog for a ride, and in a pinch (and there will always be those times), you can squeeze kids and very thin nubile people into the rear seats if you really have to.
Again, they seem to really love coming down here to Florida,
To be fair, I am sure Richard understands you should buy something if it will make you feel better, and you can manage it.
Like I said a few posts up, one is on the market now, sent by a realestate agent we talked to, that is about 12% less. It is held by a bank, I am guessing the owner bought when the market was high, got the principle down to this point, and the bank just wants the difference owing.
There is a process, for one week it has to be offered to People who need assistance...but I don't think they would buy it.....then one week for owners and I think that might be people who oalready own or rent in the complex....I am not sure.
We are going to ask the agent how we can put in a down payment and what our chances are. It is almost like talking to a car salesman, being within a few hundred dollars of where you want to be....then the same car coming up offered by someone else for thousands less.....about $12000 less!
I just couldn't stand to drive with my face pressed against the roof.
You are supposed to drive with your face pointed towards the windshield, not the roof. I'd have a hard time driving with my face pressed on the roof too.
But I think I know what you mean...top of the head. Often those cars have such low seats and lots of leg room so you can actually fit inside quite nicely, you just have to be a contortionist to actually get in and out of it.
Knowing she's in competition with another unit might bring her negotiations back down to earth. You know her unit & like it & can see yourselves there...been there, done that. The other bank owned one is a gamble since it could be trashed, the appliances might be unusable or so old as to be unworkable or a host of other problems just waiting for $...a unknown money pit. If she were smart & likes your price & really wants outta there, she'd be a fool to play hardball now. The other unit could be a better kept unit after all...just depends how much she wants to gamble! Something about 4 in the hand being better than an offer that "might" come to the table. Maybe y'all are in a better negotiating place now...? The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
If she were smart & likes your price & really wants outta there, she'd be a fool to play hardball now.
I can see the interior on the real estate listing and it looks really good, possibly nicer than the unit the owner is selling. It looks clean and neat too. The blurb says the first offer accepted after public housing and other owners??? will get it. We have to contact the real estate agent to try to find out how you put in an offer. The bank held unit does not come with appliances or furniture, but the difference in price more than makes up for that, and there are certain advantages to not having these.
Richard will like the flag on the neighbors house.
It’s only a “set price” until a buyer buys at that price, otherwise it’s a bluff. Then the price drops and the bluff continues until a buyer wants it for that price and so on. A lot like once water seeks its own level the flow stops.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Richard - The money is a factor (isn't it always?). Truth be told I'm still getting comfortable making mortgage payments.
My wife does object to me buying a completely impractical, RWD, 2 seat sports car.
It is definitely on the extravagant side. It looks good during these turbulent economic times when the boss' son drives a 2001 Honda with 137,000 miles. People often make a big deal out of things that aren't their business. Certain customers would make remarks about my Dad's former X5: "I see you got a bimmer, that's where all my money's going.". People see his Tahoe which is a more expensive vehicle & say "Hey, nice truck."
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Absolutely - It's a GLK350 4Matic. She wanted a little SUV and I wanted fairly spirited handling and performance. We're both very satisfied with it. It's not quite a quick as our old Jaguar S-Type 4.2, but, it's darn close.
Yep it's a GLK 4Matic model. Wife and I love it. We've done a couple of long trips in it so far. It's very comfortable and quiet on the interstate. Performance is pretty good, and, she corners nicely. I didn't even consider the little Caddy because, with the base engine, it doesn't perform as well as the GLK, and, was way more expensive if equipped with the larger engine. I originally was trying to talk wife into a Certfied Jaguar XF that the dealer had - but, she didn't like it.
I originally was trying to talk wife into a Certfied Jaguar XF that the dealer had
I think you made a great decision....the GLK is going to be made right. I like Jaguars too, but I tried sitting in them when I was looking for cars in 2003, but I found the Jaguars didn't have great outward vision, little windows and blindspots. Also felt like I was sitting pretty low. But they do have beautiful instrument panels. Reliability goes to extremes too, I don't think they were building them that well in 03. I got an X3 but would have liked a GLK if they had them then...I like the styling a lot more.
remarks about my Dad's former X5: "I see you got a bimmer, that's where all my money's going.".
The teacher told us in a business class that you should drive a nice car because that will impress clients. I am with you nyc, I think it rubs a lot of people the wrong way.
It depends on if you are buying or selling and what kind of business you have. Once again it shows your maturity that you are aware of this issue. It could just aggravate employees and customers to see the owners son in a new Corvette, at any time, but especially in tough times. The Corvette is best left as a dream but I will say one thing...in this business course they said if you really want something put a picture on the wall and visualize that you are getting it. At that time I wanted a new 1995 Jeep, I put a picture on my bulletin board and it took almost a year but I did get it.
The lesson I learned was if you really try for something, you have a chance of obtaining it...if you just dream about it, you don't have much chance of obtaining it. You have to make it happen.
Playing a little devil's advocate, but I have long given up worrying about what others think of me....even if they're people I want to do business with.
Speaking of 'vettes, Mako, I guess my interest peaked when I was 17-18 years old. Of course, then I couldn't afford one. In the years since, I have been able to afford one, but keep asking myself if I'll really use it.
It seems I like looking at them more than having one sit in my garage. I'm also of the mind that a used one makes more sense than a brand new one. Vette owners seem to be a lot that take extremely good care of their vehicles.
However, I've got more than one car on my radar as a sports car. I've mentioned the Cobra convertible with less than 20K miles my friend owns. And, I keep my eyes open for a 4 or 5 year old 'vette.
It will end up I see something someday, the sun will be shining, my checkbook will just so happen to be in my pocket, and I'll pull the trigger on something on a whim.
I have long given up worrying about what others think of me....even if they're people I want to do business with.
Just my opinion but I think it does matter to some degree what car you drive....for some businesses.
Our financial advisors drive Lexus's mostly. My brother was a financial advisor and he would drive a Civic for 10 years until it would fall apart....he believed that would show he was careful with people's money. Personally, I wouldn't have much confidence in someone who was managing my money who drove a Civic. On the other hand, I wouldn't want them to drive anything too extravagant either, that would show bad judgement.
Our accountant drives an Accord, very sensible and I think a good choice.
When I was in sales I wanted a nice car, but it didn't have to be expensive but too cheap wouldn't make a good impression.
I don't judge people by the cars they drive.....nice people drive old jalopies and nice people can drive nice cars. There is no rule of thumb.
We once had a house painter who used an old Mercedes that was in perfect condition. He did a beautiful job and I think he just appreciated fine craftsmanship, so he enjoyed his old Mercedes.
We had a supplier recently and the business took off and the 4 execs bought new Bentleys. Everyone was in awe when you drove up and it was impressive, but they went bankrupt one year later.
The car a person drives doesn't mean a lot, but it does make an impression on a lot of people - sometimes good, sometimes bad...and I just happen to think for certain jobs, it might be a factor in the impression people will have of you.
I'm only saying all of this to point out the fact that I would like for you to enjoy a few things while you can. Life is short and comes around once. If the car is a dream of yours, and if you can make it happen without undue burden, you should spring forward and do it.
Precisely. I bought my 1988 M6 in 1992 while we were in the middle of trading houses with my mother. I took out a larger mortgage to cover the car. Not financially smart I know(and knew) but I didn't know when/if I'd have a similar opportunity to own a car that I had literally dreamed about. Nineteen years later my only regret -as you've heard before- is that I sold it. I've always remembered it said that no one lies on their deathbed and says "I wish I'd spent more time at the office.", and I think that it's also quite likely that no one says "Boy, I'm sure glad that I bought always practical family sedans instead of a Corvette/M6/911/Mustang GT/370Z, etc."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I do very much. This could mean that you would have nice neighbors. The interior of the condo looks very nice. If you like the one that the lady has better, offer her the same price and tell her why. Better allow $10K extra for her furniture.
If you decide on the bank owned one, send me $10K. I'll purchase the furniture and decorate it for you. My fee---one week's free rental in the condo.
With your new mortgage payment and the wife's objection to the vette, I can certainly understand why you decided not to do a purchase at this time. You're still young and have plenty of time. Perhaps by age 40, you'll feel more comfortable in doing the purchase. You're a bright young man. You'll figure out when and how to make it happen.
Why don't you try for a job as school bus driver? A few years ago I called the Pinallas county school district to check out jobs. At that time they were paying $12/hr. to start. I asked what was the top end of the pay range and without missing a beat the woman said: "Forget about that, you'd be dead by then.".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Very nice house. Where is that located, near St. Petersburg? My BILs place is up in Largo off Park Blvd and is a condo project where the units are more like traditional apartments.
Is you potential purchase connected to other units or does it stand by itself?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
He is probably a card carrying fellow Tea Party member. I'll tell him I am behind him all the way and I have influential friends that are Party members too. If you like the one that the lady has better, offer her the same price and tell her why. Better allow $10K extra for her furniture She is on the board of the condo so she will know this one is available...but she doesn't know if we know it is available. We are supposed to hear back from her whether she accepted our last offer. We want to know more details about our chances of getting this one, before we say anything.
If you decide on the bank owned one, send me $10K. I'll purchase the furniture and decorate it for you. Couldn't you donate some of that furniture that you are looking after for your deseased relative? It will cut down in storage fees!
Better allow $10K extra for her furniture. That is about our estimate too! The bank one doesn't have appliances so another $2500 - $3000! With all that it is still a lot less, and is a bigger and brighter unit. Hers is nice, but the bank one is nicer.
I'll keep in mind the decorating offer! Though that is something my wife loves to do, and she is very particular. We do agree though. I am glad we have the same taste in furniture....and cars!
Driver, better watch out. He wants $10k up front, then he adds a fee.
Yes, and it is probably some of the furniture he has to unload from his relative that left it to him to sort through. ps Driver, Just my opinion here, but Florida properties have more downside to come. I'd wait a while. Give it 8 or 9 months and see.
You mentioned before you weren't hot for Florida property at this time. I agree, it isn't an ideal time and I would never do this if it was just as an investment. But, one very smart person financially who owns 2 condos in Florida, believes the most they will go down will be another 10%, then they should start to rise. It doesn't really matter what it does. This is for the long term, hopefully 15 or 20 years, and if it goes down in value it won't be the end of the world, it will depreciate less than a new car would. The cost is so low we can do it with a line of credit, won't need a mortgage!
Is you potential purchase connected to other units or does it stand by itself?
Yes, the place is west of St Petersburg and south of Tampa, north of Bradenton. This place is across the Tampa Bay and a bit south of Largo.
The units are in quads......one next to it and 2 behind. Because of the landscaping and the design they look like they are single detached houses. They each have 1 1/2 car garages, 2 bdrm, 2 bthrm, cathedral ceilings. There is a heated swimming pool and a club house with weights etc. Lots of grass and trees and narrow winding road through the survey.
Sounds like the Palmetto area, I never have gotten over there myself but it sounds nice.
"...The units are quad..."
That's a great design, looks like detached houses. I may have missed the post where you mentioned the asking price but it sounds like it is in the $100K area. If so, that would be a lot of house for the money. In my BILs development a 3 br 2nd floor condo is going for $120K and his development was built back in the 1970s.
Sounds like you hit gold.
I agree, prices can't go much lower unless the country collapses, in which case your real estate investment will be the least of your worries.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Had the "talk" after dinner last night...let them no my leave will end by the 28th of March & then no paycheck for a month, maybe a little longer. Told all the girls that "we need to cut back a bit"...watch the wasted gas, use electricity the more efficient way & to help out more in the house to continue to receive full room & board. Also let the daughters know that any "xtra's" will be coming out of their paychecks...eating out & entertainment...we will provide the everyday stuff. Hopefully the wife listened as last time we spoke, she let me know "she wouldn't change her lifestyle one bit" which was upsetting. She's still a bit miffed but explained to her that "our" paychecks support us & the house...when mine goes away for a bit, it's all on her check. Again, she's unhappy! She's made it quite clear what she got from her mom is "hers" so I had to tell her "fine...but ditto with mine also". Again she seemed miffed! Time will tell.
Saw an Elantra like small truck at the dealers lot yesterday afternoon, what is it? Looked nice from the quick side angle glance I got from it!! Very curious!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
driver100....I probably came across as a little heavy handed in stating I don't care what others think. I do.....certain people....family, my G/F, my son, some respected business colleagues I've known for quite a few years.
That said, while it's nice that my lawyer drives a nice car (Porsche), so does my accountant (Town Car). My financial adviser drives an F150.
My financial adviser, of all people, hit the rocks about 3 years ago. I had already moved much of my business out of his supervision, back into my direct control. He used to drive an S series. He had to give it up (before the lease was up). He's coming back a little bit, but nowhere close the where he once was.
Point being, it doesn't matter that my financial adviser drives an F150. I liked him when he drove an S series. I like him driving an F150. I still respect him. I don't think less of him.
Aren't you the observant one! Yes, I meant east of St Petersburg. Just watched 60 Minutes and it showed how bad the unemployment situation is in the USA. Worst since the depression. Kids going to bed hungry, people living in cars or with friends and relatives, and some of the worst places are in Florida.
Hope things improve soon, not nice going on vacation and seeing poverty.
but it sounds like it is in the $100K area. If so, that would be a lot of house for the money. In my BILs development a 3 br 2nd floor condo is going for $120K
It does sem to be a find...it is a more residential area, not where tourists go. Of the 72 units half the people live there all year long. It is in the $100k range. We prefer to have a house than an apartment condo...like to be on the ground floor and not deal with elevators.
Average house price in Canada is about $380k these days, this is a nicer house than most for about one third of the cost! And the really lucky thing is the Canadian dollar is at par. When we looked two years ago the same house was $30k more, and our dollar was worth 80 cents.
A parking space in a condo in Toronto would sell for the cost of this house!
Oh yes, close to Palmetto...I don't want to say exactly, might be lurkers who may put in a bid.
Sounds very nice actually...that would fit us nicely once the kids finally do move out!
It probably would. You could live in it from March until November, then go on a cruise or something. You can buy a share or rent. We'll use it from December until March. That should work!
Tempting...very tempting actually. Let me give this some thought...hhmmm! We do prefer he east coast though...but I could get used to almost anything at this stage of life now!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Comments
THAT is not a question that has a quick answer.
We were without HI for almost 20 years and the lack of it nearly cost the life of my wife. It nearly cost us everything we had worked our entire lives for. Still, I don't think the Obamacare thing is the solution.
When we were without insurance we couldn't afford $8-10K a year but we could have managed $1-2K. The problem there was no sliding scale between the government supported poverty programs and the full self pay system. We couldn't afford to self pay and the government said basicly: "sell your house, put yourself out of a job and when you are totally broke come see us. The private insurance said "we have to cover abortions and maternity care for your 60 year old wife so we can't lower your rates".
It seems that if there was limited government assistance based on income a lot of the 35 million who have no care could afford a bare bones policy who's cost was not jacked up by coverage that you didn't need.
Being able to shop across state lines might help too.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It might work for regular wage earners but Medicaid also considers "resources" in addition to income. This makes it very difficult for self-employed folks (like farmers) to qualify.
In our case we qualified on income (lord, don't I know it) but because we owned the farm we were considered "rich landowners" with "excess resources" We were told to sell the farm and spend the money until we were broke (under $2000). I imagine many small business owners are in the same position.
I like the rest of your proposal but I fear someone would call your requirements racist, sexist, homophobic or some other emotionally charged pejorative. Politicians would cave like a house of cards.
Believe me, when I was without HI I would have not had any problems documenting anything anyone asked of me. Those days of limping around the field working through the pain because I didn't want to pay for the emergency room were not fun.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Tell her you are doing volunteer work counseling various crazy car salsmen and old coots who would otherwise be running wild in your neighborhood. Tell her to think of it as public service.
Also wait until she is looking over your shoulder and type in something nice about her. We'll take the hint and post back about what a wonderful woman she is. By the time we're done she'll be INSISTING that you spend more time here.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Now that's just cruel! :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My son has a pretty beat up 1984 with 200hp which would be considered a slug by today's standards. Still. I was pleased to see how fast it was for an old car. Must have a lot more torque than horsepower.
Corvettes are just too darn small for me. I'd like one but I just couldn't stand to drive with my face pressed against the roof.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
That was a funny answer, you have learned the Driver Method" of never admitting you are wrong....ha ha.
Interesting development. We are still negotiating but a bank held one came up. It would be about 12% less than the unit we are negotiating on. You have to wait a few weeks to let government housing bid on it then you can try to get it...not sure how you grab it before someone else. On the internet it looks pretty nice. We don't like to buy while negotiating with someone, but she hasn't been that easy to negotiate with. We are going to look into this unit too...see what is involved in putting in an offer (though it is a set price...no bidding).
I appreciate your warning, and I agree completely with your assessment, that it is better to rent than buy if using it temporarily. The only reason for buying, is because it makes emotional sense. It would be like buying a yaught, or even a boat....probably makes no sense financially, but it is just the enjoyment you get from it. It's like buying a Jaguar (or BMW, or SRX) instead of a Kia.....it is the enjoyment factor.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Don't get carried away. Sure, cars of that era had an undeniable style, but with their loosey-goosey steering, drum brakes prone to overheating, rubber band suspensions & downright primitive bias-ply tires, you wouldn't want to drive one more than 2 blocks from home.
Give me 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, stability/traction control & steel-belted radials any day of the week.
Yeh, I didn't think of that when I read it! I hope it is a GLK...if it is let us know how you like it? Did you test drive an SRX at the same time?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That is a really good point. I tried an MB 2 seater sports car hardtop convertible, but when I looked at the BMW hardtop convertible it had back seats and the price was the same as the MB. I am so glad I got the 4 seater, it is so much easier to take the dog for a ride, and in a pinch (and there will always be those times), you can squeeze kids and very thin nubile people into the rear seats if you really have to.
Brilliant....you are really with it today ex!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
To be fair, I am sure Richard understands you should buy something if it will make you feel better, and you can manage it.
Like I said a few posts up, one is on the market now, sent by a realestate agent we talked to, that is about 12% less. It is held by a bank, I am guessing the owner bought when the market was high, got the principle down to this point, and the bank just wants the difference owing.
There is a process, for one week it has to be offered to People who need assistance...but I don't think they would buy it.....then one week for owners and I think that might be people who oalready own or rent in the complex....I am not sure.
We are going to ask the agent how we can put in a down payment and what our chances are. It is almost like talking to a car salesman, being within a few hundred dollars of where you want to be....then the same car coming up offered by someone else for thousands less.....about $12000 less!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Seems they always need "bag boys" in Florida. Most of them are guys in their 60s and 70s. Maybe I can start a new career....................
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You are supposed to drive with your face pointed towards the windshield, not the roof. I'd have a hard time driving with my face pressed on the roof too.
But I think I know what you mean...top of the head. Often those cars have such low seats and lots of leg room so you can actually fit inside quite nicely, you just have to be a contortionist to actually get in and out of it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Is "yaught" the funky Canadian spelling of "yacht"?
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
It's the Canadian "When in doubt, add a u" rule.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
LOL, We like to throw around those extra "u"s and extra "eh"s.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I can see the interior on the real estate listing and it looks really good, possibly nicer than the unit the owner is selling. It looks clean and neat too.
The blurb says the first offer accepted after public housing and other owners??? will get it. We have to contact the real estate agent to try to find out how you put in an offer. The bank held unit does not come with appliances or furniture, but the difference in price more than makes up for that, and there are certain advantages to not having these.
Richard will like the flag on the neighbors house.
This is the 2nd unit.......
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Nouw Youu Doun't Reaully Belieuve thaut Dou Youu?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
It’s only a “set price” until a buyer buys at that price, otherwise it’s a bluff. Then the price drops and the bluff continues until a buyer wants it for that price and so on. A lot like once water seeks its own level the flow stops.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
My wife does object to me buying a completely impractical, RWD, 2 seat sports car.
It is definitely on the extravagant side. It looks good during these turbulent economic times when the boss' son drives a 2001 Honda with 137,000 miles. People often make a big deal out of things that aren't their business. Certain customers would make remarks about my Dad's former X5: "I see you got a bimmer, that's where all my money's going.". People see his Tahoe which is a more expensive vehicle & say "Hey, nice truck."
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Regards:
Oldbearcat
Regards:
Oldbearcat
I think you made a great decision....the GLK is going to be made right. I like Jaguars too, but I tried sitting in them when I was looking for cars in 2003, but I found the Jaguars didn't have great outward vision, little windows and blindspots. Also felt like I was sitting pretty low. But they do have beautiful instrument panels. Reliability goes to extremes too, I don't think they were building them that well in 03. I got an X3 but would have liked a GLK if they had them then...I like the styling a lot more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The teacher told us in a business class that you should drive a nice car because that will impress clients. I am with you nyc, I think it rubs a lot of people the wrong way.
It depends on if you are buying or selling and what kind of business you have. Once again it shows your maturity that you are aware of this issue. It could just aggravate employees and customers to see the owners son in a new Corvette, at any time, but especially in tough times. The Corvette is best left as a dream but I will say one thing...in this business course they said if you really want something put a picture on the wall and visualize that you are getting it. At that time I wanted a new 1995 Jeep, I put a picture on my bulletin board and it took almost a year but I did get it.
The lesson I learned was if you really try for something, you have a chance of obtaining it...if you just dream about it, you don't have much chance of obtaining it. You have to make it happen.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Playing a little devil's advocate, but I have long given up worrying about what others think of me....even if they're people I want to do business with.
Speaking of 'vettes, Mako, I guess my interest peaked when I was 17-18 years old. Of course, then I couldn't afford one. In the years since, I have been able to afford one, but keep asking myself if I'll really use it.
It seems I like looking at them more than having one sit in my garage. I'm also of the mind that a used one makes more sense than a brand new one. Vette owners seem to be a lot that take extremely good care of their vehicles.
However, I've got more than one car on my radar as a sports car. I've mentioned the Cobra convertible with less than 20K miles my friend owns. And, I keep my eyes open for a 4 or 5 year old 'vette.
It will end up I see something someday, the sun will be shining, my checkbook will just so happen to be in my pocket, and I'll pull the trigger on something on a whim.
Just my opinion but I think it does matter to some degree what car you drive....for some businesses.
Our financial advisors drive Lexus's mostly. My brother was a financial advisor and he would drive a Civic for 10 years until it would fall apart....he believed that would show he was careful with people's money. Personally, I wouldn't have much confidence in someone who was managing my money who drove a Civic. On the other hand, I wouldn't want them to drive anything too extravagant either, that would show bad judgement.
Our accountant drives an Accord, very sensible and I think a good choice.
When I was in sales I wanted a nice car, but it didn't have to be expensive but too cheap wouldn't make a good impression.
I don't judge people by the cars they drive.....nice people drive old jalopies and nice people can drive nice cars. There is no rule of thumb.
We once had a house painter who used an old Mercedes that was in perfect condition. He did a beautiful job and I think he just appreciated fine craftsmanship, so he enjoyed his old Mercedes.
We had a supplier recently and the business took off and the 4 execs bought new Bentleys. Everyone was in awe when you drove up and it was impressive, but they went bankrupt one year later.
The car a person drives doesn't mean a lot, but it does make an impression on a lot of people - sometimes good, sometimes bad...and I just happen to think for certain jobs, it might be a factor in the impression people will have of you.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Precisely. I bought my 1988 M6 in 1992 while we were in the middle of trading houses with my mother. I took out a larger mortgage to cover the car. Not financially smart I know(and knew) but I didn't know when/if I'd have a similar opportunity to own a car that I had literally dreamed about. Nineteen years later my only regret -as you've heard before- is that I sold it.
I've always remembered it said that no one lies on their deathbed and says "I wish I'd spent more time at the office.", and I think that it's also quite likely that no one says "Boy, I'm sure glad that I bought always practical family sedans instead of a Corvette/M6/911/Mustang GT/370Z, etc."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I do very much. This could mean that you would have nice neighbors. The interior of the condo looks very nice. If you like the one that the lady has better, offer her the same price and tell her why. Better allow $10K extra for her furniture.
If you decide on the bank owned one, send me $10K. I'll purchase the furniture and decorate it for you. My fee---one week's free rental in the condo.
Richard
Richard
Why don't you try for a job as school bus driver? A few years ago I called the Pinallas county school district to check out jobs. At that time they were paying $12/hr. to start. I asked what was the top end of the pay range and without missing a beat the woman said: "Forget about that, you'd be dead by then.".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Wait just a minute. Driver, better watch out. He wants $10k up front, then he adds a fee. Sounds like a screamer ad salesman to me.
ps Driver, Just my opinion here, but Florida properties have more downside to come. I'd wait a while. Give it 8 or 9 months and see.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Is you potential purchase connected to other units or does it stand by itself?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I do very much.
He is probably a card carrying fellow Tea Party member. I'll tell him I am behind him all the way and I have influential friends that are Party members too.
If you like the one that the lady has better, offer her the same price and tell her why. Better allow $10K extra for her furniture
She is on the board of the condo so she will know this one is available...but she doesn't know if we know it is available. We are supposed to hear back from her whether she accepted our last offer. We want to know more details about our chances of getting this one, before we say anything.
If you decide on the bank owned one, send me $10K. I'll purchase the furniture and decorate it for you.
Couldn't you donate some of that furniture that you are looking after for your deseased relative? It will cut down in storage fees!
Better allow $10K extra for her furniture.
That is about our estimate too! The bank one doesn't have appliances so another $2500 - $3000! With all that it is still a lot less, and is a bigger and brighter unit. Hers is nice, but the bank one is nicer.
I'll keep in mind the decorating offer! Though that is something my wife loves to do, and she is very particular. We do agree though. I am glad we have the same taste in furniture....and cars!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yes, and it is probably some of the furniture he has to unload from his relative that left it to him to sort through.
ps Driver, Just my opinion here, but Florida properties have more downside to come. I'd wait a while. Give it 8 or 9 months and see.
You mentioned before you weren't hot for Florida property at this time. I agree, it isn't an ideal time and I would never do this if it was just as an investment. But, one very smart person financially who owns 2 condos in Florida, believes the most they will go down will be another 10%, then they should start to rise. It doesn't really matter what it does. This is for the long term, hopefully 15 or 20 years, and if it goes down in value it won't be the end of the world, it will depreciate less than a new car would. The cost is so low we can do it with a line of credit, won't need a mortgage!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yes, the place is west of St Petersburg and south of Tampa, north of Bradenton. This place is across the Tampa Bay and a bit south of Largo.
The units are in quads......one next to it and 2 behind. Because of the landscaping and the design they look like they are single detached houses.
They each have 1 1/2 car garages, 2 bdrm, 2 bthrm, cathedral ceilings. There is a heated swimming pool and a club house with weights etc. Lots of grass and trees and narrow winding road through the survey.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Wouldn't that put it IN the Gulf?
Sounds like the Palmetto area, I never have gotten over there myself but it sounds nice.
"...The units are quad..."
That's a great design, looks like detached houses. I may have missed the post where you mentioned the asking price but it sounds like it is in the $100K area. If so, that would be a lot of house for the money. In my BILs development a 3 br 2nd floor condo is going for $120K and his development was built back in the 1970s.
Sounds like you hit gold.
I agree, prices can't go much lower unless the country collapses, in which case your real estate investment will be the least of your worries.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
NO...send me the 10 grand and it'll be a good head start on the furniture in my future.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Saw an Elantra like small truck at the dealers lot yesterday afternoon, what is it? Looked nice from the quick side angle glance I got from it!! Very curious!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
That said, while it's nice that my lawyer drives a nice car (Porsche), so does my accountant (Town Car). My financial adviser drives an F150.
My financial adviser, of all people, hit the rocks about 3 years ago. I had already moved much of my business out of his supervision, back into my direct control. He used to drive an S series. He had to give it up (before the lease was up). He's coming back a little bit, but nowhere close the where he once was.
Point being, it doesn't matter that my financial adviser drives an F150. I liked him when he drove an S series. I like him driving an F150. I still respect him. I don't think less of him.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Aren't you the observant one! Yes, I meant east of St Petersburg. Just watched 60 Minutes and it showed how bad the unemployment situation is in the USA. Worst since the depression. Kids going to bed hungry, people living in cars or with friends and relatives, and some of the worst places are in Florida.
Hope things improve soon, not nice going on vacation and seeing poverty.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It does sem to be a find...it is a more residential area, not where tourists go. Of the 72 units half the people live there all year long. It is in the $100k range. We prefer to have a house than an apartment condo...like to be on the ground floor and not deal with elevators.
Average house price in Canada is about $380k these days, this is a nicer house than most for about one third of the cost! And the really lucky thing is the Canadian dollar is at par. When we looked two years ago the same house was $30k more, and our dollar was worth 80 cents.
A parking space in a condo in Toronto would sell for the cost of this house!
Oh yes, close to Palmetto...I don't want to say exactly, might be lurkers who may put in a bid.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Cut a deal with Richard, he has a truckload of furniture.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It probably would. You could live in it from March until November, then go on a cruise or something. You can buy a share or rent. We'll use it from December until March. That should work!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)