We have been asked this several times when explaining our retirement plans to family and friends. I will try to explain here the reasons and what our longer range plans are. Well, where to begin?
Pat and I have been planning our retirement for quite a few years. It was always to find a smaller home (than what we have now) and in a warm climate (probably Florida). And then to do some international traveling like some other family members have done. This had been our plan for the last 20 years or so, until about 3 years ago.
At that time, my wife Pat, began talking about travels around the US first before longer trips outside the country. Made sense to me. We have had many RV experiences over the years with 2 pop up campers and 2 regular pull behind type camping trailers. They were fine for weekend or week long trips with the family. So, we know the drill involved with setting up and then the checklist for moving out.
So, if we buy an RV to travel, do we keep the house as a home base to return to on occasion? We would do most of our exploring around the country in the spring, summer, and fall, then return to Virginia in the winter. That did not make much sense, because Virginia still has some cold and snowy winter weather. Exactly what we would like to escape. The summer is beautiful in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here. But time to move on.
The bottom line is that it did not make financial sense to maintain a home for three years or more and then finally sell it and relocate to the south. We could rent the house as this is a great rental market for homes in a college area, but that would mean exposing a quite nice home to the potential renter abuse and related issues. Much easier to just sell and then buy again when we are ready.
We really do not know if we will get tired of the tiny home lifestyle or the moving to new landscapes every week. But now is the time to get out of the comfort zone and experience our great country by immersion. While we are still physically in good shape and able to travel. I think it will be fun!
Have a good day!
That sounds like so much fun! I’d like to one day travel overseas again, but there is so very much to see in the US, that that is what I’d do too. I love how you two have worked hard, dreamed together, and are making this a reality. Congratulations!
Thanks Laura! I know that you and Ken will also achieve your dreams. Thanks for all the support.
Great points that hit on the very same thing my hubby and I have contemplated. We are still up in the air about selling, but know we do not want to rent it out. Have fun, maybe we will meet on the road in a few years.
Hi Carol! Agreed, that is a huge decision to make, but if you are considering a relocation in retirement, then it makes the decision much easier. One of our objectives while traveling is to find that perfect retirement location. We used to consider a Florida location, but may now reconsider that. Let me know if I can help answer any questions.