Money advice after kids gone to college

[Anonymous]

Our youngest is about to go to college. We have a house worth around 4.3 million (1.6 million outstanding), Investments, 529, etc. around 800K and 1.5million in 401k. House is very big and considering what we should do with it since we're not sure we want to stay around the area (major city). Husband consulting and income varies. Last few years it's been slow and he hasn't brought in enough so we've had to dip into savings.

What would you do? Sell house and buy something smaller in same location/different location? Rent house (should make a decent profit if we rent as mortgage is low) and try out a different location? Sell house and invest the $. We are mid 50's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our youngest is about to go to college. We have a house worth around 4.3 million (1.6 million outstanding), Investments, 529, etc. around 800K and 1.5million in 401k. House is very big and considering what we should do with it since we're not sure we want to stay around the area (major city). Husband consulting and income varies. Last few years it's been slow and he hasn't brought in enough so we've had to dip into savings.

What would you do? Sell house and buy something smaller in same location/different location? Rent house (should make a decent profit if we rent as mortgage is low) and try out a different location? Sell house and invest the $. We are mid 50's.

I would definately sell the house and downsize! Your house is worth way more than your retirement plans. You need to get that money out of the house and invested (and not tied up with your place to live).

[Anonymous]

You have a house worth $4.3M and only $2.3M invested? That ratio is way, way off unless your house has appreciated $1-2M+ since you bought.

[Anonymous]

Definitely sell house. You have almost nothing else.

[Anonymous]

This makes no sense. What do you think you should do?

[Anonymous]

You made very strange choices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely sell house. You have almost nothing else.

I’d hardly call $2.3 million “almost nothing.” That is about $2.15 million more than most Americans at the point of retirement. So they are doing great. Should they sell the house? It’s too big so they’ll sell eventually. Now or later? That’s the real question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our youngest is about to go to college. We have a house worth around 4.3 million (1.6 million outstanding), Investments, 529, etc. around 800K and 1.5million in 401k. House is very big and considering what we should do with it since we're not sure we want to stay around the area (major city). Husband consulting and income varies. Last few years it's been slow and he hasn't brought in enough so we've had to dip into savings.

What would you do? Sell house and buy something smaller in same location/different location? Rent house (should make a decent profit if we rent as mortgage is low) and try out a different location? Sell house and invest the $. We are mid 50's.

A housing crash is coming. Sell the house. NOW! Far cheaper to rent. You don't need a house at this point.

[Anonymous]

At your stage, you should think about where you want to live. Don’t downsize a buy in the neighborhood and then retire to move to FL in a year or two.

[Anonymous]

Good gracious, yes, downsize immediately,. Houses in that range take time to sell, and you want to sell before the economy turns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At your stage, you should think about where you want to live. Don’t downsize a buy in the neighborhood and then retire to move to FL in a year or two.

Florida? You are not bright financially are you?

What will you do during the next hurricane when there is no warnings or FEMA monies?

You are a genius.

[Anonymous]

What were you thinking when you bought the house? Wow…

[Anonymous]

What is your mortgage payment? What is your expected/realistic HHI?

When do you plan to retire?

50s is young, you have good savings/retirement if you plan to work another 10/15 years. If you are on the verge of retirement it is low. Great job on college savoings for your kids.

Seems wise to move the majority of your net worth out of your house, especially if it no longer suits your needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At your stage, you should think about where you want to live. Don’t downsize a buy in the neighborhood and then retire to move to FL in a year or two.

Florida? You are not bright financially are you?

What will you do during the next hurricane when there is no warnings or FEMA monies?

You are a genius.

Dp and you are thr idiot. That poster didn’t say to move to FL. Can you read?

[Anonymous]

I'd give yourself some time to figure this out. Kids at college often come home for breaks and summer. Its nice for them to reconnect with HS friends and the neighborhood they grew up in.