We messed up - how to fix?

[Anonymous]

It doesn’t look strange if you sale it now.
People assume job changes or divorce.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have kids? If so, then how old are they?

I'm asking because it can sometimes be harder to make neighborhood friends when they're little, but then it's so much easier once they go to school and you meet everyone.

This is OP - we have a 7 and 10 year old. I know it's silly but we want the kids riding their bikes and playing outside in a neighborhood kind of life. We don't have that here at all. Also I am a SAHM so I feel a bit isolated. Again, I don't know what we were thinking and I am kicking myself.

That’s perfect age for forts and tree climbing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just sell. I would try to unload it ASAP before the market crashes either very late this year or Jan/Feb next year. You will probably loose money to unload it fast enough. Good luck.

Yes, I'm sure the person who confuses "loose" for "lose" is going to be spot-on with their predictions on the economy.

This was an exactly my thought.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes we are in Great Falls... renting out is an idea I hadn't considered before and is interesting. I will look into that more

Oh great. And then you’ll be a landlord fielding calls about maintenance and upkeep.

[Anonymous]

You will lose your transaction costs but I don't see why you should take a big hit on the price. Sell it now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What type of maintenance are you talking about?

Acres... we thought the kids would love running around but they are outside for five seconds and then come inside complaining about bugs sigh. There is lawn care, constant rodent mitigation, bug invasions, weeding in all the beds, etc, and the house is too big and so much to keep clean, things breaking. I don't mean to complain, we just didn't realize how much we were taking on.

Do you have money for a yard service? If so, hire one and then reevaluate whether you're still unhappy. Socially isolating is harder to fix but on the other hand you may be the perfect house to host friends.

Renters don't want acres and will still require you to do the maintenance, so don't get too excited about renting.

[Anonymous]

Just to temper expectations- we live in a more suburban setting. Kids are pretty highly scheduled- no one is really outside riding bikes randomly. My son is in hs and uses it as a form of transportation. We have bugs here too. Although I would be very unhappy in the setting you described, so I get it.

[Anonymous]

We moved for similar reasons but did stay 4 years before doing so for financial reasons. We adored our townhome, it is still the most gorgeous home I’ve lived in, but the neighborhood was sterile. I tried to be proactive and worked hard to make connections for my kids and us but it failed, The neighborhood had an older population then we realized, and the younger families were either renters or diplomats and didn’t have an interest in connecting with anyone given they were not permanent. Moving was the right move. We’ve landed in a much better neighborhood with tons of kids and lots of social interaction but it was very stressful moving again so quick.

Move if you can. It seems like money is not a big issue for you all so do it now if you want. We had to wait to save up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just sell. I would try to unload it ASAP before the market crashes either very late this year or Jan/Feb next year. You will probably loose money to unload it fast enough. Good luck.

Yes, I'm sure the person who confuses "loose" for "lose" is going to be spot-on with their predictions on the economy.

LOL +1
Really gives an insight to the mud that is their brain when I see this spelling error that my elementary kids don't make.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take your time finding the right house for you and then put your house on the market for a competitive price.

This. Take the hit and call it the price of a life lesson. Take your time looking for the next house.

[Anonymous]

How important are schools to you OP? GF Elementary is consistently one of the best in Fairfax County.

I live in the area and think you might be giving up too soon. I know you asked for real estate advice and this is not that but Great Falls can be a wonderful community. Have you joined a pool or country club? Gotten the kids into Great Falls sports or activities? Church or another religious organization? I know it’s summer but get involved in the PTA at school in the fall. That’s a great way to meet other SAHMs. I think you should give it a little more time and reassess next spring. At this point it would be hard to list, sell, buy and be into another house before school starts.

If you haven’t checked out these events you should look at them as well. https://celebrategreatfalls.org/

I hope things get better for you and you find happiness with your home and community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes we are in Great Falls... renting out is an idea I hadn't considered before and is interesting. I will look into that more

Move to Oakton! Lots of culs-de-sac and kids riding around on bikes, playing in the woods, etc.

Same stuff happens in GF but it sounds like OP bought on a main road. No bike riding. Plus the house likely has mice and insect/bug infestations. That stuff can happen anywhere but whether they stay, sell, or rent it, all need to be dealt with.... Plus Great Falls has lots of empty nesters. Check out school memberships which have had huge decreases over 20 years despite some new construction and NO major private schools opening or adding capacity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would sell and buy close in McLean or North Arlington

Buy in the Chesterbrook, Longfellow, McLean HS pyramid. Some walkability, good schools, lots of kids around, and plenty of big houses on small lots available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just sell. I would try to unload it ASAP before the market crashes either very late this year or Jan/Feb next year. You will probably loose money to unload it fast enough. Good luck.

Yes, I'm sure the person who confuses "loose" for "lose" is going to be spot-on with their predictions on the economy.

This was an exactly my thought.

These come off as small thoughts. Brilliant people make spelling errors and people with terrible judgment and limited knowledge make great use of spell check. Calling out a typo is the last refuge of a scoundrel.

[Anonymous]

You bought a house for probably millions in great falls and its too big and your kids only play outside for 5 minutes these are not serious enough reasons to sell at a loss in 6 months. Its time to put your big girl pants on and deal with it and make the best of it.

You make no mention of where you think your new dream home is going to be. Don't buy if you don't know what you want or where you want to buy.