Yes, I'm obsessing. I can't help it. I've got to get things settled quickly and there ain't a lot of money.
I have two big fears. I won't be able to afford to get my stuff up here, and I won't like my new home. Heh. Neither one of those are good things. Not at all.
I can't do much about the "getting my stuff up here". I'll figure something out - I always do.
But the other is really getting to me.
My home is VERY important to me. I need to enjoy spending time there. That's essential. It doesn't have to be anything fancy - it's the "feel" of it. If it doesn't feel right I won't go there. That isn't a good thing. Not at all.
So...what do I want? I want a Norman Rockwell painting. I want a small town with a real sense of community. I want someplace that I can get involved. I want to know my neighbors. I want to help decorate for festivals and the holidays. I want to walk Cody down the street and people to call me by name. I want to be missed if I go out of town for a while.
I want an older house, with character. It has to have a big enough kitchen that I can cook for those I love and a living room that will hold my furniture. I want to be able to sit outside and BBQ. I want to plant flowers and grow a couple of vegetables. Not many, just some herbs.
I'm not finding it. And the problem is.......so many of these small towns don't advertise houses for rent. So if you don't know anyone in the area you're pretty well screwed. That's not a good thing. Not at all.
Am I being too picky? Am I asking for too much? I don't think so, but then I'm a little biased. Any suggestions?
Posted by Tammi at April 22, 2005 09:49 AM | TrackBackBBQ is NOT a verb, it's a noun. What're you, a Yankees or sumthing? Oh wait, you are. Sorry 'bout that. In the South we take our BBQ pretty serious. ;)
My advice (and you get what you pay for ): relax. Rent something short term while you search for your perfect house.
Posted by: Ogre at April 22, 2005 11:15 AMY'all have to understand that Tammi was out looking yesterday with no map, no information, and it was right after a long night and then the unexpectedness of the good offer. I keep telling her to relax and things will come together - but I know what she means - it's just easier on the nerves when all is settled!
Posted by: Teresa at April 22, 2005 11:53 AMSome small towns list them in the City Hall....
Posted by: _Jon at April 22, 2005 02:30 PMI have moved 11 times in the past 10 years (cross country most of the time) with kids an dogs and the whole 9 yards. You can use the internet (newspapers/realtors online)-- all you have to do is find a zip code or 5 that you would *like* to live in?? I would be happy to help -- just email me a zip code (or 5 :-) and the specs you are looking for.... It is tough finding a rental sometimes. You can also check with a non-profit apartment finder in the area (they usually handle houses too) or cold call some local realtors. Putting an add in the paper *can* work I am told -- but it never has for me. Anyway, I hope that something comes your way soon! Good luck!
Posted by: Richmond at April 22, 2005 05:42 PMGood luck, I know what you mean by "home". You want it to feel right. That is ok. You will have enough...I promise. If not I will have those Firemen from the comment parties hand carry your stuff to you.
Posted by: ArmyWifeToddlerMom at April 22, 2005 06:05 PMI know exactly what you mean. Especially the financial fear and the fear of not being happy.
If you need help getting your stuff...let me know! I'm a pro at moving by now!
Posted by: Sissy at April 22, 2005 08:11 PMI just really think it's going to come together. Just relax. So far... everything else has fallen into place.
Posted by: Bou at April 22, 2005 10:21 PMTammi:
Wasn't sure when you would check your email so I am forwarding this from my Uncle here. He does live in Sycamore, so I asked him for any towns/realtors/on-line papers or realties that he might know. See below - hope it helps!
TNT
Hi
Good to hear from you. The town (or village) of Cherry Valley is attached to the southeast side of Rockford and is very nice. There's even a mall in the town that people from all over go to because it's very nice. Because of that mall, Cherry Valley has little or no property tax.
To the east is the city of Belvidere, about 10-15 minutes away. It's a pretty good size town with lots of diversity.
About 30 minutes southeast is Genoa. It's a little smaller than Sycamore but growing fast. To the south west is Byron, right on the Rock river...also a nuclear generating plant visible from 40 miles in every direction.
The main Rockford paper is "The Rockford Register Star" They have an online site that would be helpful in house hunting. Other local real estate sites are:
mccabe.realtors@comcast.net
www.nancywatsonhomes.com
www.nihomes.com
mccabe.realtors@comcast.net
www.signaturerealestatepro.com
www.kettleyhomes.com
Posted by: TNT at April 23, 2005 05:07 AM