Terry

Actually, we went through a dissolution. My ex-husband refused to pay any part of the mortgage or costs of the house. I agreed to it because I wanted out. He did, however, allow me to retain any of the equity that might be left after the sale. I'll be lucky if there's anything, since we bought the house for more than it appraised for---and that was only a year and a half ago. It's now listed for about $7000 less than we paid for it. So...it's feeling very much like a lose/lose situation. I'm managing okay---but I REALLY want the house to sell. I did a lot of work on it when the ex moved out, but I don't have the funds available to do anything major, nor do I want to. I'm already probably going to lose what I put into it....along with all the equity. So...that's why I'd really like to stay in it, but it doesn't seem to be an option....unless I win the lottery.
I appreciate everyone's advice---I don't want to go the short sale route or the foreclosure route, if at all possible. I want to protect my credit, and that of my exes----he did a quit claim deed, but his name, of course, is still on the mortgage note. He's pressuring me to sell it or refinance it because he wants to buy again, however, he left me in the situation so I'm trying not to let that upset or influence me.
Any more advice is always appreciated... - Thu Jan 24 2008, 13:38

Hi Karen,
It looks a lot better than when we bought it a year ago----i really worked to strip wallpaper, paint the walls a nice neutral color, replaced the kitchen flooring, and we'd put new carpet in the family room. I got rid of any clutter (there wasn't a lot) and it has great curb appeal....I'm getting really good feedback about how it shows, that it "looks great", but it's a 4 level split, and it seems most potential buyers don't care for the layout. The front room has a great cathedral ceiling and fireplace, and there are hardwood floors (some exposed) in the upper two levels. It's very roomy, with a great yard. BUT, the windows are original, the kitchen is dated and so is one of the bathrooms. However, the negative feedback I'm getting is primarily about the layout, small bedrooms (built in 1962). The garage and kitchen are on opposite sides of the house---a feature I didn't really notice until the first time I brought groceries home after we bought it. we keep hearing that it's priced well...and I have no room to negotiate (or very little).

I'm getting a lot more showings this winter than I did in the summer, but still no offers....

I'd love to keep the house---but I haven't figured out a way to make that happen.

Thanks for your advice! - Tue Jan 22 2008, 14:09