[NotCranky]

FLU I am glad that you expressed what your family is doing think I might have misunderstood if you had not. It is too bad that there are so few part time opportunities for peak performing professionals. Good thing that you are looking at the potential to stagnate or even become obsolete and adjusting accordingly. Very smart.
My wife and I can do what we are doing because we were able to afford to live in a decent place on lowered earnings before we had kids. Trade-off, I am an old dad. It would be easier for families to buy quality time with their kids if lower rent areas with access to employment centers, had better schools, and the neighborhoods were not so “thugged” up. I guess that is why so many blue collar and lower earning white collar people leave California(DUH!). It is why we are in Jamul, which of course has its own problems like any area. Education an the thuggery component seem to be reasonable . There are some dangers, like keeping up with the Joneses, like spoiled rich kids and a few “bad ass” types. Diverse social cliques come with the territory I guess. You get more aware of that in a small town.

I am not incredibly worried about education and much less about sports! That helps, if I felt like the kids had to get top notch schools on my $ that would be a big problem.
We will help them but a modest retirement is our focus too.
I was pretty good at sports but not high on the culture, truth be told. Not that I am saying it is all bad just not something I feel we need to channel the kids into. We are following their leads with some input to make sure they get good opportunities to socialize and have perspectives beyond their main tendencies towards creative and physical aspects which vary greatly by child.If the really liek sports I will help them. My second boy’s favorite movie is “hoop dreams” and when ever we see something pertaining ot the sport he says “I love basketball”.I guess I am raising my kids the way I would have liked to have been raised Sniff sniff..LOL.

Our focus and energy on raising our kids would not change if my wife and I divoriced. I knew that before I married her and her about me. She could tell by how I treated my friends, strangers,old people, my friend’s kids and my 13 y.o. golden retriever. For my part I know it would be very rare for a woman not to care deeply about her kids. My wife would want me to have a quality life and me her. I know that because I know how she treated her first ex- husband with whom we have had dinner and seen socially.

[NotCranky]

FLU I am glad that you expressed what your family is doing think I might have misunderstood if you had not. It is too bad that there are so few part time opportunities for peak performing professionals. Good thing that you are looking at the potential to stagnate or even become obsolete and adjusting accordingly. Very smart.
My wife and I can do what we are doing because we were able to afford to live in a decent place on lowered earnings before we had kids. Trade-off, I am an old dad. It would be easier for families to buy quality time with their kids if lower rent areas with access to employment centers, had better schools, and the neighborhoods were not so “thugged” up. I guess that is why so many blue collar and lower earning white collar people leave California(DUH!). It is why we are in Jamul, which of course has its own problems like any area. Education an the thuggery component seem to be reasonable . There are some dangers, like keeping up with the Joneses, like spoiled rich kids and a few “bad ass” types. Diverse social cliques come with the territory I guess. You get more aware of that in a small town.

I am not incredibly worried about education and much less about sports! That helps, if I felt like the kids had to get top notch schools on my $ that would be a big problem.
We will help them but a modest retirement is our focus too.
I was pretty good at sports but not high on the culture, truth be told. Not that I am saying it is all bad just not something I feel we need to channel the kids into. We are following their leads with some input to make sure they get good opportunities to socialize and have perspectives beyond their main tendencies towards creative and physical aspects which vary greatly by child.If the really liek sports I will help them. My second boy’s favorite movie is “hoop dreams” and when ever we see something pertaining ot the sport he says “I love basketball”.I guess I am raising my kids the way I would have liked to have been raised Sniff sniff..LOL.

Our focus and energy on raising our kids would not change if my wife and I divoriced. I knew that before I married her and her about me. She could tell by how I treated my friends, strangers,old people, my friend’s kids and my 13 y.o. golden retriever. For my part I know it would be very rare for a woman not to care deeply about her kids. My wife would want me to have a quality life and me her. I know that because I know how she treated her first ex- husband with whom we have had dinner and seen socially.

[NotCranky]

FLU I am glad that you expressed what your family is doing think I might have misunderstood if you had not. It is too bad that there are so few part time opportunities for peak performing professionals. Good thing that you are looking at the potential to stagnate or even become obsolete and adjusting accordingly. Very smart.
My wife and I can do what we are doing because we were able to afford to live in a decent place on lowered earnings before we had kids. Trade-off, I am an old dad. It would be easier for families to buy quality time with their kids if lower rent areas with access to employment centers, had better schools, and the neighborhoods were not so “thugged” up. I guess that is why so many blue collar and lower earning white collar people leave California(DUH!). It is why we are in Jamul, which of course has its own problems like any area. Education an the thuggery component seem to be reasonable . There are some dangers, like keeping up with the Joneses, like spoiled rich kids and a few “bad ass” types. Diverse social cliques come with the territory I guess. You get more aware of that in a small town.

I am not incredibly worried about education and much less about sports! That helps, if I felt like the kids had to get top notch schools on my $ that would be a big problem.
We will help them but a modest retirement is our focus too.
I was pretty good at sports but not high on the culture, truth be told. Not that I am saying it is all bad just not something I feel we need to channel the kids into. We are following their leads with some input to make sure they get good opportunities to socialize and have perspectives beyond their main tendencies towards creative and physical aspects which vary greatly by child.If the really liek sports I will help them. My second boy’s favorite movie is “hoop dreams” and when ever we see something pertaining ot the sport he says “I love basketball”.I guess I am raising my kids the way I would have liked to have been raised Sniff sniff..LOL.

Our focus and energy on raising our kids would not change if my wife and I divoriced. I knew that before I married her and her about me. She could tell by how I treated my friends, strangers,old people, my friend’s kids and my 13 y.o. golden retriever. For my part I know it would be very rare for a woman not to care deeply about her kids. My wife would want me to have a quality life and me her. I know that because I know how she treated her first ex- husband with whom we have had dinner and seen socially.

[NotCranky]

We have 3 kids all under 5 years of age. My wife and I do(have done) the stay at home thing 100% her only, 50/50, 20/80, 75/25, whatever it takes. Our household income was never big but we are willing to take a drop anyway.

We have a friend baby sit a partial day, on average, once a week, more if needed. The two older boys have been going to preschool one day or two half days a week for a few years. We waited until they wanted to go and understood where they were at and what they were doing there before enrolling them. My wife brings up putting the baby in day care on a similar schedule but I won’t agree until he has a concept of what is happening and shows an interest in doing what his big brothers are doing by going to school.

When it is obvious that I am taking care of the kids at home in view of the neighbors and in public places,which is often, I occasionally feel twinges of a stigma. Most often I am confident in what we are doing as a family. Many people get a kick out of seeing me and my boys out taking care of business or doing the rounds of museums, libraries, community center craft sessions etc. We meet so many good people.
I have all boys so maybe that makes my part easier than if we had both genders. I was also raised by a single dad from the age of ten, when my mother died so there is a personal precedent for my part.I never enjoyed a clock in clock out job and finally escaped about 10 years ago , hopefully for good. My wife is grateful that she isn’t isolated with the kids all the time and can keep her career alive, albeit on a part time basis for now. My wife’s parents have started college funds so that relieves some worry too.

[NotCranky]

We have 3 kids all under 5 years of age. My wife and I do(have done) the stay at home thing 100% her only, 50/50, 20/80, 75/25, whatever it takes. Our household income was never big but we are willing to take a drop anyway.

We have a friend baby sit a partial day, on average, once a week, more if needed. The two older boys have been going to preschool one day or two half days a week for a few years. We waited until they wanted to go and understood where they were at and what they were doing there before enrolling them. My wife brings up putting the baby in day care on a similar schedule but I won’t agree until he has a concept of what is happening and shows an interest in doing what his big brothers are doing by going to school.

When it is obvious that I am taking care of the kids at home in view of the neighbors and in public places,which is often, I occasionally feel twinges of a stigma. Most often I am confident in what we are doing as a family. Many people get a kick out of seeing me and my boys out taking care of business or doing the rounds of museums, libraries, community center craft sessions etc. We meet so many good people.
I have all boys so maybe that makes my part easier than if we had both genders. I was also raised by a single dad from the age of ten, when my mother died so there is a personal precedent for my part.I never enjoyed a clock in clock out job and finally escaped about 10 years ago , hopefully for good. My wife is grateful that she isn’t isolated with the kids all the time and can keep her career alive, albeit on a part time basis for now. My wife’s parents have started college funds so that relieves some worry too.

[NotCranky]

We have 3 kids all under 5 years of age. My wife and I do(have done) the stay at home thing 100% her only, 50/50, 20/80, 75/25, whatever it takes. Our household income was never big but we are willing to take a drop anyway.

We have a friend baby sit a partial day, on average, once a week, more if needed. The two older boys have been going to preschool one day or two half days a week for a few years. We waited until they wanted to go and understood where they were at and what they were doing there before enrolling them. My wife brings up putting the baby in day care on a similar schedule but I won’t agree until he has a concept of what is happening and shows an interest in doing what his big brothers are doing by going to school.

When it is obvious that I am taking care of the kids at home in view of the neighbors and in public places,which is often, I occasionally feel twinges of a stigma. Most often I am confident in what we are doing as a family. Many people get a kick out of seeing me and my boys out taking care of business or doing the rounds of museums, libraries, community center craft sessions etc. We meet so many good people.
I have all boys so maybe that makes my part easier than if we had both genders. I was also raised by a single dad from the age of ten, when my mother died so there is a personal precedent for my part.I never enjoyed a clock in clock out job and finally escaped about 10 years ago , hopefully for good. My wife is grateful that she isn’t isolated with the kids all the time and can keep her career alive, albeit on a part time basis for now. My wife’s parents have started college funds so that relieves some worry too.

[NotCranky]

We have 3 kids all under 5 years of age. My wife and I do(have done) the stay at home thing 100% her only, 50/50, 20/80, 75/25, whatever it takes. Our household income was never big but we are willing to take a drop anyway.

We have a friend baby sit a partial day, on average, once a week, more if needed. The two older boys have been going to preschool one day or two half days a week for a few years. We waited until they wanted to go and understood where they were at and what they were doing there before enrolling them. My wife brings up putting the baby in day care on a similar schedule but I won’t agree until he has a concept of what is happening and shows an interest in doing what his big brothers are doing by going to school.

When it is obvious that I am taking care of the kids at home in view of the neighbors and in public places,which is often, I occasionally feel twinges of a stigma. Most often I am confident in what we are doing as a family. Many people get a kick out of seeing me and my boys out taking care of business or doing the rounds of museums, libraries, community center craft sessions etc. We meet so many good people.
I have all boys so maybe that makes my part easier than if we had both genders. I was also raised by a single dad from the age of ten, when my mother died so there is a personal precedent for my part.I never enjoyed a clock in clock out job and finally escaped about 10 years ago , hopefully for good. My wife is grateful that she isn’t isolated with the kids all the time and can keep her career alive, albeit on a part time basis for now. My wife’s parents have started college funds so that relieves some worry too.

[NotCranky]

We have 3 kids all under 5 years of age. My wife and I do(have done) the stay at home thing 100% her only, 50/50, 20/80, 75/25, whatever it takes. Our household income was never big but we are willing to take a drop anyway.

We have a friend baby sit a partial day, on average, once a week, more if needed. The two older boys have been going to preschool one day or two half days a week for a few years. We waited until they wanted to go and understood where they were at and what they were doing there before enrolling them. My wife brings up putting the baby in day care on a similar schedule but I won’t agree until he has a concept of what is happening and shows an interest in doing what his big brothers are doing by going to school.

When it is obvious that I am taking care of the kids at home in view of the neighbors and in public places,which is often, I occasionally feel twinges of a stigma. Most often I am confident in what we are doing as a family. Many people get a kick out of seeing me and my boys out taking care of business or doing the rounds of museums, libraries, community center craft sessions etc. We meet so many good people.
I have all boys so maybe that makes my part easier than if we had both genders. I was also raised by a single dad from the age of ten, when my mother died so there is a personal precedent for my part.I never enjoyed a clock in clock out job and finally escaped about 10 years ago , hopefully for good. My wife is grateful that she isn’t isolated with the kids all the time and can keep her career alive, albeit on a part time basis for now. My wife’s parents have started college funds so that relieves some worry too.

[NotCranky]

I am posting an excerpt from an e-mail from NAR on this topic. The e-mail ,which I am sure goes out to all members, was titled “Santa or Scrooge”. The lobby wants a big Christmas present.

“Send your United States Senator a wake up call by asking him or her to support two measures of vital importance to real estate markets across the country.

FHA Reform S. 2338

Ask your Senator to support FHA reform legislation this year. FHA reform will provide existing homeowners with secure and affordable refinancing alternatives and more mortgage options for first-time homebuyers. Increasing the supply of affordable mortgage money is a critical component for bringing stability to the nation’s turbulent housing markets.

Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae (GSE) Loan Limits

Ask your Senator to support legislation that allows regional increases to the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae loan limits and stress the need for quick Senate action on this vital reform. This change will make lower-cost GSE mortgage financing available to more families trying to buy homes in high cost areas and increase the supply of mortgage money.”

[NotCranky]

I am posting an excerpt from an e-mail from NAR on this topic. The e-mail ,which I am sure goes out to all members, was titled “Santa or Scrooge”. The lobby wants a big Christmas present.

“Send your United States Senator a wake up call by asking him or her to support two measures of vital importance to real estate markets across the country.

FHA Reform S. 2338

Ask your Senator to support FHA reform legislation this year. FHA reform will provide existing homeowners with secure and affordable refinancing alternatives and more mortgage options for first-time homebuyers. Increasing the supply of affordable mortgage money is a critical component for bringing stability to the nation’s turbulent housing markets.

Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae (GSE) Loan Limits

Ask your Senator to support legislation that allows regional increases to the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae loan limits and stress the need for quick Senate action on this vital reform. This change will make lower-cost GSE mortgage financing available to more families trying to buy homes in high cost areas and increase the supply of mortgage money.”

[NotCranky]

I am posting an excerpt from an e-mail from NAR on this topic. The e-mail ,which I am sure goes out to all members, was titled “Santa or Scrooge”. The lobby wants a big Christmas present.

“Send your United States Senator a wake up call by asking him or her to support two measures of vital importance to real estate markets across the country.

FHA Reform S. 2338

Ask your Senator to support FHA reform legislation this year. FHA reform will provide existing homeowners with secure and affordable refinancing alternatives and more mortgage options for first-time homebuyers. Increasing the supply of affordable mortgage money is a critical component for bringing stability to the nation’s turbulent housing markets.

Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae (GSE) Loan Limits

Ask your Senator to support legislation that allows regional increases to the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae loan limits and stress the need for quick Senate action on this vital reform. This change will make lower-cost GSE mortgage financing available to more families trying to buy homes in high cost areas and increase the supply of mortgage money.”

[NotCranky]

I am posting an excerpt from an e-mail from NAR on this topic. The e-mail ,which I am sure goes out to all members, was titled “Santa or Scrooge”. The lobby wants a big Christmas present.

“Send your United States Senator a wake up call by asking him or her to support two measures of vital importance to real estate markets across the country.

FHA Reform S. 2338

Ask your Senator to support FHA reform legislation this year. FHA reform will provide existing homeowners with secure and affordable refinancing alternatives and more mortgage options for first-time homebuyers. Increasing the supply of affordable mortgage money is a critical component for bringing stability to the nation’s turbulent housing markets.

Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae (GSE) Loan Limits

Ask your Senator to support legislation that allows regional increases to the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae loan limits and stress the need for quick Senate action on this vital reform. This change will make lower-cost GSE mortgage financing available to more families trying to buy homes in high cost areas and increase the supply of mortgage money.”

[NotCranky]

I am posting an excerpt from an e-mail from NAR on this topic. The e-mail ,which I am sure goes out to all members, was titled “Santa or Scrooge”. The lobby wants a big Christmas present.

“Send your United States Senator a wake up call by asking him or her to support two measures of vital importance to real estate markets across the country.

FHA Reform S. 2338

Ask your Senator to support FHA reform legislation this year. FHA reform will provide existing homeowners with secure and affordable refinancing alternatives and more mortgage options for first-time homebuyers. Increasing the supply of affordable mortgage money is a critical component for bringing stability to the nation’s turbulent housing markets.

Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae (GSE) Loan Limits

Ask your Senator to support legislation that allows regional increases to the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae loan limits and stress the need for quick Senate action on this vital reform. This change will make lower-cost GSE mortgage financing available to more families trying to buy homes in high cost areas and increase the supply of mortgage money.”

[NotCranky]

Raptorduck,
There should be a buyer’s listing service for you. You could state what you want and what you would pay, value range of course!
I would encourage you to perhaps take some unconventional steps and get your agent to do the same but I think dragging your heals by any means possible is likely helping your cause, If prices in general get to where you like you might want to go knocking on doors,so to speak, or have your agent do it for properties you like that aren’t even listed.There are also ways for your agent to network with other realtors that might help drum up a deal. She might be doing some things already?

[NotCranky]

Raptorduck,
There should be a buyer’s listing service for you. You could state what you want and what you would pay, value range of course!
I would encourage you to perhaps take some unconventional steps and get your agent to do the same but I think dragging your heals by any means possible is likely helping your cause, If prices in general get to where you like you might want to go knocking on doors,so to speak, or have your agent do it for properties you like that aren’t even listed.There are also ways for your agent to network with other realtors that might help drum up a deal. She might be doing some things already?

[Author]

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