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Thank you sdduuudde and phaster for the additional insights. Yes, a the structural engineer is the key, and I’ll start there. I have been receiving some quotes, at least I get a better understanding of the market/services in the construction world. Yes, decent cabinets are a must as I installed 12 years ago some HD cabinets that have the cheapest quality (I knew it at the time).

[SD Transplant]

Thank you for the insight. Yes, I know what I want.

[SD Transplant]

pretty sad..RIP

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This is my 2nd refi with Sheldon (HLS on Piggington). Give HLS a call to find your best refi options. Thanks again for a record refi and happy with my new 15 yr rate. Cheers!

[SD Transplant]

I love my sloped backyard. I had more than a dozen eucalyptus trees that were cut and for the last 5 years I planted fruit trees. I should have done that when I moved in (10 yrs ago). Best of luck.

[SD Transplant]

I like gardening, so I just added 4 new fruit trees to my collection (I’m up to 35 now). What I have observed lately, the long lines at nurseries and home depot gardening department are pretty crazy ( the stock of organic soils I’ve been buying is gone). It might be due to the supply chain, but I haven’t seen anything like it in 10 years since I’ve gotten serious about gardening. Lucky enough, I planted my raised beds before this COVID deal started, so I don’t have to buy greens/salads at all.

[SD Transplant]

– Found this site during my MBA research days where an opposite position to the market was impossible to find.
– Confirmation that I wasn’t alone seeing some of the insanity and signs that the RE status quo can’t continue
– Got bragging rights when I was sharing my forecast with my then girlfriend (now wife) that house prices will collapse. She even reminds me now that I was right thanks to Rich’s research/site.
– Purchased my house during the best time, 2010 as a short sale, in a great location and just about doubled in value as of now.
– I became more financial savvy and learn with everyone sharing content here that big mistakes take years to fix.
– I found my broker (HLS) via Piggington
– I remember the 1 or 2 meetings when Piggs met in person 😉
– I significantly increased my net worth above my expectations (but on plan), and do plan on retiring at 55 (…..I have 11 years to go).

What’s not to love?

Cheers

[SD Transplant]

Interesting post as I am also contemplating planning/options for retirement (about 13-15 yrs away given my kid’s ages). The US is the only developed country where a large part of its citizens struggle to retire at the typical age (65ish) and maintain the same lifestyle.

Most intriguing is that in today’s finance news the frequent articles that pop up are “Top 10 retirement outside of the US”. I believe it is a soft attempt to prepare the nearly retirement age crowd that in the US the majority won’t make it w/out strong retirement planning. The finance news media provides plan B for you if you didn’t save. Hence, countries like Cost Rica, Mexico, Thailand, take your Eastern EU pick are always options to consider. I am a transplant too (23 yrs in San Diego and with the first 20 yrs in Eastern EU somewhere). Our US reality of social pension + medical cost/support will most likely drive me out of the US. It isn’t for the lack of planning, but the desire to retire earlier (around 55-57).

Long ago, another transplant friend properly noted that all you need to be successful in the US, are 2 things: #1 a good work uniform, and #2 a good pajama (to be read as: work + sleep & repeat). It also tells you a bit about our society where standard/average productive people that aren’t productive anymore (retired) would be better in another country or nicely pushed away.

I travel regularly, and Europe has its charm. Eastern EU is pretty cheap and fun, but the cold winters push me away. It might be a formula that Summers in Europe and Winters in (Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand)…… I prefer tropical climate & good fishing nearby, however the wifey likes home (Eastern EU) because of the paid off real estate/social atmosphere/people/lifestyle etc.

P.S. Also interesting that most of my vacations are now planned around places I would consider retiring for winter (Mexico, Thailand are lovely -checked off my list and Costa Rica will be checked off in a few months).

[SD Transplant]

sent you a PM

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I would say that’s a pretty good quote considering you want 3 gates. Right now it is hard to find good help, and good constructions workers are busy.

[SD Transplant]

dup

[SD Transplant]

x3 about a positive experience with HLS.

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Indeed some of the old threads are awesome. If you don’t remember some fun conversations (i.e. poway seller), you aren’t an old pigg 🙂

Anyway, I did purchase my 1st house because of this blog at the right time. There were many lessons learned, and I couldn’t be a happier pigg.

Thank you Rich & old piggs

[SD Transplant]

my last purchase, in 2013, via TrueCar was deemed “unusually low price”. FLU’s point about invoice price is spot on…….I don’t believe it when the majority of buyers are able to purchase at stated truecar/edmunds invoice prices that somehow it is the rock bottom price. This is now the new e-marketing strategy with manufacturers advertising/paying/influencing these online car buying services/sites.

Also, I purchased 4 cars via Edmunds about 10-11 years ago, and I did purchase below stated invoice.

There is room to get a better deal when you are patient and informed.

[SD Transplant]

Agree with the invasive species concept. I had 12 of them in my backyard and life is so much better w/out them. I had them all cut down & replaced with citrus/fig/pomegranate/persimmon etc

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