Help calm me, house buying and selling stress. Part 3

I think I will set up thread 4, someone can still add a couple of posts to this one

I hope all goes well for you Sue. One aus sister pulled out the day before travel to vietnam, the other went, had 2 nights there and was strongly advised to go home. They are aware of self isolation and are looking forward to the peace and quiet. They will be shattered when they get home.

Yes we will all pull together, support each other like we always do. Its a bit of a long haul and I, for one am going to have to cut bits off my almost annoying hair, fingers crossed that the appointment is still on but I doubt it. Solo hairdresser, mum of 2

Compost is bought and off loaded and car facing the garage door and washed on the way out. Young men 17/18 I came into contact with today are definitely not socially distancing, 2 came too close when speaking to me. I have to count days from today because of that, will be glad to get through 7 without a problem, will feel safe then

There is a thread that will help with ideas of what to do, to stave off boredom. Its a good idea for a thread

Re the auction, I expect they will do it online if they have to, I am sure it will go ahead

Someone mentioned a "pandemic of fear", on the radio earlier. and I agree.
I went to see my in-laws and they are so relaxed it's great to see. If the virus kills them - it kills them!

They were almost buried under the flowers for the big birthday. Our job was to unwrap the bunches which are so tightly wrapped by the florist, old arthritic hands can't cope. Then we had to find vases for them all. These may be the last imports from Holland for a while. Next week I will pick daffodils from the garden, and forsythia for Mother's Day.

I hope that your auction goes ahead Shandy but if not, you will be well used to the new regime by the end of April and who knows, the people who have been stuck in for weeks and looking at houses on-line will be desperate to move to your beautiful part of the country.

Interesting to read that what united us in the first place - house buying - has now become the topic that binds us in adversity again!
Good luck with the get out Sue and fingers crossed the housing market might turn out to be in your favour. The UK market should be entering its busiest time now, but I can understand some people stopping viewings of their homes.
When we rented we had a room full of boxes too which we never opened. I can't see why a landlord wouldn't like that at all. One less area to get grubby.
I agree the world may be a different place after all this. I heard the Virgin chairman asking the government for £75 million to prop up the airline industry. Think again! Isn't this the time where people may reassess their constant need to fly around the world and far more business will be done electronically.
Wet and grey here today but the coming week looks like being warmer. Hope everyone sleeps better tonight.

Hope all goes well tomorrow Sue. My daughter and family had to rent a house for six months when they moved from North Ireland to the South Coast on mainland. Had to have an address to get their two children registered into local schools and could not buy until their house in N,Ireland had actually sold.
They hated renting, particularly with young children. There was a cream coloured fitted carpet in the main living room, they covered this with rugs, but were always so worred when the children played, particularly with things like pain and sticky stuff. Also, they were unable to put up anything on the walls. It is not home without pictures and photos. even the small garden was difficult - the landlord had put down some very cheap, nasty fake grass - this plastic got so hot from the sun, that the children had to ensure they had shoes on whenever they went out. They had to use one bedroom to store boxes that they could not unpack, and the landlord, who did monthly checks, did not like that - no idea why. Must say they were so pleased and more relaxed when they were able to move into their own new home. Probably will not be quite so difficult just for adults to be renting.

Morning all, bright and sunny here.

I couldn't sleep either craftyone, it's such an unexpected event and having such an impact on every aspect of life.

Personally I don't know if the auction will still go ahead, and even if it does, will people buy now that their investments have dropped so dramatically. There is still the option of bidding on line, or by telephone. People selling their houses have posted on Mumsnet that they have stopped viewings for their properties. I think I said I had sterilised every surface, door frame and door handle at my house for the time wasting no shows on Friday.

I am also worried about my 82 year old aunt on the IOW, one case has been found there. She has a fantastic neighbour but she is recovering with Bell's palsy due to stress. I know my aunt will be hesitant to ask for her help now. My aunt also isn't as 'with it' as I thought - yesterday she asked if I was going over to see her, so I could collect her funeral plans! God bless her

I am also very glad to have your thread to post on. If lock down does happen, I hope everyone helps each other. My young neighbours looked at me strangely yesterday, I wonder if they are scared they'll have to help me! I'm going shopping later for two big sacks of cat litter, one thing I can't live without!

SueH49 all the best for your move. I am sorry you had to do your own inventory, that's a bit much! I'm going to copy you and line the drawers here, they are already pretty grotty inside.

Enjoy your day. I'm looking forward to the new Belgravia drama tonight.

Hope everyone is coping with this virus madness we are seeing. As usual I did my weekly shop this morning. As soon as I entered the carpark I knew it was not going to be the normal quiet Sunday morning. It was like a Christmas Eve shopping experience. I’ve obviously been out of the loop in where this is going. Empty shelves everywhere, poor employees filling them as quickly as possible but unable to keep up with the shoppers.

Tomorrow the packers arrive to pack everything up. I’ve run out of time and am not as organised as I had hoped to be. I’ve been feeling very sub par and as much as I’ve tried just not managed to get everything done. I know everything will get where it needs to go on Tuesday but sorting it out at the other end will not be as easy. Between OH and myself we have done the best we could. Fortunately our sons have put in some hours and their help was invaluable.

Craftyone, is it your sister in Australia that visited Vietnam.? As of tonight anyone coming into Australia will have to isolate for 14 days. Not sure how that will be policed but there will be a hefty fine for anyone not complying.

I usually have a very well stocked pantry and freezer but because we are moving I’ve fun the stock right down. Bad timing as i now cannot buy soap, toothpaste or toilet paper among other things. At least we have a reasonable supply of toilet paper and conveniently there has been 6 or 8 rolls left at the rental.

The “experts” here say the virus will, and already has, have quite an impact on the housing market. Not sure whether that will work in our favour or not. Is seems open inspections are mot getting good attendances and so sellers are delaying listing their property. It does make a sellers market for those that do list. Given that we are in a very strong financial position and do not have to worry about losing our jobs and hence income I’m hoping something suitable comes up soon and we can pounce on it. I’m already over renting before we have even moved in. We had a 71 page (including photos) Entry Condition Report to fill in. Just about every scuff and scrape was noted and photographed. Unfortunately we have found a few more after we signed off. Spent hours putting protection in cupboards and drawers so we don’t damage anything.

Best to everyone we have to keep our chins up.

Four months isolation!!! Does not bear thinking about. Will conclude that with probably more suicides and and serious mental health problems for a lot more elderly people than are likely to be infected with CV19.
The AGM of the Residents Association in my flats scheduled for next week has been cancelled. Does seem a bit silly, as the only people who could attend that are the residents - and ATM there are no cases of CV19 anywhere in North Somerset. As the majority do not attend this anyway (according to the Minutes I have of previous years), do wonder if this is a little OTT. But the cttee do have a 'duty of care' so had to cancel, and ask us all to give out proxy vote so that they can put in place the increase in the maintenance charge they wish.
I have accepted the invite to officiate at the gym comp. next Saturday in West London, am now wondering if I should pull out. Will wait another couple of days before finally deciding. Problem is that the competitors on the Saturday will all be children aged about 8-10 years old, and I am wondering if it would be better for me not to be in their company for so many hours.
Saw a good idea on FB today, - an appeal to supermarkets to open for two hours each morning (Mon - Fri) for two hours JUST for the elderly. Wonder if that would catch on. I always do my weekly shop Monday mornings - and will be going, as usual, tomorrow with my normal weekly shopping list in place on Alexa.
Do wonder if ration coupons could be brought back - do you remember when these were issued in the early 1970's for petrol (although never actually used)?
Thank goodness for the internet and to places like Gransnet - hopefully, this will help to keep us sane over this difficult time as the whole world goes into Lockdown.

I almost forgot about my car. I have been doing a half hour trip a couple of times a week, it is one of those cars with lights always on and I know my battery needed a boost when it last went for a service. I went on 3 very trips the other day and every start up takes a lot of juice, 6 start ups means that much more came out than went in. I just ordered a battery charger, has to be from amazon as I am worried about other deliveries getting here

I could see my car getting a flat battery just by standing on the drive. I think today, after getting the compost that I need, I will make sure that my car is close to and facing my garage, so I can do the charge. Never had to do one before so youtube will be my friend

yes I am sure that the country will get through it too whiff, I think it is the worry about people who cannot bear even one week indoors on their own. I think my mind was just too whizzy again last night, not feeling stressed but wishing that this had never happened. Maybe the world will end up a better place, who knows

Hope Shandy is ok and coping, its hard not being in a nest. I am so thankful for the company on this thread, it will be so valuable during lockdown, which I think will happen within 2 weeks.

Craftyone I hope you managed to get too sleep. Try not to worry not easy as we have day to day worries plus this added worry of this virus. I've learnt by bitter experience over the years there is no point in worrying about what might be. As I've said before I hate not being able to control things. Being in control is what has got me through my husband dying. Took me years to get there though . If and when this lock down takes place I know you and everyone here will take it in their stride. Finding this forum and especially this thread has helped me cope not just with the house selling and move but life in general. I have learnt such a lot of things I didn't know before. And view all here as friends. Thank you for starting it. I am confident that this country will get through this and will be ready to face the next threat. Think what makes it worse is that this virus is invisible. An enemy you can see is easier to defeat than one you can't. Sorry this is so long winded . I for one am not going to worry about it. If anyone in my family gets it then I will be frantic but until then no point worrying. Think they have a higher risk at the moment of being in a car crash.

I cannot sleep. This potential 4 month isolation is quite shocking

Not really - well not if sitting down. Low solid wall, can see over, but it does make it very private for me. From my bedroom window I can sit at that at see who is coming to the front door of the flats.

That sounds like a good plan Franbern, I am glad you have a large balcony. Can you see comings and goings from it?

My flat has a large balcony. Triangular shaped with a small wall surrounding it, It goes over the roof of a Solicitors. As the days draw out, I am wanting to get this sorted out. It has a fully tiled floor, which I thought I could just mop with hot soapy water to clean - but this is definitely not possible. So am starting to get in quotes for pressure cleaning it. Once that is carried out then just need to get some nice furniture out there and pots of mixed real and fake plants, then I can really start to use my outside space.
Have already put down some nice non slip mats on the steps which run the full length of the patio doors and large window area.

sadly, the ones who have been in icu and made a recovery have been left with permanent lung damage about a third less capacity. Young people get better quickly but I don`t know if it is 100%, hope so

I am grounded as much as possible, loads to do, not least making a marine ply wall for my new gladd lean to mini greenhouse. Going against a fence but there is a post in the way. Would have taken my husband 5 minutes to work it out and an hour to do. Took me a lot longer to prep, now waiting for cut marine ply from ebay, spacer washers and reusser cutter screws 7cm long and it took me long enough to work out the length

Not had lunch yet, not much appetite when I get busy

sister and her husband had one day in vietnam from australia, hotel had gov enquiry about who was staying there, manager told them that they should get the heck out of there straightaway. They are busy trying to get flights home. 3 other siblings cancelled but this one was in cloud cuckoo wishful-thinking land. Westerners were most unwelcome. We will all be grateful and glad when they get home

Listen to this shandy
My niece an EA owns an agency and sells high value houses. She lives in a house in a village, no shop etc not upmarket but old,spacious and a very big garden plus annexe. She sold in days to a couple from london who wanted to move very very quickly, cash, must have been over a million. Reason being that they wanted to get the heck out of london before bank closures and lockdown

Lots of cash in bankers and the like and lots of scared bankers. Does not an auction of a large habitable property near the sea and with an annexe sound appealing? They all want to move out in very short time and auction is best for speed. Make sure that your EA is advertising your property in london

Just wait for it, three millionaire bankers bidding against each other! Could very well be the stuff of dreams but only if they know about it

Do wish the news also said how many cases of people who contracted the virus have a made a full and healthy recovery. Might help to alleviate some fears, if they did that

Blimey, only 23 more posts after me then it will be part 4!! Soon be auction day,Shandy. Then it will be all systems go, I too visit this thread every day and love it. Can see real friendships developing.

Was the only person in my office at work yesterday. Everyone else WFH. Was quite apocalyptic. Felt like the survivor!! Stay safe dear friends. This too will pass
.

My son flew home from Belfast yesterday. He shared the flight with some pale, bewildered American tourists. They said there hadn't heard very much at all on their media.
I'm in Edinburgh. It's very quiet.

Morning all, I'm very naughty and still in my dressing gown, poor dog is lying down and waiting patiently for his walk. I'

Thank you for your advice about the money, but it was only a small amount. I had already promised to help my daughter from the savings, so won't be losing any interest on them.

I'm still feeling cross after yesterday's no show, but still have two viewings to come on the 21st. The young viewing agent was annoyed, it's a forty mile round trip for her, the office is in the town I used to have to do the scary night time drive to collect my daughter.

Just had a peep at my ebay heavy furniture listings, no bids I'll give it a go on gumtree.

I've been reading about the spread of the virus, this sky article is very interesting - no cases in Northumberland yet seemingly. My daughter's boyfriend is hoping to come over from Belfast tomorrow, I wonder if he'll be able to.

news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-how-covid-19-spread-across-the-whole-uk-11956972

Enjoy your day, stay warm and well everyone

Good post Whiff, thank you, and I'm sorry you had to go through adversity to get to where you are now. You've instilled some sense and confidence. I think it's the increasing tense feeling that is the worst but yes, looking to the future has to be the way forward.
Franbern we also juggle children over 200 miles apart and as long as I have one of them nearby I am ok. Once we were all on separate continents for a week and it felt very strange. The good thing is that the homes we all chose to move to are now our sanctuary and hopefully a weekend there on your own will confirm this. That is why Shandy and others need to get settled as quickly as possible so they can feel safe and contented. Fingers crossed.

Ellianne sorry you are scared. I like you hate not being control of situations . Try not to worry I know that's not easy but getting stressed out will only make you feel worse. The worse thing that could happen to me did, my husband died. Apart from anything happening to my children or grandchildren that'sthe worse thing that could happen. I have health problems but I can't change that so I don't worry about them. Before my husband died the littlest thing worried . After he died took me years to alter to the not worrying about things I can't control or change. People who met me now think I have always had this confidence. They are surprised when I tell them how I was. Life is so unpredictable but that's what makes it so exciting. Good and bad things happen all the time. I know how lucky I am to have the family and friends I have got. There is always someone worse of than you and I don't mean financially. I know someone who lost her husband, young child, house and contents in a house fire. One child survived but was badly burnt. She was at work at the time it happened.

Try and think of all the things that give you joy and look to the future. Spring is around the corner and hopefully a good summer.

Do agree with Ellianne, we must keep this thread alive, even more important in these times when we will be relying more and more on our virtual friends on the computer.
Shandy, I do agree with others, that in this very uncertain time for you, any small windfall should be kept by yourself.
Once you have sold and purchased and sorted out how much you will need, THEN THAT is the time to be giving monetary pressies to your children. As keeps being said, that first few months to a year in a new property does seem to eat up money.
As my daughter here has gone up to her sister this weekend, it is the first time since I moved here that she has been away - so silly, how slightly panicky I feel (used to be the same in London when that daughter was away). My Son in Law has many complex health problems (Diabetes 1, Asthma, very compromised system due to his many meds,), so there is no way I could call on him. However two of my g.children have told their Mum they will call round over the weekend to keep me company (10 yr old and 16 yr old). I am making them a big pile of pancakes, -think we need comfort food in these difficult times!!!!
I did even consider going up to London with my daughter and staying in a hotel overnight - but knew this was silly - and am glad now I made that sensible decision. Next weekend the gym competition just off the M4 is going ahead (at present), and I going to that and staying in the M4 Travelodge as part of my return journey.
Keep well and busy everyone, and have a good weekend

Please keep this thread alive, it gives me for one something to look forward to each day.
Just to add to our son's disappointment over the house, their long awaited honeymoon to NZ isn't going ahead. He is quite philosophical and says they will go another time.
I'm just scared, I have complicated health issues and husband is undergoing tests. The worst bit is not being in control and house buying seems a doddle now in comparison! But it is what it is.
Have a good day.