Dealing with exodus and homestead options......................

A close relative informed me that she will be following her fiance to another state next year. Inside I was knocked for a loop, but I am happy that she would be making a new life with him in a new place. She had already expressed a desire to live somewhere else, so I expected her to leave, but not so soon in the future. Folks are leaving Michigan, and sometimes despite my hope for Detroit, I can't help but wonder if I am missing out by not joining the exodus now. As I drive through the city, there are so many houses for sale, along with abandoned/empty houses that are boarded up, to the point that it is scary. I have heard and read so many accounts about properties being stripped of the pipes and wiring. When my reliable neighbor quietly moved out in March, the house was invaded and the front screen door was stolen off the hinges within three weeks. After a while, I could tell when the person who was illegally entering the house was coming because my dogs would start barking at 3 am on a regular basis.

While driving through Grosse Pointe Farms on Moross Road last month, I was so surprised when I saw the number of the houses south of Mack for sale. Seeing them, I was reminded of the serious/shaky economic state of this area and Michigan. There is a corner house that I have adored ever since I was a teenager that was also for sale. I remember seeing a Sunday newspaper profile on the homeowner some years back and she had a lovely garden. When I excitedly told an friend who lives not too far from the area that if money was not a problem, I would jump on the house, she somberly reminded of the property taxes, which she should know after experiencing a jump in taxes. That brought me back down to earth, but I still seriously would consider that house if I was blessed to be able to afford it. However, after checking for it online recently, I doubt it is still on the market. But look what $103,900 can buy you in Grosse Pointe in comparison to what $97,500 can buy you in Detroit! Two bathrooms along with 800 square feet, and impeccable landscaping. All jokes aside, I like that house too, but two teenagers and two dogs would not fit in it. For the same price in Detroit, I could get more square footage, (2,172 sq ft) but unfortunately, not the same satisfaction and peace of mind.