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Why can't I ever make decisions anymore?

I will be 69 soon. I inherited a house that needs a lot of work - my mom didn't keep up the maintenance after dad passed in 1983. I spent all summer getting estimates from  contractors and nothing's been done because I can't decide which will give me the best deal for the money. I lay the proposals side by side to try to compare but after a minute the words and figures just become a jumble. What can I do?

15 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    4 months ago
    Favorite Answer

    Selling it as-is isn't a bad idea, if the decision making is paralyzing you.

    But what I'd do it start a spreadsheet so I can compare every estimate I got in a variety of ways.

    Say I'm getting a bathroom redone. I can rank the price, how long they say the job takes, whether they carry away the old parts, their rating at the Better Business Bureau, whether they will have a contractor's discount on fixtures, anything else any of them put down in writing that could factor into the decision.

    I know, I know, it'll take days to fill in that spreadsheet, but you've already wasted months, so what's a few more days?

  • Anonymous
    4 months ago

    Renovation is a big project. Forgive yourself for not moving forward. 

    Seek a proper opinion from a local realtor who can help you decide whether to renovate or sell as-is. Every market is different and a local realtor would have good information. If you know anyone who has bought or sold property lately ask their opinion about the realtor that they used. Also use Yelp reviews to find a local realtor.

  • 4 months ago

    Is the real estate market improving or likely to improve? If not then you probably won't make your renovation money back, and would do better to sell as-is. Many buyers are attracted to properties which require considerable improvements because they think they might be able to make money out of it.   If you live there and want to stay, work out a schedule of what needs to be done first. One of the ways I'd choose is by getting 'by word of mouth recommendations from previous clients'. Another important consideration is whether the boss is local and reliable, and has enough staff. Ask if they have other projects in your area going on concurrently, because if they have, and are short of staff, you could be left in limbo.

  • ?
    Lv 5
    4 months ago

    Cut out as many middle men as you can. Why do it up just to sell it. Alterations and decorations should be done by the one who'll live in it. A buyer might change absolutely everything that you spend good money on.  Just let it go and move on.  All estate agents have a fairly good idea what a house will bring so if they suggest a price that you feel is fair then save yourself all that hassle and just leave it go. Someone else will make it to their own liking and will make it into a nice cozy home again.

  • Anonymous
    4 months ago

    One other option you have is to SELL AS SEEN. This is what I and my siblings did when we sold mother's house. It needed so much updating and there was no guarantee that what we did to it would please other people so we decided to let it go for what it was worth, just as it was, and we no longer had the worry of what to do with it.  It sold fairly quickly for a fair price (considering that it had had no updating (except interior decorating) since it was built in 1930). No proper kitchen, no central hearting, tiny bathroom, no driveway for a car etc.

  • Anonymous
    4 months ago

    See your doctor.  I have a grand aunt in her 70's and she can think circles around you.  

  • Anonymous
    4 months ago

    Take a vitamin supplement called Prevagen, It works for me!

    Attachment image
    Source(s): From personal experience
  • 4 months ago

    Isn't going to answer your question...but...something to remember:

    Fast, Cheap, Well...you can pick any two, but you'll never get all three.

  • 4 months ago

    Maybe you're trying too hard. Start with the most needed project and check out references from contractors. Or get help from a friend or someone you trust.

  • kswck2
    Lv 7
    4 months ago

    At Your age, just unload the damn thing. 

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