The House Finally Sold!

On landing in Las Vegas I checked my email, and it's official:  I sold one of the rental properties in Birmingham.

Originally purchased in 2006, I sold it for the same price I paid 9 years ago.  I lived in the home for about two years when I worked at the software company, but began renting it in 2008.  I tried to sell it in 2012, but the buyer talked me into doing a lease-purchase option instead.  Three years later, the buyer decided to downsize and moved out.  I listed it in March, worked with an agent friend for a few months, then switched agents.  It's been under contract for a few months, as the buyer's financing has taken much longer than it should have to be finalized.

This is a bittersweet end, as I created some amazing memories here.  But I also feel like a burden has been lifted.  Being an absentee landlord is harder than I estimated.  It's safe to say this won't be the last property in Birmingham that I sell.

My Frugal Miser - October Expenses: $3,210

I kept my spending in check last month.  The largest expenses are all related to income-generation.  I did lose a good bit during our Las Vegas trip.  Since the hotels and food were free and the flights were roughly $100 each, the $675 I lost doesn't hurt as bad (it still hurts though!).

Every other category was reasonable.  Since I don't have a mortgage, the $319 I spent repairing/maintaining our 50 year old home is reasonable.  A bit of good news:  when the house closes later today, my HELOC will be paid off.  This will eliminate a $125 monthly interest expense.

This afternoon I am returning to Vegas for the AAII conference.  I will also attend a Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare.  In exchange I will receive 15,000 Hhonors points and the $299 deposit I put down will be refunded.  I am receiving a 3 night stay in a one bedroom unit as well.  I should also run into Andy from Tight Fisted Miser at the airport when  I arrive.  He and his girlfriend will be leaving as I am arriving.

October Expenses:  $3,210

$1,251 Auto ($290 gas, $295 depreciation, $566 Rideshare Car depreciation, $100 AAA dues)

$44 Bank Fees

$11 Clothing

$0 Computer

$741 Entertainment (movies, gambling, alcohol)

$184 Food

$0 Gifts Given

$319 Household/Housing/Home Repair

$141 Health and Dental Insurance

$0 Investment Expense
$141 Interest Expense

$0 Medical/Dental

$6 Miscellaneous

$0 Personal Care

$0 Subscriptions

$7 Taxes
$66 Uber/Lyft Expenses (excluding fuel and depreciation)

$190 Utilities

$115 Vacation and Recreation

October Expenses, Excluding Vacation and Home Repairs:  $2,995

My Frugal Miser - October Income: $11,269

October was as strong as September, but the sources of my income shifted.  Last month I did more hospitality work, including a week-long gig in Chicago.  I did less rideshare driving as a result.  All properties are rented, including the house I am selling (closing is scheduled for Wednesday!).

October Income $11,269

$2,633 Mystery Shopping and Hospitality Jobs
$872 Uber
$203 Lyft
$7,265 Rental Income

$296 Other Sources

Notes:.  

• I don't include transactions in my retirement accounts.  This includes rental income, dividends and capital gains and losses.
• I don't include changes in investments from capital gains/losses or dividends.  Most of my investments are in retirement accounts anyway, but this category will grow as I start selling my rental properties and I will probably change this policy.
• I include merchandising and hospitality work in the mystery shopping category since the companies that I shop for provide this extra side work.