Ideas? Suggestions?

[username1223]

This is not really about Mortgage post BK as having a mortgage again scares the living daylights out of me. I don't want to be a slave to a bank and do not trust them. I was not even sure if I wanted to to do anything other than rent forever until recently. My hubby and I decided we did want something of our own again someday. We purchased 2 acres with cash and had a road put in and a spot for a dwelling. Now we have to sit on it because we need to save up more cash. We do not have debt now. We are wondering how we will ever save up enough to build a house( probably take 10 years or more) but do not want to take a mortgage because it is too risky and scary. Plus we declared BK d/cd march 2009 and no one would lend to us even if we wanted to. Here is my thought. We are thinking of buying a used camper and living on the property and at least we are not paying rent which is currently 750 per month. We could save that money towards the eventual house. Does this sound ridiculous? HAS ANYONE EVER DONE THIS? It is just me and him. Our kids live in other states with exes so they would not be living in the camper. When they visit it would be just like camping I figure. Does anyone have any other suggestions or ideas I have not thought of? I work and my husband is in school and we have no debt. IF we live in the camper we would have approximately 1200 per month to just save towards the house now and then when he gets out of school and works his whole income would go towards saving for the house. Is this a good idea or am I off my rocker?

[frogger]

You're not off your rocker at all. I know of several people that live in campers. A few things that would be most helpful:

1. A septic tank. Direct drain you camper into it. You're going to have to have one later on for the house anyway.

2. Electricity. Enough said.

3. Water. Can't live without it.

Spend money on improvements for the property now, and that is just more expense out of the way for later. Good luck!

[oldhack]

And make sure local zoning law allows it.

[Tom_Mi]

You might check around for someone trying to get rid of a single-wide mobile home.

I know people who built while living in a single-wide, and later sold the mobile home only a few years old for like 8,000.

Way more cozy than a trailer.

[jal1129]

I would make sure to get all your utilities ran out there and a septic tank like someone else mentioned.

Many years ago our house burnt down and my husband and I lived in a travel trailer for about 2 years. Its really not that bad once you get used to it. I know several people who have lived in them. DH also built an outside (enclosed) shower and that was really nice, I can't remember for sure but I don't think the trailer had a shower in it.

[justplaintired]

I don't think your nuts. My dh uncle lives in a travel trailer full time now. He sold his house here, and him and his girlfriend travel around in that trailer and have been doing this for well over 7 yrs. That trailer is thier home.

I do agree make sure your not violating some local ordianance. You will have to have electric ran and a well for water won't you? Sewage? You know it could me camping at a local camp ground might work better. We have a KOA here close by and another campground here close by and their are people who live there full time. Rent isn't too high and they include water/sewage and electric. Might work for awhile until you can those done unless ofcourse the land already has those things.

Sounds like an adventure to me and congrats on saving for the land, very impressive!

[username1223]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions opinions.