CB,
It must be overwhelming but it IS happy news. I am so glad you found a buyer for the farm.
I feel more hesitant about a trailer/mobile home. They just depreciate, and if your finances are precarious and things are not resolved legally with your soon 2bXNh...I dunno.
I can share my criteria: when I moved to a new area I asked everyone I met where the BEST public high schools were, and that helped me choose a neighborhood. I did buy a house, a much smaller one, but it was clean, in good shape. When I sold a few years later, even though I hadn't taken spectacular care of it, I made a nice profit.
When you buy a house it's noone's business how many cats you have. I think? And owning the land you live on has a lot to say for it.
I don't know your area, but some townhouse communities are very nice. I am drawn to some of the older ones, based on where they are. I lived in one once that was close to a spectacular public park, so I didn't go through "land withdrawal" half as badly as I expected to.
Likewise, some older houses in city neighborhoods have wonderful yards. Mature trees, etc. I was amazed to find out even where I am now, in an old suburb, that it's not against city ordinances to have a small flock of chickens!
I think focusing on schools first, location location location...would be wise. As to the trailer idea, if you were able to buy the parcel of land it sat on, and the trend for that area is up...that might be right.
Tough decisions. I would talk to the most sympathetic realtor you know or find out about. Get a lot of reality checks.
Are the kids ready to double up in bedrooms? If half of them will be moving on for school in a year or two, they can endure a little house if they must. But for you, the land needs to be right, right?
There's also no reason not to consider RENTING a townhouse, if you don't want to be chained down now.
Just some thoughts...everyone's situation is unique.
I do know you'll make happiness wherever you are.
Hops
