It does get to be a real pain - driving to another property to mow the yard etc. We have a home in the Branson area, about 4 hours away.
I finally found someone that will keep it mowed for me for a reasonable price. We still have to go in to check on things - just not as often. Since our parents have died, we don’t really vacation there much. We’ll probably sell it if the housing market ever recovers.
My house is doing fine - no problems. We cleared out a rental storage unit (10x20) we had been renting for years and all that stuff is now stored in the house, saving us a few $ each month. We keep the electric service and water service going there. It is a very small house, (2 BR, LvR, large den, and a small kitchen) on a one acre plot. It is not worth $40K and would sell for much less if we sold it. The house next door is on 2 acres and much larger and has been for sale for over three years for 250K. They think the land is worth much more than it is. The house might be worth $80K, if that, in this market!
I am afraid if Obama gets reelected we might need that house as a fall back position just encase TSHTF. I just turned 65 yesterday and we will no longer have to pay property taxes on it and that is a good thing, unlike being on Medicare, which the TV commercials keep telling me is a good thing! Blue Cross and Blue Shield will be the primary through Peggy’s work at Wal-Mart - so I am told.
I really mis my garden at the old house.