trottytrue

Dunroving...My friend just moved back to the UK from the US and bought a house that needed updating, her main aggrivation was the amount of money some of the contractors wanted for doing jobs. She said it was riduculous. Fortunately her husband is fairly young so he was able to do the job himself although its taking quite a while to do it but for almost one third of the price they were quoted.

between two worlds

Well, yes. This surely also applies to everyone who has one British parent--and therefore to the children of many forum members.

My kids, US citizens because of their American father, can get British passport, and the right to work in the EU based on their British mother, me. One of the three has successfully done this recently.

Tina

Fish n Chips 56

Absolutely True...

cheers

I think one of the points that was brought out is they have a responsibility to their stockholders.

Who are their stockholders? Pension funds? ...............

dunroving

I was surprised at how many contractors either didn't turn up when scheduled to give a quote, or didn't bother sending the quote. I'd have thought in the current economy they'd be struggling for business and want to show reliability, but I think a lot of people are improving their houses rather than selling and moving up. The contractors around here certainly don't seem to be short of work.

trottytrue

between two worlds....My daughter was asking me the other day how hard would it be for her to get a British Passport. She is thinking of applying for one so I take if from your reply that is was not at all difficult. My children are the same as yours American father but they were all born in the UK.

cheers

Piece of cake I would say. The big thing is they were born in the UK.

chriswinter

Tina...this is exactly my circumstance as well. Am hoping my children will do as one of yours has now done. I think it's a great opportunity for our American-born children to avail themselves of.

trottytrue

Dunroving... I know here in this part of the world its really hard to get someone to come and do work for you they are either total idiots or very expensive. I wish you could have seen the man who installed the ladder to the attic and a floor. He wondered why my OH got annoyed with him when the plaster started falling from the ceiling in the kitchen below and one of the celing lights fell down.

sallysimmons

I sympathize. We had a bathroom done last year and I couldn't breath for the dust. I think if we bought a house that needed work, we'd buy one at a low enough price that we could stay in a rental while it was being done. (Famous last words! )

chriswinter

Trotty, others...Question here, please...off topic of totally returning to the UK. I can understand about wanting to keep this great forum, for the sole purpose of returning to the UK by those in their 50's and 60's, travelling arrangements, selling, buying and/or renting of real estate and sharing of costs/info associated with a 'return'. But the real likelihood for me returning, is but a distant dream...my 4 kids and 6 grandchildren are here and I can't envision my life without them...certainly not 3,000 miles away.

My question...On BE, is there a general chit-chat forum, for the 50-60+ crowd? I so enjoying posting back and forth with others...but can see where this specific thread, can go off the rails. I know I certainly would enjoy a forum, where older ex-pats could simply talk about anything and everything, who knows might even have known each other from another place, another life or possibly even be related! Is there one like this on BE? If not, how does one begin one and would others appreciate such a forum? I know I certainly would. I don't believe I have seen one for the 50-60+ crowd.
But if there is...I would most appreciate being pointed in that direction.

Chris

HighSpeedGrandma

Great idea. I don't think there is one. How about starting one Chris!?

aviva

Over on Rovers Return I started the 50/60 Chit Chat thread:
OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK-Silly Chit-Chat & Daily Catch-Up Thread ( 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ... Last Page)
aviva

tomarto

[QUOTE=trottytrue;9270129]So how many of the Newbies on here are in the process of moving back to the UK or are getting ready to put their homes up for sale and start the long process. Just interested to hear.
[\QUOTE]

Hi Trotty,
I think I have the worst scenario:
1. house to sell
2. dog to move with
3. no one to do it with!

Approx. 50% of houses in my area are repossesions. This has lowered the price considerably. The house right across from me was a reposession and was still on the market for 7 months at a very bargain price. I think it finally sold so am anxiously waiting to see the price as this is my comp.

chriswinter

Thank you aviva...much appreciated! I'll be there...or I'll be square!