I just bought a house in North Carolina, sight unseen, never walked through it but I know every inch of it. To be exact I bought it off the internet. The reason for this unique purchase is I’m stuck in a wheel chair living in NY state and find it difficult to travel distances. The internet was my path of finding my perfect last place on earth. (I’m 84.) It took over 2 years to find it but I did. With pictures and floor plan from the builder and individual pictures taken by an outstanding real estate agent, who is now my friend. I might add I can locate every electric outlet, know the trusses are pine but the studs are spruce and so forth. My background in commercial design helped me ask questions that even the builder had to look up. I didn’t want bells and whistles.
I wanted a well-built house that could accommodate me and my wheel chair at a price that would let me still have my merlot and Omaha steaks! I needed to know the taxes, average cost of electric, gas and water, and homeowner insurance. All info was obtained on the net and phone. Now I knew how much I could afford per month. Next step was to get a mortgage. To each bank I stated the type of loan, how much I could put down, rate I wanted, closing costs I would pay and not to exceed this amount per month. Several financial institutions were very polite before they hung up. Then I found an “internet bank”. There was a loud gulp but then they came thru, only $1.00 over my request. They did offer me a bigger loan so I could get a bigger house. I refused.
To coordinate: builders, lenders, inspections, appraisals and a power of attorney (as I would not be at the closing. When I fly down there I’m moving in.) This was as a feat beyond belief. Can you believe an overnight delivery was lost!!! This was indeed a stomach churning ordeal but we made it, closing and all. The bank and I now owned a house!
The next step is to turn on utilities, file handicapped dispensation for garbage pickup and mail delivery. I have purchased and installed a refrigerator, washer, dryer and found a contractor to install grab bars, remove doors, and enlarge the pantry door –all
from my computer and telephone. I have also ‘met’ some pretty terrific people in my new town.
The next month will also bring many grunts but I’ve gotten this far. Right now I’m confining myself to packing boxes, just keeping the record straight. I’m getting accustomed to the weird looks when I say I bought a house off the net!
Got questions? I’m on the net… elissajung2@yahoo.com
ElderChicks 
I absolutely loved Elissa’s tale of pluck and determination. Despite all my rants about how technology is ruining our culture, here’s a win-win case!
you are amazing! Good luck with the new and enjoy your new forever home.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring adventure. I am so impressed. Best of luck in your new home.
Elissa, you are an encouragement to me. I am 65 and relocated in January 2016 to the coast of the Cape in South Africa from Johannesburg. I find it daunting to meet new people, make friends and settle in. So good luck to you!
The very best of luck in your new home. You are a testament to “the senior woman”. The manner in which you planned for your future in your new home is just amazing. Much luck and happiness in North Carolina!!!!!
We are living in Raleigh–moved from Chapel Hill where we were for 14 years. We bought a two story town home so we are now just minutes from the grandkids. Lovely state. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Hope the move goes smoothly.
Amazing story! Thanks for sharing.
All the power to you. Wonderful story and to many new adventures in your new community.
Elissa, you have obviously been an inspiration to many people –across continents–and we thank you for sharing your story with us. I hope this will inspire seniors to reach out to the Internet for the many benefits it can bring into our lives. Unfortunately so many seniors are too fearful of computers and other new technology to use it to their advantage.
You’re so brave to take on such a big change. My husband and I are moving to Sedona soon and i find this adventure very daunting. Thanks for sharing your story . . . I look forward to my new life in Arizona with a better sense of purpose and enrichment. New beginnings can be exciting . . . Just taking it one day at a time.