Clearing Away Shadows

I got some encouraging information recently. First, some history.

Since graduating from CU and leaving Colorado, I've told anyone who'd listen that I'd move back if I had the chance. After a decade of this, I wised up to the notion that you create your own chances, and if I wanted to move back, I just should. In the meantime, of course, I'd created a life here in Georgia -- with the standard trappings of that life -- a house, a job, friends, involvement in my community, and an appreciation for all that my state has to offer.

And as my thoughts turned to tidying up those things to relocate, naturally the two largest obstacles were my job and my house. When considering the task of selling my house and finding new work, the recession could not have hit at a more unfortunate time.

For several months now, I've operated under the notion that I was upside down in my house, meaning that what I owed on the note would be more than its value. There have been numerous sleepless nights surrounding this thought.

This week I decided to face the music. I contacted a realtor and asked for comps, to find out where she valued my home. Because I held some hope that in the nearly 10 years I'd owned this home, it had appreciated in value enough to stand the deflated price of 2009.

I was glad I did. As it turns out, my house has appreciated in value. And while it might be worth less than it was in 2006 or 2007, it is still worth more than I owe, and by a significant amount.

A knot that I've had in my back for almost a year is starting to unclench. And all I had to do was ask.

--Laura