Well I am finally moving out, im only 19 so nothing too embarrasing :P And some friends and I are looking for a place of our own. So I was wondering what would be a good place to start since we are still in school, there are three of us. Apartments and Duplexes seem similar in price. With Duplexes only a hundred or so more though they seem to be a bit bigger. Both have the appliances with them, like the stove and fridge. So I guess what I am really asking is there anything I need to look into, or know about when looking at either of these. Like hidden costs for example...
Sorry for the genaric question.
2007-07-20 19:30:34 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
No need to be sorry, you are smart enough to ask IN ADVANCE.
Danger-Warning...
Getting along is a huge thing...
First of all realize that most landlords will hold each of you responsible for the entire amount of rent if any one of you flakes out. They don't rent in thirds. Are you sure that you are getting involved with people as sharp as you that are responsible ?
You can screw up your credit for a long time with the wrong roommates.
Just figure out basic bills, Cable, Electric, etc, and who is going to own what.. TV's stereos, computers, etc.
Who will get the larger room, who will pay more, how to keep food separate.
Parking spots, keeping clean, bathroom stuff, privacy.
I'd say that one of the three will want to be out within 60-90 days, and may just leave.
Having boyfriend/girlfriends over and parties are potential reasons for disagreements.
I'd say the Duplex/Triplex is preferable. APTS can be a pain with neighbors above or below, thin walls and parking issues.
A pool or rec room can be a plus. This should give you some things to think about.
2007-07-20 19:42:56 · answer #1 · answered by CommonCents 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually with duplexes you are expected to do the yard. They are usually stepping stones to getting a house so you buy the yard stuff and there should be a place for your washer and dryer. With an apartment you will probably get a swimming pool, gym, a laundry somewhere and lots of people. With a duplex you should have off street parking rather than the row of parking places. Apartments are not private and your business is not your own. Duplexes usually cater to families so there will be lots of kids. It depends on each place individually. When I was younger, I liked all the people I met at apartments. There was always something going on somewhere I met lots and lots of people--all kinds of people doing all kinds of things. I didn't mind all the people until I got some horrid neighbors and management wouldn't or couldn't do anything. Now I prefer privacy and will kill you if you open your car door into my car. I own my own place now but I would knock on my would be neighbors doors and ask questions. But most important read your lease very, very carefully. You don't have to accept it and most leases can be modified. Be sure you understand what is expected of you and what will be done to you if you do not keep up your end and be sure what they will do for you. What if you get loud neighbors? How do they fix things? When do they paint? When do they come around? Do they spray for bugs and how often? If you lost your job and couldn't pay the rent, what happens to you and yours? If you sign a lease, you will be stuck there for a year. It can be good or it can be terrible. Look around carefully about how the grounds are kept, how clean is everything? If you have any doubts, keep looking. Hope you find a great place!
2007-07-20 21:04:11 · answer #2 · answered by towanda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure if it makes a difference between duplex and triplex but if you are looking for a place check out http://www.hubbuzz.com. It is an apartment site currently for Colorado but spreading throughout the country. I found an apartment so easyily because I was able to search by neighborhood, amenities, price ranges, convenience, etc. Hope this helps!
2007-07-23 04:32:57 · answer #3 · answered by skoshi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
House
2016-05-19 01:10:30 · answer #4 · answered by julia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As the first person already mentioned, moving in with a bunch of friends is more than likely to turn into a complete disaster.
I would rather see you stay at home for a few more years, save your money, and then when you have enough for a down payment on a home, buy yourself a condo/townhouse.
2007-07-21 00:30:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋