Posted on August - 26 - 2011
How to keep a housing share from becoming a housing scare
When Marilyn Hart lost her job at a local church in 2009, she knew it would be hard finding another one. So she capitalized on her biggest asset, her modest two-bedroom Richmond bungalow, and rented out a room, cutting her housing expenses almost in half.
“I thought, ‘How do I make this house work for me?’ ” Hart said. “This provides stability in a way I didn’t have before,” said the 62-year-old, who now doesn’t have to scramble as hard to find consulting work and other sources of income while job-hunting.
As the economy continues to falter and jobs remain scarce, finding (or becoming) a roommate can be an excellent way to cut expenses. It can also, of course, lead to arguments over dirty dishes and cluttered common areas. The keys to successfully sharing space are communication, preparation and documentation, according to experts and Bay Area residents with roommates.
“Spend some time with each other and get a feel for that person,” said Amy Zalneraitis, author of “Room for Improvement: The Post-College Girl’s Guide to Roommate Living.”
“Is this a student who stays up late at night, or a worker who goes to bed early? Do you want to hang out together and do things, or is it strictly business?”
Hart met with her now-roommate twice to talk about their mutual needs and expectations. She also asked for two references from former landlords and two personal references and had her roommate fill out an application.
Similar Posts:
- Rising Foreclosed and Bankruptcy Homes for Sale Led to Empty Land
- Foreclosures in Maine may sell more with end of tax credit
- RETIREMENT LOCATIONS THAT DON’T BREAK THE BANK
- How to Set Up a Complementary Health Business
- What’s driving Michiana gas prices out of consumers’ affordable range?
