Thursday, August 07, 2008

Thursday Thirteen # 36


I am considering moving, so this is a list of 13 things that one might consider before leasing (renting, not buying) a new home. Please feel free to add your ideas in your comments.



1. Location – Near schools (if you have children), in a family-friendly neighborhood, and safety. Do most of the homes in the area seem to meet the standard you’re looking for?

2. Cleanliness – Will a professional cleaner need to come in to clean cabinets, tile, wood flooring, or carpet? Has the interior been properly maintained?

3. Major appliances – How old are they, and are they in good working condition? What happens if something breaks? Applies to water heater, air conditioner, oven, stove, refrigerator.

4. Square Footage – How much is there, and is it spaced to best fit your needs? How does the furniture you have fit with the layout of the home?

5. The Roof – How old is it? Has it had water damage or any current leaks? How are repairs handled?

6. Bathrooms – How recently was plumbing work done on the property? Do the showers, faucets, tubs, sinks, and toilets work properly.

7. Electrical Outlets – Is the wiring up to code? Where is the breaker box? Are there enough outlets in the right locations based on your use of appliances and electrical devices?

8. Neighborhood Concerns – Are there children of the same or near same age as yours? Is there an area pool, playground, or picnic area? Is it quiet at night? Is there a train track behind your home?

9. Lighting – Is there enough lighting within the home? If not, how will you handle that?

10. Flooring – Is the flooring done is a style you prefer, and is it in good repair?

11. Kitchen – Are there plenty of cabinets, pantries, and drawers? Does it need updating?

12. Front and Back Yard – Does the home have curb appeal? Are shrubs and trees well maintained? What can be done to address this if not? Is there plenty of room in the back yard for your outdoor activities?

13. Affordability – What is a typical electric bill? Water bill? Gas bill? Trash pickup? Is the amount of rent being asked compatible with other properties of a similar nature? Will you be able to afford the deposit, rent, utilities, and still have enough left over to put gasoline in your car, feed your family, and provide for a few recreational activities?


I also have to consider closet space! Of course! And I have to assess what I would be able to move and what would best be left for professional movers. Thanks for reading!


Visit more Thursday Thirteen Participants here.



14 comments:

  1. Ghosts. Make sure there are no ghosts in the home. No one wants to live with ghosts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great list, and they are all so important.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awwwwwwwwwwwww
    You HAVE to get your moms chicken and dumplings from scratch recipe!!!!!!! I want to make some sooooooooooooooo bad!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. PS - I know you are talking about renting...
    Are you talking about a apartment???

    If so...you are in the Clear Lake area?!?! Right?!?!

    Mr. "S" use to live at some apartments on the water! We loved it there!!!!!!! It was a older property but everyone was nice! No break-ins! Unlike where we live now in freaking Kingwood! UGH! No parking problems...unlike where we are now! UGH (again)!!! Let me know if you want more info!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Make sure you are moving towards something instead of away from something. Then make sure it has good air...Wide open spaces.Room for growth.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have to agree with you; there is definitely a lot to consider when moving. Who ever said being a grown up was easy?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Moving is just about my least favorite thing ever. It's because my parents are pack rats and they live with us. Add that to the stuff that goes along with having 5 kids of our own...NO fun. Before kids, I could've moved every year and loved it. In fact, we almost did!

    ReplyDelete
  8. We (husband and I) JUST moved last weekend after a 6 year break and let me tell you, moving really is a pain!! But, once you're all unpacked it can feel SO nice to have that fresh start.

    The one thing I would look into is who will take care of repairs and maintenance? If the owner won't do it, do you have to pay for it yourself? That was a big thing for us. Husband isn't handy and I don't want to pay people to take care of a place I'm renting!

    Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. We're hoping to move within the next year and those are all things we're looking for too. Spice World

    ReplyDelete
  10. I hope I don't have to think about this for a while. Just reading it makes me tired.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So much to consider...

    I finally got around to posting the wonderful Bloggy bling you gave me! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Moving can be so exciting - good luck and I think you covered everything!

    Take care - Kellan

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good list - all great things to consider.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You've got everything under control! :)

    ReplyDelete

I love comments! Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails