Do you need a roommate to help decrease your rental expenses?
The fact is-a considerable number of people cannot afford to reside alone. Roommates help promote efficient living and may even provide a way of forging new friendships. The best way to avoid conflicts involves selecting the right roommate to begin with.
While selecting roommates based on their friendliness can be tempting, it’s advisable you judge them based on daily living compatibility. Regardless of whether you’re planning to share living space with one or more people, some planning and forethought are necessary.
If you’re planning to save money on rent by considering a roommate, this guide will prove invaluable.
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Identify What You Want
You should seriously consider the kind of qualities you seek in a roommate. Before posting an ad, it’s imperative you take some time to reflect on this step.
Although people don’t always obtain the desired results, having an idea makes all the difference. Never advertise for a roommate, merely expecting the best.
Take some time to plan. If you’re already residing with somebody else, this decision will affect you both, so discuss your choices. Think this step through, take some notes, and start your search.
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Determine Where You’ll Post Your Ad
In this internet era, numerous people use resources such as Craig’s List while others prefer conventional methods such as the newspaper. Nevertheless, online methods will typically get you faster responses. The online approach can be beneficial, particularly if you need a roommate fast.
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Your Ad Should Be Specific
Write the ad carefully, clearly stating what you’re offering and seeking. If you opt for the online approach, ensure you read the rules and guidelines. Wording is highly crucial, so be careful and request feedback regarding your rough draft. Be careful about giving excess information about yourself or residential area.
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Conduct an Interview with a Potential Roommate
After locating a potential living mate, schedule a meeting at a coffeehouse if possible or a similar public spot and compare their daily habits and living preferences with yours. A face-to-face interview is the only way to determine whether the two of you blend.
Make the interview longer than 15 minutes, so you can have sufficient time to discuss important things. In case the person can’t meet you face-to-face, go beyond a phone interview.
You could try a video chat, which is preferable than the phone. Take the opportunity to discover what your prospective roommate expects from you and see whether you’re on the same page.
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Obtain References
Don’t shy off from requesting vouchers of income, character, cleanliness etc. Obtain employer information, former roommates’ emails, and the former landlord’s contact information. Don’t quit until you feel confident about your potential living mate.
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Background Check
Perform a background check. While it might sound odd, the fact is that someone’s history can be dodgy unless you’ve known him or her for a while. Running a criminal check or credit report could help ensure you don’t end up with an unsavory character.
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Sign
After locating the person you believe you can share rental space with, sign the agreement. Include as many terms in writing. Bear in mind that vagueness and informality never pay.
If you are in the process of finding a roommate, contact us at Apartment Agents for more information, or leave suggestions.
Image: Finding the Perfect Roommate