Hunting 101

House hunting is possibly the most frustrating thing in the world.
Either the house is too far, doesnt allow pets, the agent decides to take a vacation the day we all take off work. Or the rent is so high we would have to start black marketing our organs.

Trust me, if you can live at home. Do it. The world is so expensive, and only the rich and famous can survive.

But I have a list, a very important list that ive carried around mentally while we were looking for houses. Maybe this will help you if youve got a house hunting expedition in the near future.

1- If your moving in with roomates... Do you like them? Do you reallly like them? Because your stuck with them for a year. So you better like them.
2- If using an Agent, find a reliable one. If you find one and they constantly flake..find another if possible.
3- Once you find a house.. Dont let the house blind you from the price, or the price blind you from the house.
   - If the house is massive and wonderful, dont mentally push the price of the rent to the back of your mind just because you like it. You wont like it near as much when your picking up extra shifts to try and pay rent.
  - If the rent price is low, and the house is decent, dont just overlook things like rotting decks and decaying side paneling. If you can, pay more money for a structure safe house. It pays off in more ways in the end than you realize.
4- It takes more money to fix up an okay house, than it does to pay more for a great house.
5- Utilities are not included. Ever. Keep in mind you could be paying up to 200$ extra a month.
6- If you have pets, like me. Make sure your roomies are A-Ok with them, and dont even look at houses or apartments that dont accept pets. It set's up you and your roomies for a waste of time.
7- Can you afford it? Im guessing this should be my first point. But sometimes you have to see how much it costs before you can come up with a price range.

But for those who it may concern, these are my 7 top mental checklists. This economy is bombed, so trying to find a good place, with a reasonable price, and normal renters is probably the hardest thing ive had to do at the point.

Oh, and convince everyone in my life that i can, indeed handle it. And that my roommates are not plundering pirates here to take me life and my dignity.

In other news, snow has arrived to my wonderful town, and people are raiding the stores like its The Day After Tomorrow. Im actually glad i can go to work and avoid idiots today.



Be Kind, and Keep Hunting,
   xoxo Sophie