Picking the Right Roommate

Having a roommate can be a great option for you when you are looking to save some money on rent. Plus, you have an extra hand that can help you out around the house when you need it. Everything seems great, but after a period of time passes, there will be habits and conflicts that you just can’t ignore. It could be a lot worse than dirty clothes left all over the floor. Getting behind on payments can possibly lead to eviction or even worse, ruin your chances of ever getting another lease. Before you go out and search for a roommate, make sure you create a checklist to potentially avoid a disaster in waiting.

Financial Liability

One of the most important things that you would need to discuss with your roommate would be both of your financial obligations. A verbal agreement to paying extra costs like utilities doesn’t mean that it will always happen. A credit check would relieve some of the stress, but also a written contract would also benefit you and your roommate.

Trusting Your Roommate is Important

Before you go ahead and commit to somebody, take in consideration their habits and trust. You wouldn’t want to live with somebody that leaves the place in a mess all of the time. Only after living with someone for a while will you understand their true personality. Habits, good and bad, will slowly uncover themselves through comfort. If they are a close friend that you have known for a while, that is definitely a good start.

Research Your Property Thoroughly

Be sure to do thorough research on the place that you are planning to live. Once you sign your contract, you ultimately commit yourself to that property. Ask as many questions as you possibly can to avoid trapping yourself. If there are roach problems or safety risks, you probably wouldn’t want to live there. What’s at stake is your potential home for the amount of years that your contract is based on. By being on top of things and doing your homework, your ideal home could be waiting for you.
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Kuba Jewgieniew is the CEO of Realty ONE Group, a real estate brokerage firm with offices in Nevada, Arizona, and California.