We have, since the beginning of this whole immigration enterprise, debated where we would move and whether or not we'd decide or let other things (e.g., jobs, school...) somewhat decide for us. We've gone through phases of thinking we would buy a house, build a house, rent first, buy a condo, and back through the round several times over. For a whole host of reasons that I won't bore you with we recently decided that the smartest thing to do is to rent first.
I had previously - during an earlier iteration of rental mania - found a bunch of decent websites about rental units. I visited them again yesterday and found a place where the landlord actually listed anticipated vacancy dates - through summer 2008! And, we were really intrigued with one of the listings. So, I emailed him. My big concern was finding a place that would be suitable for our needs/desires and that would accept a dog. So far we've exchanged several emails in which he's given me all kind of info. Our dog is no problem and they're willing to not let it to anyone else until after we have a chance to see it in July.
I don't want to be too jazzed about it because so many things could happen; e.g., we don't like it or the current tenants decide not to relocated as planned. But, it's downtown - one mile from the university, one mile from a French Immersion elementary school, walking distance to the riverfront, and - drum roll please - across the street from the Farmers' Market! It's more than we had planned on spending - isn't that always the way - on a rental. But, it includes heat and water, has a garage and a parking place (even though the location will allow us to keep getting by with one car), and has basement storage.
So, we'll see what happens. I said that even if it doesn't work out the mental exercise of evaluating the pros and cons and really deciding what are priorities and what are not is useful. We'd still like to buy or build, but since so much is up in the air regarding whether or not we stay there, etc. this seems like the most reasonable plan to take. Plus, we really get a chance to learn the neighborhoods, etc.; something I swore we'd do before buying in a place about which we know nothing.
Countdown to Halifax: 7 weeks from Saturday!
10 months ago
7 comments:
Fingers crossed for you.
We're, of course, not at the same stage as y'all, but still, we're trying to wrap our brains around timing everything for the big move. It's like a dog chasing her tail. It's hard to figure out how it's all going to come together.
Wow, it appears the stars are aligning for you! I'm amazed that the landlord will not re-let the place 'til you get there in July - How fortunate for you!
Sounds like you've pretty much settled on location, eh?
The seven weeks will fly by . . . .
It sounds like you have found your new home! So the 6yo will attend the French Immersion elementary school? How very cool! We are very excited for your family!
Thanks, daniel, and YES on the "how it's all going to come together."
web - Re: location - yes, more of the stars aligning though we'll see what we think in July!
canada calling - Yes and thanks. He's in French Immersion here and we'd like him to be able to continue.
Keeping our digits crossed...
so exciting!!! Just make sure of a few things when you rent a condo/apartment: That the building its well maintained, and if its possible to rent the unit by the month, some places do lease places like that. In case you find a super duper great deal to buy or something, so you can get out of your lease within reasonable timing. Research the area online and ask people around. If the building is too noisy at night or any construction near by, etc, etc. Our building its old and in the staff hardly keeps it upto date. There lots of students living here and they do trash it sometimes, break the knob doors,etc. And finally make any changes to the place before moving in, like new carpeting or whatever else you would like to be change bef moving in.
Thanks for the tips, gito. Even though we don't know if it's a "go" I've been able to check out a lot of details and so far, so good. The only "downside" is the lease commitment, but often that goes along with a landlord who is particular about his/her tenants. We'll see what happens! Also, Google Earth is really fun! ;-)
yeah I love google earth, that's how I practically flew for the first time to Windsor, if you know what I mean:-) I would try yo talk to your landlord about leasing by the month, especially if your plans are to buy in the near future, just a thought.
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