As the school year comes to an end, moving back in next fall is on the minds of many students.
Many of the freshmen currently living in the residence halls want to find a new place to live next year, whether they’re moving to reduce the cost of living or simply to try something new.
To find a home, students can try a variety of property management companies, such as Bell Real Estate or Chinook Properties. Once students find a house, they must deal with the issue of applying. For most students, this means lining up cosigners to prove to companies that they’ll be able to pay the rent each month.
“If you don’t have a job or steady income, you have to have some sort of guarantee that you can pay,” said Lindsay Walsh, a student living in a residence hall.
According to the Bell Real Estate rental application, a $25 screening fee is necessary for every cosigner. Unless the renter has two years of rental experience and six months of continuous employment with one employer, he or she must get a cosigner to prove he or she has a steady source of income. Having a cosigner often means getting a parent to sign the paper saying a student will have the necessary funds.
Those searching for a home to rent can visit the Realtor’s Web site or call the agency personally and have it search its database.
The Chinook Properties Web site features detailed information about pricing, utilities and other things, such as whether smoking or pets are allowed inside the home.
“Most of the houses we saw didn’t allow pets or smoking,” Walsh said.
For many students, all the conveniences of online searching can still mean a long and frustrating process before finding something suitable.
“We probably pursued seven to 10 homes before getting something we were happy with,” Walsh said.
When beginning the search process, students can either decide to pursue independent homeowners looking to rent out their properties or large realty companies that manage the properties for homeowners.
Internet communities such as craigslist act as a searchable home database that can be useful for students looking for homes. Negotiating with a homeowner directly can often mean an easier time for the student searching for the home.
“Independent sources are better because they’re a lot more casual,” Walsh said.
There are some basic necessities that may be on the minds of students as their searches progress.
“Sunlight was important,” Walsh said.
Other things, such as the ability to have parties and barbecues, affect people’s perceptions as they tour homes and consider possibilities.
“I’d really like to be able to throw parties and have a good time,” Merrill said.
The freedom to drink alcohol and make noise is appealing to a lot of students who want a house.
Some students learn that the perfect home doesn’t exist.
“You really have to compromise on what you want,” Walsh said. “No house is going to be perfect.”
Moving on: Life after the dorms
Daily Emerald
May 25, 2006
Conner Jay
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