tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post7375524095742744650..comments2024-03-18T15:29:55.472-07:00Comments on Done by Forty: We're Getting a New HousemateDone By Fortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-23547558219889736032013-10-14T17:14:39.454-07:002013-10-14T17:14:39.454-07:00Ha! I hear you, Sam. Neither my wife or I have eve...Ha! I hear you, Sam. Neither my wife or I have ever had a place of our own, even a place we've lived in with just each other, so we don't know what we're missing. :) I'll definitely follow up in a bit to let you all know how it's going. At worst, a nightmare housemate situation makes for good copy.Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-74028714250045141782013-10-14T17:13:27.348-07:002013-10-14T17:13:27.348-07:00Hi Tara,
I hear what you're saying and I thi...Hi Tara, <br /><br />I hear what you're saying and I think we're of the same mindset. (Even though we ironically met N through our Craigslist ad for a roommate...no one said we were logical.)<br /><br />Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-52496161307516982932013-10-14T16:55:18.363-07:002013-10-14T16:55:18.363-07:00Oh man, I wish you good luck. Personally, I would ...Oh man, I wish you good luck. Personally, I would rather jab my pinky toe with a needle!<br /><br />Once I moved to a place of my own, I can't ever go back. I commend you guys for being frugal and making some side money! Let us know how it goes 3 months in!Financial Samuraihttp://financialsamurai.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-29749476227354628412013-10-14T14:46:46.668-07:002013-10-14T14:46:46.668-07:00I think having people you know live with you who y...I think having people you know live with you who you know to be relatively good people is much better than taking a chance with a stranger. My sister had a terrible experience with a tenant and prefers living with friends, even if it puts stress on the friendship.Tara @ Streets Ahead Livinghttp://streetsaheadliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-16948007479365203722013-10-14T10:26:43.480-07:002013-10-14T10:26:43.480-07:00Hi, Matt,
Yeah, I do think a short candid convers...Hi, Matt,<br /><br />Yeah, I do think a short candid conversation is in order, though I'm not really looking forward to it. Our thought was that losing the friendship is the biggest risk, too. Though I think having N move out has the same risks: we're a bit concerned the friendship might fizzle after moving out, just as we'd see each other less. So we'd like to delay that a bit if we can.Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-91422097214040457282013-10-14T10:24:59.901-07:002013-10-14T10:24:59.901-07:00That's a good point. Though since N has been p...That's a good point. Though since N has been paying the rent ($400) for the past couple years, and C's rent is more than that now, I'd think that they could cover the cost alone. But like you noted, the more awkward bit is deciding who would stay in a breakup (we'd probably push to keep N, since she was the original tenant).<br /><br />I hadn't thought about PDA but luckily they're not that kind of couple. I've yet to see them kiss, and they've been dating for nearly two years.Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-17926568511825621952013-10-14T10:23:13.503-07:002013-10-14T10:23:13.503-07:00That was our thinking, too. We feel like we got lu...That was our thinking, too. We feel like we got lucky with our past two housemates and, since she's lived here for two years, we're not excited about rolling the dice with another renter from Craigslist. So C moving in is a way to keep N around for another 9 months or a year (plus, we like C, too). Some rules might not be a bad idea, as the roost is about to get crowded...Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-56835955494896918662013-10-14T10:21:42.142-07:002013-10-14T10:21:42.142-07:00Hi C,
I have to admit I'm still holding on to...Hi C,<br /><br />I have to admit I'm still holding on to my younger days, as we don't have kids and having roommates, to me, still seems fun. It's nice to have people around to crack open a beer or share dinner with. Things will probably change in a few years but for now I think it works.Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-90100430524671752372013-10-14T09:59:57.176-07:002013-10-14T09:59:57.176-07:00The biggest risk here seems to be with the friends...The biggest risk here seems to be with the friendship. There's certainly the potential for people to get on each other's nerves, but I wouldn't necessarily make that a reason not to do it. It would probably be best just to have be honest and up front about recognizing that this is an experiment and may not work out to hopefully minimize hurt feelings if anyone (particularly you guys) want to move in a different direction at some point.Matt Beckerhttp://www.momanddadmoney.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-67247909058668403592013-10-14T08:33:20.299-07:002013-10-14T08:33:20.299-07:00One of my concerns would be with making sure that ...One of my concerns would be with making sure that rent gets paid if one decides to hit the road (ie, breakup). Then you get all kinds of awkward conversations - who stays, who goes, etc.<br />If you've got issues with public displays of affection, make sure you've got that sorted out so you don't come home to something you'd rather not see.Mom @ Three is Plentyhttp://3isplenty.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-19503646243671590542013-10-13T06:54:22.230-07:002013-10-13T06:54:22.230-07:00Well since you already rent out the space to N and...Well since you already rent out the space to N and know both N and C, it seems like it won't be a bad situation. While there is a risk of ruining a friendship, there is a bigger risk that you rent out the space to a complete stranger who you will not like at all. As long as you have some rules set up and people are reasonable, I think it'll be fine.Andrew@LivingRichCheaplyhttp://www.livingrichcheaply.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-24333801910145090552013-10-13T01:55:27.753-07:002013-10-13T01:55:27.753-07:00Ah, this is indeed a difficult situation to be in,...Ah, this is indeed a difficult situation to be in, and clearly the decision shouldn't be made on financial gains in the end because it's pretty obvious that you're not going to earn (or save) a lot more in the future from this arrangement. However, I do believe that having somebody who trust, know and especially like as a housemate is extremely important and even though things will get a bit more crowded, it will also be more fun, unless you're the really private type of person.<br /><br />Back in the student days I was renting a single room (not bedroom, single room!) apartment and at one point we were three people living in that 270 sq ft room and that lasted for two months. It was crowded but still an extremely interesting experience (which I wouldn't repeat now, but back then made sense). So anything is possible as long as you like the people you're sharing your house with and it always can get more crowded! :)C. the Romanianhttp://www.romaniaexperience.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-26642883758071845082013-10-12T18:21:12.394-07:002013-10-12T18:21:12.394-07:00Thank you, Emily! I definitely think that, while a...Thank you, Emily! I definitely think that, while a small benefit, things will get better from a financial perspective after C moves in. And yeah, we get along well. Thanks again for your kind words!Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-89604150210029381802013-10-12T18:20:02.436-07:002013-10-12T18:20:02.436-07:00Hi Anna! We may end up asking for a little more re...Hi Anna! We may end up asking for a little more rent if we can figure out a way to go about it without it getting awkward.<br /><br />C and I hung out last night and today, and I think it'll be a great fit from a cleanliness & cooking perspective. Right now I'm usually the only one that cooks and it turns out C is the same way...so now we'll have two guys cooking the meals for the ladies. He's also a clean freak about the kitchen, so it'll be nice to have the place be a little neater.Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-27301814599112049572013-10-12T16:37:45.606-07:002013-10-12T16:37:45.606-07:00A unique and creative approach to increasing incom...A unique and creative approach to increasing income, increasing your savings rate, and paying off your mortgage. I like that you had a housemate to start with and I don't think you'd be willing to let the boyfriend move in if he wasn't on the up and up. <br /><br />It's all about effective communication in this situations and as we have seen from your superb negotiation tuts, I would bet things turn out great. Good luck!Em Capito, LCSWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07690949620210399390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-10375266795255109302013-10-12T14:41:04.509-07:002013-10-12T14:41:04.509-07:00I agree with the others with possibly raising the ...I agree with the others with possibly raising the rent slightly, just because they take up more communal space. Otherwise, I think I would have done the same thing since it helps solve the convenience and getting familiar predicaments you mentioned. Perhaps it can even mean more convenience if household duties like cooking, cleaning, etc. are split amongst 4 people/2 couples! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-11338295891170546512013-10-12T10:46:25.454-07:002013-10-12T10:46:25.454-07:00That would have been nice, but at this point I wou...That would have been nice, but at this point I would rather just not make things awkward re: price. I don't care that much about the extra money, per se. I do like the idea of not having to prep the room, advertise it, meet various renters and try to decipher if they're going to be good housemates after knowing them for 30 minutes...it's a bit of the "devil you know" scenario.Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-66265733448256942822013-10-12T10:44:31.245-07:002013-10-12T10:44:31.245-07:00Thanks, Laurie! I agree that having an understandi...Thanks, Laurie! I agree that having an understanding ahead of time is a good idea to preserve the friendship.Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-6805932392548977382013-10-12T10:43:14.435-07:002013-10-12T10:43:14.435-07:00Good advice, Jen & Mrs. Pop. We've had a d...Good advice, Jen & Mrs. Pop. We've had a discussion about what some of the issues might be, but I think another candid talk about some of the worries (tension over noise & common areas, worries about impacts on the friendship, and how we'd resolve it if it came to a head) is a good idea. Thanks!Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-82785211916383808682013-10-12T09:12:35.963-07:002013-10-12T09:12:35.963-07:00I definitely would raise the rent. Too bad you did...I definitely would raise the rent. Too bad you didn't say that when N was planning to move. "Hey N, if you'd rather not move, C can move in with you for only an additional $100 plus utilities." You may end of hating each other for the first several months, as being in close quarters gets annoying, but if you can hang in there, living conditions should become routine.Bryce @ Save and Conquerhttp://www.saveandconquer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-43878436699747935132013-10-12T05:14:19.451-07:002013-10-12T05:14:19.451-07:00I think it could work out really well, but I'd...I think it could work out really well, but I'd make a "pact" of sorts beforehand that if things start to get testy on a regular basis, that they'll agree to move out quickly in order to save the friendshipLaurie @thefrugalfarmerhttp://www.thefrugalfarmer.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-6230618792226492392013-10-12T04:34:29.169-07:002013-10-12T04:34:29.169-07:00Jen, you took the words out of my mouth. You guys...Jen, you took the words out of my mouth. You guys are all grown ups and friends, so having a grown up "discussion" about how sharing the space is going to go seems pretty reasonable. <br /><br />My friend's brother unintentionally moved into my friend's house over a year ago. Now my friend can't get him to leave, and his brother's girlfriend is over almost all the time - bro kindly gave her a key. My friend gets home and hides in his bedroom because he doesn't want to disturb their "dinner and a movie" in the kitchen/living room. It sounds super awkward. Don't let this happen to you!Mrs PoP @ Planting Our Pennieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03092406694266872975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-81833118226628598402013-10-12T01:38:59.336-07:002013-10-12T01:38:59.336-07:00Perhaps you could share some of your thoughts with...Perhaps you could share some of your thoughts with N and C, even your fears of what the setup could lead to in terms of the friendship and all that. Then maybe agree that at the first sign that things are not working out, you all are going to have to amicably settle on what next best step to take. I don't know for sure really because I thought the size of the place would be able to accommodate all four people but then I haven't yet had anything similar to this in terms of experience. Jen @ Frugal Ruleshttp://www.frugalrules.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-61337269529589260382013-10-12T00:41:57.132-07:002013-10-12T00:41:57.132-07:00It's definitely a good deal for them. Back whe...It's definitely a good deal for them. Back when the missus and I were dating in California, we'd do the same thing: rent a room in a house (rather than get a 1 bedroom of our own), so our dog could use the yard and we'd get the benefits of a larger living room, kitchen, etc.. We always thought it was a better option for us, so giving the deal to another couple seems like a nice thing to do.<br /><br />We actually have thought of converting the garage as it's a separate structure, but the costs for running drainage plumbing (and the rest of the conversion) likely don't make for a great ROI.Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2980246226076317453.post-8126043598953378252013-10-12T00:39:29.562-07:002013-10-12T00:39:29.562-07:00He's from Cleveland, though I don't know i...He's from Cleveland, though I don't know if that's a good enough an excuse. :)<br /><br />Good point: it's easy for the missus to be in favor of the idea when she's on another continent. As for the amorous bit, I like to think of them as asexual buddies who just happen to sleep in the same bed.Done By Fortyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246597867355460723noreply@blogger.com