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 No money down home loan in SoCal?
Me and my husband have been renting for about 4 years. With house prices that have risen so high it seems almost impossible for us ever to be able to buy a home! My husband and I make "okay"...


 In what situation is it worthwhile taking out a loan from my 401k for a new home?
I'm trying to buy my first home, and found out awhile ago that I qualify for taking out money from my 401k to pay for my downpayment without being penalized for it. I believe I have to pay it ...


 Are property landlords supposed to put smoke alarms in propertys?
i live in a 2 bed terraced house rented through a private landlord . Are landlords legally supposed to fit fire alrms in the ...


 Has anyone ever gotten a home loan with low credit scores and only in business less than two years?

Additional Details
my score is 560, husbands is 520

(i've been establishing my credit for 6 months now)

we grossed 79,000 for our first year of ...


 Trying to find a way out of my lease?
I've been in my apartment for 3 months now and having a litte trouble with it's space. It's very small and I really regret signing the lease I did because it was the only apartment I ...


 Should I buy a condo even if I know I want to leave town in within a year?
...


 I bought a house before selling my old now struggling with bridging loan.how can i sell fast?
need to sell house fast market has slumped?(live in uk)...


 What are the usual reasons a house would stay on the market for an extended period?
And, pray explain each.

'Unmotivated seller' -- okay -- but, why would somebody go to the hassle of listing their house if they were quite so unmotivated?

'O...


 How often do you pay taxes for your house?
...


 Bad credit?
I apparently have REALLY bad credit. My lease is up at my apartment and I am looking to move. I put in an application for an apartment today and was denied because of my credit. I have never had a ...


 How to get rid of a tenant not paying?
a tenant is always late in paying me my money for rent
he is one month in arrears he is pays in 50 pound injections
this month he should of paied on the 27th nov
its now the 5th and he ...


 I have this tenant who has always been 1 day later on the rent since she has been here.
Should I say something to her? I know that it is one day, but I already spoke to her twice and I do not appreciate that one bit. Any suggestions?
Additional Details
I know it is not a ...


 What do you do if a tenant moves out and doesn't return their keys?
How long does a landlord typically wait before changing the lock and charging it to their deposit?
Additional Details
gafpromise, Is it really 30 days from the time they actually walk ...


 Apartment dwellers; do you hear the tenets above or below you?
...


 Daughters apt. burglarized can she terminate lease agreement?
My daughter walked into her apt. and found two young burglars there. She confronted them and they took her friends stuff not my daughters. She was threatened by one of the burglars that they would ...


 How do I buy an abandoned building?
There are a few properties around here that are extreamly old. There are buildings on it that obviously havn't seen human care in years. There is no for sale sign or anything like that. But I am ...


 Is it my or my landlords' responsibility to take care of a major weed problem?
I'M RENTING A HOUSE THAT'S ON THE MARKET FOR SALE. THERE IS A MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR CLAUSE WHICH STATES:
"LESSEE WILL, AT LESSEE'S SOLE EXPENSE, KEEP AND MAINTAIN THE LEASED...


 How to deal with tenant who does not pay the rent?
I recently leased a house (I do not live in the same city) to a family on 6-month lease term. They just moved in. But they are not paying even the 1st month rent and I found they are telling many ...


 If the tenents are only 25 days late on rent can you post a three day pay or quit notice?
Or do they have to be 30 days late?
Additional Details
...


 I have paid a mortgage loan for a friend and she promised to pay me back. she never paid me back and i want m
...



Lis
Any advice or suggestions on renting my first apartment?
I want to move out of my parent's house as soon as possible but I've never lived on my own. I would really like to rent an apartment. Any words of advice? Thanks in advance!
                     
 




Niki G
Rating
Make sure you research the area where the apartment is. Don't rely on the apartment complex to give you this information, they always try to gloss over less than desireable details. Try pulling up your local police department's website for crime stats in the area. Map out places that you will frequent like the grocery store, place of employment, salon, etc. Make sure these are convenient to get to from your new location.

Many first time renters are hit with unknown or unplanned expenses. Keep in mind that aside from rent, you will be paying utilities (lights, water-sewer, phone, gas), Cable or satellite service can get expensive. Stay away from those running "move-in specials". This usually means they are having occupancy problems.

Make sure you ask to view the lease agreement and any addenda you'll have to sign. Do this when you have narrowed your search to the complexes that appeal to you. Many apartment management companies have ridiculous late fees and even more ridiculous lease termination clauses. Stay away from anywhere that requires you to pay out the remainder of your lease in the event you'll have to terminate the agreement. A fair clause would charge you maybe an additonal month's rent to cancel your lease, but you may not get your deposit back. I would suggest not signing anything longer than a 6 month lease to start out--so that you're not tied down while you're testing the waters on your own.

When shopping around, make sure you view the ACTUAL apartment unit you will be living in. Many complexes will show you a model that's decorated (fine to look at too), But they will pull the old "bait and switch" trick, when it comes time to move it--your unit is totally different! If your unit is "not available" to view--wait until it is. Try to imagine how your things will fit into the unit and bring a tape measure. Take notes on everything to compare later. Including how friendly, helpful, and professional the office staff was.

When you are in the unit, check everything! Flush the toilets, open the windows, does it smell like mold, run the faucets, etc. Most newer complexes come equipped with sprinkler sytems, but all should have fire extinguishers.

All this may seem intimidating to a new renter who hasn't done their homework. Just take your time and don't let anything rush your decision. You've made an excellent decision and I commend you on your courage to step out on your own. The best of luck to you!


punkrockprincess
Rating
not too expensive but dont get one you have to work on or one that is infested with bugs..go with the inexspensive but not cheap, if you know what i mean


Justin H
Rating
Be realistic about your expectations. When you look at your income, try to figure what is the lowest you would expect to earn in a given month and use no more than 1/3 to 1/2 of that amount as the rent you can afford to pay. Remember that you need to budget for utilities (electric, gas, phone, cable, trash, water - some apartments pay some of those bills), car insurance, food, clothing, gas, etc.

When you find an apartment you like, you should be able to check with the utility company to get an idea of the average monthly bills for that address.

Because you don't have any rental history of your own you might need to have a co-signer or pay a large deposit for some utilities and for the apartment (but state and local housing laws limit what they can charge for the apartment).

The main thing is to be realistic about what you can afford. If you take home $700-$800 a month, don't think you can afford an apartment that costs $500 a month. You'll be in a bind after just a couple of months.

If you plan on having roommates, make sure it's someone you can trust. Even if it's a best friend, ask yourself if the person is responsible and trustworthy. And see if the manager is willing to sign a separate lease for each of you.


newmexicorealestateforms
Here is an interesting article you might want to read
First time renters:
http://realestate.msn.com/Rentals/Articlekip.aspx?cp-documentid=534310
Best of luck to you


Don't be taken for granted!
Rating
It is nice living on your own! I just recently moved out of my parents house, and its hard because you don't have mommy and daddy there anymore to pay for this or pay for that! Make sure that you have the money to move out though. Like having money in savings, your own checking account (When paying bills always write a check, just so you have something to lean back on if someone comes back to you saying you haven't paid this or that.) If your the only one going to be living in the apartment you really don't need anything too big. Living expenses are jumping constantly! Have fun and don't party too much! Hehe. Good Luck!!!


caspergrl
Rating
I'd like to preface this with, I'm not a lawyer, this is all just from personal experience and what I've learned. The best advice I can offer is to take the lease home with you once you find a place before signing it. Sit down and read it over thoroughly and ask questions about anything unclear. Apartment complexes are notorious for trying to con people. Ask about concessions! And if they tell you something get it in writing. Just because someone in the office says it's so doesn't necessarily mean that's the case.

Also, the day you move in they should give you a document where you can list any existing problems with the apartment. Document *everything* you find including the quality of the carpet, any stains/cracks/dents you may find. Otherwise, YOU could be the one they try to charge for it when you leave which could be for several hundred or more dollars.

Also, when you move out you have the right I believe to get a professional opinion of the cost of any repairs they may say you need to make (I'd recommend researching this for your state as it may vary). In our state you only have 5 days after your walkthrough to do this and our complex didn't bother to mention it. Otherwise they could try to hit you for hundreds of dollars in repairs that may really only cost a fraction of that. Don't expect your deposits to cover everything and don't expect to get them back! This isn't to say that no one ever gets them back but many folks don't for sometimes very petty fixes.

There are, I'm sure, good companies out there in the apartment business. But in my experience, there are some serious crooks too. And if you sign a lease you agree to everything they ask so buyer beware. Good luck!


x_nullcipher_x
Get a roommate


deneejosh23
Hopefully you are staying in an area that you are familiar with. If you can I would advise you to do a lot of research. Go to different websites like Rent.com or apartments.com and compare, compare, compare. Also, I would advise only signing a six month lease as it is less time you have to spend if you do not like it. Once you have narrowed it down to a few places, check them out. Look at the apartments with a person from the office. I would go home and think about the apartment before you give a deposit or sign anything, as alot of places will try to pressure you to make a decision before leaving. So don't fall into their trap unless you are very sure you want to live there. Good Luck!


jessikafessika
Rating
try to get an apartment with as many utilities as possible included. also you want an apartment that includes appliances (fridge and stove).
- get cleaning supplies at the dollars store - they are really cheap and are brand names. you save a lot of money there.
- dont over shop - its hard to learn to shop for yourself when you live by yoursef. you end up buying too much food - or too little. it takes skill and expierence to learn exact portions.
- you can get really cheap quality furniture at amvets or salvation army. even though its used they are usually in good condition. if you feel strange about buying a used couch - make or buy a cover for it.
- depending on where you live - get storm windows for winter.
- check water pressure in shower before you move in - other wise you might be miserable and with dry skin.
- depending on what area you move in - you can usually tell a lot about the neighborhood by the sidewalk around building - like if it sparkles - its because cars are broken into a lot.


irish girl
if you will be living by yourself-i suggest getting an apartment on the top floor. it's safer that way. and to start off just get what you need. a bed-1 dresser,couch and few kitchen things. you don't wanna go out and buy all this stuff right off the bat. besides secutiry deposit-alot of time you might have to put a deposit on power,phone,cable etc. just do the basics to start.

also-if you can handle a room mate at 1st-i suggest that. going from mom & dad's to toally alone is a big change.

get your feet wet before you jump all the way in the pool

good luck


Jack S
Make sure your new apt. has plenty of light coming in. That will help your Mary Jane grow operation . use the money you make from selling the smoke dope to pay your rent.


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