Wednesday, February 23, 2011

House vs. Apartment

I've lived in a lot of apartments in my life. There are good things and bad things about it, of course, just as there are in living in a house or actually owning a house.

I love my apartment. Love it. It has cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace, and a nice, open floor plan, plus red walls. I really like those red walls. It took me awhile to get the place to look exactly as I wanted it to, and I really enjoy it.

But...

I'm tired of the college boys across the hall slamming their door. And having visitors at all hours. And being generally rude.

And I'm tired of trudging up three flights of stairs. While it's good for cardio health, it stinks when you have your hands full of groceries, or you're sick, or you're just plain tired.

I'm also tired of the t.v. in my bedroom since there's no room for it in the living room (and I don't want it in the living room anyway) and it has made our bedroom the de facto "den."

And...I know my daughter is tired of not having a backyard to play in. That, perhaps more than any other reason, is why I've been looking for a house to rent. (We're not in a financial position to buy a house at this point since hubby is in college.)

The process hasn't been easy. We had some criteria: must accept an eccentric but loveable cat; must have a garage; must have a backyard; and, must have a dishwasher. But the ones I've looked at have either been terribly expensive (but really nice) or really cheap (and really dumpy). Finding one in-between has been a challenge.

But then I got an email from my church email list yesterday, and a member was advertising their house for rent. I read the description and it sounded perfect, so I emailed her and set up a showing for today.

When I drove up and looked around the neighborhood, I thought, This fits us. And when I went inside and saw all that space - room for a den! - room for an office! - I was ecstatic. My hubby was happy about the 2+ car garage and the dishwasher!

I met the landlady and wouldn't you know it - she's part of that generation that I understand. :-) She's 77 and a hoot. After chatting for awhile, we struck up a rapport and next thing I knew, I signed the lease.

We have a house now. With a backyard, room for a den, an office, and a dishwasher.

Though I despise the move itself, it will be worth it. I think God was looking out for us on this one - it fit our criteria and the price was right.

Now comes the tought part. Packing!

11 comments:

  1. Congrats, Melissa! That's great! (Email me and let me know whose house it is.)

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  2. Wow, thats great news! Good luck packing! ;-)

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  3. Wow, that sounds amazing! Hope the move goes well. I agree with you; I dislike the packing bit but figuring out where it all goes in a new space is exciting and worth it! :)

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  4. Sounds like the perfect place, and I'll bet your daughter will just love it ... I guess you'll be mooo-ving soon.

    Sorry, it's the cow thing ;)

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  5. Congratulations! That sounds like as perfect a house to rent as is possible, with a very cool landlady! I hope the move is smooth and easy and the new place is everything you hope for (and gives you a great writing spot!).

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  6. Melissa,
    I know you and your family will love your little house!
    Here's wishing you many wonderful times and good memories in it:)

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  7. We used to live on the third floor of an apartment building so I know all about lugging groceries up three flights of stairs. You'll love living in a house and it will make all the packing worth it.

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  8. Your new house sounds perfect, congratulations. I hope the move goes well too.

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  9. YAY!!!! So happy you found the right one! Can't wait to see your new office:))

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  10. Thanks for all the comments and good wishes, everyone!

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  11. When you find a place like this, it sure feels like it was meant to be. I hope the move is easy and painless! Congratulations.

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