Saturday, March 2, 2013

House Hunting 101

Looking for a house before you live in an area is like smashing your face into a brick wall of stupidity. Now don't get me wrong I know that the economy sucks (I am a bartender I feel it everyday), but some of the rules and regulations they have in place now a days makes it nearly impossible for someone to relocate!

I have called and talked to at least 8 different management companies and attempted to contact 20+ apartment complexes and none of them are even willing to talk to me any more once they find out I am coming from out of state.

Things that make it impossible for me to find housing:
1. I have a dog (cats only)
2. I have a large dog (less than 20 lbs is all I hear)
3. I don't currently live in the area
4. I am a bartender so it makes #5 impossible to meet
5. I don't have proof of income at least 3x the rent amount (are you freaking kidding me!!)

  • we don't accept out of state income
  • we don't accept duel income, it must be provable on one statement
  • we can't accept any income that is not stated on a pay stub (I am a bartender my pay stub is $30 if I am lucky!!)
  • we don't accept letters of intent to hire that don't have your salary stated
6. The other 15 properties that I contacted never bothered to call me back ... apparently you are not that interested in filling your empty apartments
7. Having resorted to Craigslist:

  • only 1 in 20 respond back to your inquire
  • no one wants a large dog
  • CATS only
  • I have no idea what neighbor hoods they are talking about I have never lived in Portland before. 


I guess it has been a while since I have had to apply for housing, given that I lived in the same house in Ames for 5 years and moved in on a preexisting lease in Texas.  Even then the house in Ames was a move to a different rental but with in the same company so they didn't re-screen me so it has been a total of 9 years and things have defiantly changed.  Then now do a credit and background check, you have to have proof of income 3 or 4 times the amount of rent and the cost for having a pet is ridiculous.  That is if you can find a place that allows large dogs.   

Still looking but starting to feel discouraged.  Any one have an words of wisdom, or encouragement ...

Sláinte,
Kat


No comments:

Post a Comment