What To Look For In A New Property, By Moving Minx
On a personal but slightly money-related note, I’ve found somewhere to live! In Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city and my old hometown, which I haven’t lived in for 12 years (since I finished high school). One of the advantages of living in Wellington is that it’s surrounded - almost - by the sea and is very hilly so the chances of having a sea view are at least 78.25%.
I’m a flat-hunting veteran - I’ve lived in more flats than you’ve had hot dinners this month. When looking for a rental property, I’ve learned to ask the following questions, which have been upgraded since I was student when all I required was a roof of some sort and hopefully slightly human flatmates:
- How much is rent (obviously) but also what is the bond and are there agent’s fees? Can be crippling.
- Is there a carpark and how secure is it? Is there any parking for visitors? Or maybe you don’t want visitors in which case it doesn’t matter - release the hounds.
- How much sun does it get? Is there lots of natural light? Unless you are a goth you might want some.
- Is there any heating? Thermals aren’t sexy. On anyone.
- Are there shops/cafes etc nearby? Two words: morning coffee.
- Are there lots of light fittings and plugs (sockets, I believe they’re called in the US)? Some places are just badly wired.
- Is there a lawn to mow? Any comfortable outdoor spots? Don’t get lumbered with the gardening of a rental.
- Is it insulated and sound proof? Any construction/planes/trains/drum and bass fans nearby?
- Is it placed directly on a faultline? (All of Wellington is; small quakes are part of life)
No property is perfect and it’s hard for something to meet all of the criteria. My new house (rented) is pretty awesome but I have to drive to food and town. Still, so do most people.
What do you look for when you’re house hunting or flat hunting? Any sharp learning curves?
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2007 at 11:12 pm
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Here in America with the recent implosion of the housing market you can pick up a house for a song. In Detroit for instance you can buy a home for as little as $7,000 which is cheaper than a used car. So there is some pressure on flat owners to lower their rents.
What I look for in a property is location, location, location because this is key to future valuations. if you are far sighted you can purchase some property in America for very cheap and then say two decades down the road sell it for a fortune as some areas go through boom times.
What I really hate right now is the deed restricted properties that are very popular down here in Florida. There are just too many anal retentive people who want to get into your business to make themselves feel important. Look at your neighbors as well and see if you would get along with them because staying in a neighborhood where you are hated is not worth it.
August 24th, 2007 at 3:37 amTrue, neighbors can make or break a place.
I am nowhere near affording a house, but I could probably afford one in Detroit for $7K.
August 24th, 2007 at 7:46 amMinx- sorry this isn’t related, but I forgot to tell you something funny that happened at work the other day.
I had some down time and decided to check my favorite blogs, and when I went to go to yours, it was filtered as “sex” by our companies filtering/blocking nazi program called “Websense”. I couldn’t believe it!!!
I thought you might find that interesting…
August 24th, 2007 at 2:23 pmHehe, perhaps the ‘Minx’ upsets them. Or my scandalous, shoulder-revealing About Me photo.
On a serious note though, I’ve emailed them for an explanation. Thanks.
August 24th, 2007 at 3:35 pmSweet. Are we all invited to the housewarming party? I’ll bring jello!
August 24th, 2007 at 7:11 pmOf course you’re all invited! Unfortunately the Minx bank balance does not extend to flying you over, though
But if you’re in the neighborhood…
August 24th, 2007 at 7:34 pm