Choosing a new roommate is serious business. Not only will you be spending a lot of your time in close proximity, you’re also making a serious commitment when you sign that lease – a commitment that will only become stressful if it turns out that you selected the wrong roomie.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Who better to ask about choosing the right roommate than a team of real estate management professionals, like Heers Management? We’ve seen and heard just about every horror story out there from dissatisfied and angry roommates. More often, we see people who enjoy each other’s company in a stress-free living situation and reap the financial rewards of splitting rent and utility bills.
Here’s how to make sure you find the perfect roommate:
- Be honest with yourself and your potential roommate. If you’re a person who needs to be asleep at 9pm, the time to say so is during your initial conversations. If you can’t promise that your dog won’t – on occasion – chew up shoes that have been left out, this is the time to ‘fess up.
- Ask personal questions that may make you both uncomfortable. The time to talk about boyfriend/girlfriend sleepover habits, credit ratings, and alcohol consumption isn’t after one or both of you is frustrated. Say: “I know this is very personal, but if we’re considering living together I think we should talk about…”
- Discuss household chores now. Regardless of your personal preferences on making beds, folding laundry, or dusting, you’re going to be sharing space. Talk about how to split those duties that will affect both of you. Will you be sharing a bathroom? Don’t put off a conversation about toilet scrubbing until you’ve both already moved in.
- Talk about money. Ask this question: “How much do you earn each month?” A person who won’t discuss income when they’re going to be responsible for half the rent and utilities is a person from whom you’d best steer clear. Make sure your potential new roommate has stable, reliable employment.
- This is not a friendship. If you and your new roomie want to hang out and eventually become best buds, that’s a huge plus, but it isn’t necessary. Plenty of people enjoy happy, successful living arrangements with people they don’t consider their best friends.
- Discuss prior roommate situations. How does your prospective roomie feel about other people he or she has lived with? If the feedback is negative, pay attention. Whether or not that person made prior living arrangements work is indicative of how well this new one will work, too.
- Ask: “What are your rules for a new roommate?” Remember, this person has concerns about you, too! Show him or her that you care about their preferences, and get the relationship started on a positive note.
Choose your new roommate carefully, and ensure that your Phoenix apartment living situation is pleasant and cordial. In the end, you’ll be glad you took the time – it’s a serious decision!