Why Renting Isn’t Always a Bad Thing
When we decided to move to Charlotte in 2007, despite several trips to look at houses, we weren’t able to find what we needed. So, we decided to rent an apartment for a year. When trying to find a house in a new place, moving into an apartment can be unexpectedly helpful. Think of it as a stepping stone that gives everyone a chance to find his or her footing in a low-maintenance setting to decompress while you search.
The most important decision in house-hunting, or even finding an apartment or home to rent in the interim, is where. Do I move close to work? Which is the right school for the kids? Or are you focused totally on the area or subdivision you want to live in? Those questions need to be asked first, and renting before buying gives you time to consider your answers.
As mentioned in an earlier blog, my family moved to Charlotte because my son needed a special needs private school. However, we had a second child and a good school district was just as important for her. If this matters to you, too, find a rental in your preferred school district so your kids won’t have to transfer more than once. Ironically, three years later we moved our daughter to a private campus, just down the road from her brother’s school. While schools had been one of our “most important things” in deciding where to live, we ended up driving both kids to school. Despite that, we love our home and Charlotte location so the sacrifice has been worth it.
Getting back to renting, there are far more rental units to choose from these days than there were when my family moved to Charlotte over 10 years ago. You’ll find amazing apartments, many with pools and gyms on the premises. Some have dog parks with washing facilities, business centers, storage units, garages, 24-hour concierge services, and even a gourmet chef and free-flowing wine. Many newer apartments are being built within planned developments, conveniently close to restaurants and retail shops. Not a bad place to stay while you’re seeking your ideal home.
If you’re relocating and having trouble finding the right home immediately, don’t think of renting an apartment as giving up the hunt. How can you really be in the hunt if you’re not able to keep a constant eye and ear to where the ultimate prize lies and how to get there? You might discover that living in an apartment gives you the time, perspective and insight needed to scrutinize all your options and find the perfect new home for you.
A global relocation resource, Hali Jaffe loves helping people and provides experienced advice to ease the burdens of a personal or corporate move. You can contact her at hali@REALocationwithHali.com.