I am an IT professional living in an apt opp the beachwood mall. My roommate will be vacating soon and I am looking for a new roommate. What is the best way to look for roommates in Cleveland? Any ideas?

I am an IT professional living in an apt opp the beachwood mall. My roommate will be vacating soon and I am looking for a new roommate. What is the best way to look for roommates in Cleveland? Any ideas?

 

Live alone!  Live alone!

 

References from close friends & associates.  But it't up to you to do a background check.

 

Or you could hire an agency.

What kind of agencies are you talking about.

 

Living alone is not an option, the rent for the 2Bed/2Bath apartment is too high for me to handle myself.

Seriously, I would stick with people I've known for several years.  If one isn't available, I'd wonder if I could make it through my lease and find a 1br place after.

I have thought about 1 bed apts and just feel like 2 beds are a much better deal. Consider this - I live in Beachwood and in my apt complex a 1 bed is $1000 and a 2 bed is $1300 ($650 each). Plus you get a roommate with whom you can do stuff together.

What kind of agencies are you talking about.

 

Living alone is not an option, the rent for the 2Bed/2Bath apartment is too high for me to handle myself.

 

Have you thought about moving? or is that not an option?  I think there is a roommate.com site.

 

Can you job help?  We have a corporate "board" where people can list goods or services.  I know a lot of company's have sites like that.

Well the lease is not over until end of July so I need to stick around until then. Yes I can move but go where? Prior to looking for this place I looked in numerous places and there are many threads I started on this forum related to that. I researched all the areas in cleveland where I would be comfortable and felt the hamptons apt in beachwood area was the best place to live. I cant think of any other place that could compare to it. I have a 2 bed/2 bath place and my share is around $700. Some of the best 1 bed apts in the area with half the amenities provided here cost much more.

ok.  I guess you like it over there.

Two br is always a better deal.  But no offense, if I'm paying that much to have a roommate, we're talking about a serious girlfriend.  For $1000/month you could have a decent 2br house of your own.  It may be difficult to find people in the roommate-having stage of life who are able to spend that kind of money on an apartment.  I had a similar problem recently and found that decent roommates are very hard to come by once you hit 30.

 

I would first try to find someone through work or through friends, someone who is "pre-screened" as much as possible.  You could also check out colleges like Notre Dame or John Carroll.  They often have roommate bulletin boards.

craigslist?

I would get s second job and not get a roomate.

I would get s second job and not get a roomate.

 

Sounds like a plan!

Why is everyone here so ngative about roommates. Its so boring living by yourself.

Two things:  unlucky past experiences and a need to control my fate.  Last month my whole world almost crashed when my roommate wanted to move out before we had originally agreed.  Similar problem to the one you have right now, but worse for me at the time because of unique factors.

 

If you like having roommates, even random ones, more power to you.  It is a more economical way to live.  But you can be left hi and dry at the most inopportune times.

Why is everyone here so ngative about roommates. Its so boring living by yourself.

 

Because you can do what you want, when you want, without having to consider anyone else.

 

I don't think I could ever be n a live together relationship again, because of the way I feel.  I want my house, my way - period.  More importantly, I can't afford to share any closet space.

I had some of the worst experiences with roommates while in college, I swore that when I got out, I would work 2 jobs if I had to so that I never had to have another one, and that I would never live with anyone again unless it was someone I was in a romantic relationship with.  And sometimes, I've had to work THREE jobs at a time to afford it, but to me it's been wonderful. I find nothing boring about: being alone, being able to do what I want, when I want, about having as much milk in the carton as I left in there, about not having someone borrow my clothes or not have the money for the cable, phone or rent bills or about trying to sleep while they are partying or screwing someone loudly in the other room, about having to deal with the "politics" of inviting them out somewhere when I really don't want them to go, about having their family and friends underfoot when I don't need it, about having to wait to use the bathroom, about the bathroom/bedroom/kitchen being a pigsty because of the way they left it, I could go on and on all day.

Two things:  unlucky past experiences and a need to control my fate.  Last month my whole world almost crashed when my roommate wanted to move out before we had originally agreed.  Similar problem to the one you have right now, but worse for me at the time because of unique factors.

 

If you like having roommates, even random ones, more power to you.  It is a more economical way to live.  But you can be left hi and dry at the most inopportune times.

 

I've never had that experience, since I've never rented for more than a summer, while in college. 

 

The above is what scare me the most.  My financial and housing stability is dependant on another person.  If they chose to run out prior to the lease or don't pay their share of the rent, I could be liable.  Then the snowball of credit and trying to obtain housing going forward is an issue.

I had some of the worst experiences with roommates while in college, I swore that when I got out, I would work 2 jobs if I had to so that I never had to have another one, and that I would never live with anyone again unless it was someone I was in a romantic relationship with.  And sometimes, I've had to work THREE jobs at a time to afford it, but to me it's been wonderful. I find nothing boring about: being alone, being able to do what I want, when I want, about having as much milk in the carton as I left in there, about not having someone borrow my clothes or not have the money for the cable, phone or rent bills or about trying to sleep while they are partying or screwing someone loudly in the other room, about having to deal with the "politics" of inviting them out somewhere when I really don't want them to go, about having their family and friends underfoot when I don't need it, about having to wait to use the bathroom, about the bathroom/bedroom/kitchen being a pigsty because of the way they left it, I could go on and on all day.

 

Try living with 10 relatives, all between the ages of 18-22.  Nothing compares to that.

Two things: unlucky past experiences and a need to control my fate. Last month my whole world almost crashed when my roommate wanted to move out before we had originally agreed. Similar problem to the one you have right now, but worse for me at the time because of unique factors.

 

If you like having roommates, even random ones, more power to you. It is a more economical way to live. But you can be left hi and dry at the most inopportune times.

 

I've never had that experience, since I've never rented for more than a summer, while in college.

 

The above is what scare me the most. My financial and housing stability is dependant on another person. If they chose to run out prior to the lease or don't pay their share of the rent, I could be liable. Then the snowball of credit and trying to obtain housing going forward is an issue.

 

Yes, all of that.  I was in an absolute panic. 

Two things:  unlucky past experiences and a need to control my fate.  Last month my whole world almost crashed when my roommate wanted to move out before we had originally agreed.  Similar problem to the one you have right now, but worse for me at the time because of unique factors.

 

If you like having roommates, even random ones, more power to you.  It is a more economical way to live.  But you can be left hi and dry at the most inopportune times.

 

I've never had that experience, since I've never rented for more than a summer, while in college. 

 

The above is what scare me the most.  My financial and housing stability is dependant on another person.  If they chose to run out prior to the lease or don't pay their share of the rent, I could be liable.  Then the snowball of credit and trying to obtain housing going forward is an issue.

 

Yes, all of that.  I was in an absolute panic. 

I don't blame you.  If I were you I'd still be in a panic.  I felt really bad for you.  Something like would wreck my nerves and send me back to drinking coffer by the gallons.

Moral of the story:  if you need stability, you're better off alone.  Tying yourself financially to someone else is risky.  You are kind of in a pickle now, because of a roommate, are you not?  I grew to love living alone and I'm anxious to get back to it.  You may find over time that you like it more than you expect to.  Everyone's different.

It happened to me in college, the roommate suddenly decided she didn't have any more money for school and dropped out and went home in the middle of the semester. But it was COLLEGE so I was able to find someone else fairly quickly.  In the real world outside of a college town, it's not that easy and can be a nightmare.

 

re: 10 relatives - you crazy!

Well I have had some terrible experiences in the past too

 

1. The first one was during summer in college, my roommate sublet his apt to a much older guy with a kid in hos 40s. He was mentally unstable and would get drunk and shout and scream at us when he got back. Back then I didnt know the law and was too young so never called the cops on him.

 

2. Again in college, one of my roomates turned out to be a complete hobo. Never paid the rent and never cleaned up and we ended up getting evicted

 

3. Then my firm made me share an apartment and this dude loved to cook omlettes with tons on onion at 1 in the morning !!! and stick up the whole place.

 

But even after all this I like to see the better side of my past and I have had many roommates that have made it financially and psychologically easier to live in a new city.

Good point, I could have used a roommate my first year alone in a new city after college.  Based on my recent kerfluffle, I would just advise you to get all aspects of your arrangement, especially timeframes and reasons for them, hammered out clearly in advance.  And be honest with yourself when evaluating the other side's ability and intent to follow through.  I did not do these things as well as I could have, this last time...

So far I have had two people look at the place. One is a lawyer and the other a manager at a restaurant so they both seem to have the financial ability to pay rent. However it would be nice to find someone that is somewhat compatible so we can may be sometimes do things together.

re: 10 relatives - you crazy!

 

Remember I'm from a huge family.  29 out of 32 cousins went to Ohio State. One went to Alabama, one left the country and one is still in elemntary school (don't ask.  It's awkward having a 10 year old cousin).

 

It was cheaper to buy a house, fix it up and have all of us live there and pay rent then to live on campus.

 

My freshmen year, me and my four cousins entered OSU, my brother and cousin were already there.  The next year, three more kids attended bring the total to 10.  From '84 to '98 there were on average 8 kids at Ohio State.  That house was nutz, but I would never do it again.

 

In two years, the cycle will start over again.  Off the top of my head there are 14 kids that would enter OSU in the fall of '10.

 

 

Everyone is different.  I don't think I ever felt bored in all my years of living on my own.  I did want some companionship at one point, and I got a cat.  Case closed.

Everyone is different.  I don't think I ever felt bored in all my years of living on my own.  I did want some companionship at one point, and I got a cat.  Case closed.

 

That's how I feel right now, minus the cat. 

 

At one point, my brother, Skank-in-law, and three kids lived with me and my Ex.  I loved it because I could spoil them to death.  Then they moved to my parents house.  :'(  I was depressed then because I missed the pitter patter of their little feet and them jumping on the bed every morning to wake my Ex up or seeing them waiting in the elevator and scream "surprise" when I got home at 4:25 PM.  Oh lawd, now I'm depresssed.  Why did kids have to grow up??!!

 

My grandmother constantly says, "I don't know why you live in that big old apartment all alone"

 

I like it.  It's my sanctuary and labratory all rolled into one.

Why is everyone here so ngative about roommates. Its so boring living by yourself.

I was never bored or lonely. I only had a roomate once in my life- and she was actually great. But I liked living alone and often worked 2 jobs to keep it that way. You cannot put a price on peace and quiet. Life is hard enough, I don't need to come home to potential problems.

Why is everyone here so ngative about roommates. Its so boring living by yourself.

I was never bored or lonely. I only had a roomate once in my life- and she was actually great. But I liked living alone and often worked 2 jobs to keep it that way. You cannot put a price on peace and quiet. Life is hard enough, I don't need to come home to potential problems.

AMEN

Have you looked into buying a place instead of renting?

Buying a place is not sensible at all in this environment. Firstly I would like to move to California in a few years. Secondly, I pay something like $10000 a year on rent, buying a house will cost me a whole lot more.

Buying a place is not sensible at all in this environment. Firstly I would like to move to [glow=red,2,300]California [/glow]in a few years. Secondly, I pay something like $10000 a year on rent, buying a house will cost me a whole lot more.

 

You really want to do that?  In this "buyers" market, I would suggest looking at buying a condo.  You can get some great deals right now.

Like the $18,000 unit for sale in my building's basement.

Let's see, $18,000; 20% down:

 

Down Payment: $3,600.00

Amount Financed: $14,400.00

Monthly Payment: $91.02

 

Annual payment: $1092.24

 

Leaves you a lot of that $10,000 for upgrades!

 

Ha, that's a fraction of what I pay to share a rental.  That's like a monthly utility bill, for owning a condo.  Not bad.  Fees should be added on though.  My friend looked at one near Shaker and the annual fee was more than the sale price.  They're not all like that but it's an important factor.

Ha, that's a fraction of what I pay to share a rental.  That's like a monthly utility bill, for owning a condo.  Not bad.  Fees should be added on though.  My friend looked at one near Shaker and the annual fee was more than the sale price.  They're not all like that but it's an important factor.

 

I bet it was either moreland courts or shaker courts.  The fees for new owners is crazy because the buildings are historic and the units HUGE.

 

However the fees associated are worth every penny.

 

 

 

You guys are advising me to buy a house !!!! Is anybody in america buying a house except people on the HGTV shows.

 

Dont you watch the news and all? Nobody is buying any real estate because getting a loan is close to impossible unless you have greater than 750 credit score.

 

Are there houses out there for $18,000. Sure there are? But what kind of neighborhood is that. And what will the value of this house be 2 years from now if I lose my job. If I have to buy a house it doesnt make any sense to buy something so ridiculously cheap. I have been looking at Howard Hanna and a decent house would cost around $250,000 for a 2 bed/2 bath place. Thats 50 grand for 20% down payment. May be I should get a MBA with all that money.

Um, TONS of people are buying houses right now.  TONS.

 

I'm not saying you should buy a house, but it is a complete fabrication that "nobody is buying right now."  It is a buyers market and we go out with our realtor every couple of weeks to look at houses and he is closing deals left and right, and he is no big wheeler dealer in the local real estate market.

Even though this thread is not about traffic tickets, after getting 2 in 2 days I am still going to rant about them here. Why are there traffic cops all over the town !!! They are everywhere. I got a ticket for expired license plate and another for not wearing a belt (Actually he had pulled me over for expired license plate originally). Well I was wearing a belt but when he came over I removed it to pull stuff out of my jacket, so he gave me a ticket for that. But why would they run plates at random? This is my 4th ticket in Cleveland and I have never got tickets before. The first two were for speeding in a 25mph zones!!!

You guys are advising me to buy a house !!!! Is anybody in america buying a house except people on the HGTV shows.

 

Dont you watch the news and all? Nobody is buying any real estate because getting a loan is close to impossible unless you have greater than 750 credit score.

 

Are there houses out there for $18,000. Sure there are? But what kind of neighborhood is that. And what will the value of this house be 2 years from now if I lose my job. If I have to buy a house it doesnt make any sense to buy something so ridiculously cheap. I have been looking at Howard Hanna and a decent house would cost around $250,000 for a 2 bed/2 bath place. Thats 50 grand for 20% down payment. May be I should get a MBA with all that money.

 

Um.  Have you looked as Shaker Square or Lakewood (the unit in KJPs complex)? I would even say look at Cleveland Heights or Shaker Heights.

 

This unit in Shaker Courts is available and a steal.

http://realestateexperts2.ohio.remax.com/listings/ListingDetail_r4.aspx?LID=67669220

 

Hell they have a view of my damn house!  Thats a selling plus right there!

 

Shaker Towers has two units available and the (western) views are killer!

http://www.shakertowers.com/suites.html

 

Plus it has a fabulous garden

http://blog.cleveland.com/lifestyles/2008/08/shaker_towers_residents_cheris.html

 

 

This unit in my complex.  and I know you're not going to say I live in a "questionable" complex or neighborhood?!

http://realestateexperts2.ohio.remax.com/listings/ListingDetail_r4.aspx?LID=67666313

 

Yes, a lot of people are buying homes!  What exactley do you think is happening?

 

The value of a home you buy today, will only increase in 2 years, your keeping your job will have nothing to do with its value.

 

A 2bed/2bath $250,000 home is not a starter home and besides, never spend that much money for a 2 bedroom house.  I am guessing this is not a house but a condo you speak of.

 

We are giving you legitimate options on saving some money, building equity, instead of wasting it on rent.

 

Do what you want.

Because they generate huge amounts of revenue.

 

You have to know where they regularly sit for one thing (speed traps); only time, experience and other Clevelanders can tell you that.  Are you getting ticketed regularly in the same area?  If so, they are on the lookout for you and you should be considerably more careful whenever traveling in that particular area. 

 

FWIW, I got tons of tickets on the E side when I worked there. I think the first year I worked there I got pulled over 4 times and got 1 ticket, then I got another ticket the next year.  I fought most of them in court and won; a couple I did not.  I have never gotten a speeding ticket on the W side.  I did get a moving violation for supposedly turning R on red without a complete stop, which I couldn't win, and I got parking tickets in Lakewood, but no speeding tickets. IIRC, you are on the E side. So quit speeding when you're over there.

You guys are advising me to buy a house !!!! Is anybody in america buying a house except people on the HGTV shows.

 

Dont you watch the news and all? Nobody is buying any real estate because getting a loan is close to impossible unless you have greater than 750 credit score.

 

Are there houses out there for $18,000. Sure there are? But what kind of neighborhood is that. And what will the value of this house be 2 years from now if I lose my job. If I have to buy a house it doesnt make any sense to buy something so ridiculously cheap. I have been looking at Howard Hanna and a decent house would cost around $250,000 for a 2 bed/2 bath place. Thats 50 grand for 20% down payment. May be I should get a MBA with all that money.

 

Umm, not true about the credit score thing.  In addition, you currently live in Beachwood.  Of course you're saying a house is going to cost you $250,000.  When we were looking at places to buy, Beachwood/Shaker Heights was quickly ruled out because of the high cost and high taxes on top of it.  Is there a reason you have to stay in that area?  I mean, I like that area too, but I left, and I don't regret it one bit.

I didnt mean to be rude or anything, I will be the first to admit that I dont know much about buying a house but listening to all the real estate woes from people, buying a house seems to be the wrong direction to go. What is the value of a starter home in this area. What is a starter house anyways? A 1 bed room house?

 

Yes, a lot of people are buying homes! What exactley do you think is happening?

 

The value of a home you buy today, will only increase in 2 years, your keeping your job will have nothing to do with its value.

 

A 2bed/2bath $250,000 home is not a starter home and besides, never spend that much money for a 2 bedroom house. I am guessing this is not a house but a condo you speak of.

 

We are giving you legitimate options on saving some money, building equity, instead of wasting it on rent.

 

Do what you want.

I can tell you we have been looking at houses for quite awhile and you can get a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house for almost half the cost you list.  I hate to sound like a broken record (if anyone knows what that is anymore), but perhaps the E side is your problem.

I can tell you we have been looking at houses for quite awhile and you can get a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house for almost half the cost you list. I hate to sound like a broken record (if anyone knows what that is anymore), but perhaps the E side is your problem.

 

Not so much even the eastside.  We were looking at a new construction subdivision last year in Richmond Heights where you can get a 1700 sq ft 3 bed, 2.5 bath house starting in the mid 140s.  Just get outta Beachwood/Shaker if you don't have a child to send to school!

Wow this is amazing. I could easily afford any of these. May be I was looking at houses in the wrong places. I will take a look at these places over the weekend. I know shaker heights well, a friend of mine used to live there and the lake close by is beautiful.

 

You guys are advising me to buy a house !!!! Is anybody in america buying a house except people on the HGTV shows.

 

Dont you watch the news and all? Nobody is buying any real estate because getting a loan is close to impossible unless you have greater than 750 credit score.

 

Are there houses out there for $18,000. Sure there are? But what kind of neighborhood is that. And what will the value of this house be 2 years from now if I lose my job. If I have to buy a house it doesnt make any sense to buy something so ridiculously cheap. I have been looking at Howard Hanna and a decent house would cost around $250,000 for a 2 bed/2 bath place. Thats 50 grand for 20% down payment. May be I should get a MBA with all that money.

 

Um. Have you looked as Shaker Square or Lakewood (the unit in KJPs complex)? I would even say look at Cleveland Heights or Shaker Heights.

 

This unit in Shaker Courts is available and a steal.

http://realestateexperts2.ohio.remax.com/listings/ListingDetail_r4.aspx?LID=67669220&#

 

Hell they have a view of my damn house! Thats a selling plus right there!

 

Shaker Towers has two units available and the (western) views are killer!

http://www.shakertowers.com/suites.html

 

Plus it has a fabulous garden

http://blog.cleveland.com/lifestyles/2008/08/shaker_towers_residents_cheris.html

 

 

This unit in my complex. and I know you're not going to say I live in a "questionable" complex or neighborhood?!

http://realestateexperts2.ohio.remax.com/listings/ListingDetail_r4.aspx?LID=67666313&#

 

thx doc.  I should also mention I am not talking about foreclosed or demolished homes, I am talking those in move-in condition that include all the appliances.

I didnt mean to be rude or anything, I will be the first to admit that I dont know much about buying a house but listening to all the real estate woes from people, buying a house seems to be the wrong direction to go. What is the value of a starter home in this area. What is a starter house anyways? A 1 bed room house?

 

Yes, a lot of people are buying homes!  What exactley do you think is happening?

 

The value of a home you buy today, will only increase in 2 years, your keeping your job will have nothing to do with its value.

 

A 2bed/2bath $250,000 home is not a starter home and besides, never spend that much money for a 2 bedroom house.  I am guessing this is not a house but a condo you speak of.

 

We are giving you legitimate options on saving some money, building equity, instead of wasting it on rent.

 

Do what you want.

A "starter home" is the term people use to when saying they buying their "first" home.  Typically they are in working class neighborhoods.  A "starter home" is usually typically under 21k square feet and moderately priced.  It's a home that is traded for a more expensive property once you gain equity in the property.