© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 1 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona How to Locate A Living Space

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 2 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Introduction Needs and Wants Determining Housing Costs Housing Options Locating a Living Space Reading an Ad for a Living Space Rental Search Checklist Completing an Application form

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 3 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Group Wants & Needs

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 4 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Needs and Wants Space Location Amenities Parking Miscellaneous

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 5 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona What spaces are most important to you?

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 6 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Space How many rooms are needed? Will there be roommates? Monthly charges are typically more affordable when people share the cost Size of the rooms (total square feet) Number of bathrooms Garage What is the size of the garage? Storage Space Yard

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 7 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Located near what?

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 8 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Location Distance from work, schools, shopping, laundromat, family, friends Consider the walking/biking distance from school, work, recreational areas, shopping Minimize transportation expenses Neighborhood Safety Quality of schools, streets, and homes Presence of police, fire, and emergency services Geographic location Urban, suburban, rural

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 9 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona What “extras” are important?

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 10 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Amenities Amenities include utilities like heat, electricity, garbage, water, and other features like Internet and telephone service Heat- Examples include electric, gas, and radiant Different heating sources cost different amounts of money Power- Examples include solar, gas, electric, and wind Different power sources cost different amounts of money and have different affects on the environment IMORTANT: Who is responsible for paying each bill? Landlord is the person who owns the rental unit Tenant, or renter, is the one who rents the property

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 11 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Amenities Amenities also include access to swimming pool, golf course, laundry facilities, tennis courts, open common areas, club house, playground areas, conservation areas, walking trails, boat slips, marina access IMPORTANT: Who is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of these areas? Homeowners association- monthly dues amount? Condo owners – monthly dues amount? Individual homeowners

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 12 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona What are Your Parking Requirements? Let’s suppose there are two people living in a space. Unfortunately, there is only one covered parking spot next to the living space. Who gets the covered parking and who has to park a block away on the side of the street? The amount of available parking spaces may become more important when considering this scenario.

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 13 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Parking Location/size Covered areas, private, security Number of vehicles allowed (for self and guests) Permits needed Fees charged

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 14 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Miscellaneous Washer and dryer Are hookups or machines provided? Private or common area Dishwasher Are hookups or machines provided? Smoking Pets Fireplace Hot tub Snow removal and lawn maintenance

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 15 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Determining Housing Costs Important to choose a rental unit one can afford Create a spending plan Spending plan is a financial statement used to assist in money management and track income and expenses Based on this, determine what can be spent on rent and amenities Rent is the payment made in exchange for occupying another’s land or property, usually paid to landlord or property manager Property manager is a person who works for the owner to find/screen tenants, collect rent, maintain property, and respond to tenants’ needs

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 16 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Is it Really Affordable? It is important to choose an affordable living space. Remember that while a person may be able to afford the rent and other costs associated with a living space, they may not have extra money to go to the movies or even buy groceries for example.

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 17 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Housing Costs General rule: Households should spend 30% or less of their net income on housing, not including amenities Things to keep in mind when determining costs: Determine maximum monthly amount (including amenities) you can afford and stay below that Compare the costs of living spaces One space may not include amenities in the rent, where another space will. Add in expected costs to compare the two

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 18 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Housing Costs Compare one time costs, like security deposits Security deposit is money paid in advance of moving in to be used for repairs beyond normal wear and tear Compare repeated costs - have to drive 20 miles one way to work, gas costs, wear & tear on vehicle,

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 19 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona What are the housing options? Brainstorm group

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 20 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Housing Options Houses-Single housing units usually surrounded by a yard, varying in size Apartments-Sets of rooms on one floor or a building used as separate residence spaces Studio apartments-Usually one room with separate space for kitchen and bathroom, not divided rooms Mobile homes-Manufactured house that is capable of being moved

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 21 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Housing Options Condominiums-Single apartment in a multiple housing structure, that can contain multiple stories, garages, and yards Duplexes-Two apartments, situated side-by-side, sharing common wall Rooms-Private rooms located within another structure Residence halls-Usually located on college or university campuses and available for attending students

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 22 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Locating a Living Space What sources can help you to find a living space? Friends and family members- If in the area you wish to inhabit Newspaper Classifieds-Obtain these through newspapers as soon as possible for increased opportunities for the living space you want Bulletin boards-Homeowners and property managers post listings this way Internet-Great way to start searches from distant locations

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 23 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Locating a Living Space Yellow pages- Search under “Apartment Rentals” and call apartment or property management offices Local Chamber of Commerce- Valuable resource when relocating Rental agencies/real estate agencies- Hold postings for rental spaces In front of living space- Owners often post a sign when spaces are available

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 24 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Rent vs. Lease Brainstorm: Why do some people buy while others lease? List advantages of renting……..disadvantages List advanatages of buying……..disadvantages

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 25 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Rent Advantages & Disadvantages Rent: Advantages Mobility Maintenance by landlord Less commitment Usually costs less Less risk More time for recreation, etc since landlord maintains property Rent: Disadvantages Build no equity Remodel/decorating limitations Rent increases possible Lease non-renewals No pets Limited space No tax breaks

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 26 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Purchase Advantages & Disadvantages Ownership: Advantages Build Equity Can remodel/decorating No worry of lease non-renewal Pride in ownership Less limitations – pets Ownership: Disadvantages Less mobility Payments higher than rent; Less money for other expenses Budget strained Maintenance required Long term commitment Projects cost

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 27 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Reading an Advertisement For a living Space Abbreviations are often used in advertisements for living spaces BR-Bedroom BA-Bathroom W/D-Washer/Dryer (may be hookups or machines) DW-Dishwasher FROG-Finished Room over Garage

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 28 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Reading an Advertisement NS- No smoking NP- No pets (may be negotiable-you may pay more if you have pets) F/P-Fireplace AC- Air conditioner W/S/G-Water, Sewer, and Garbage

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 29 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Brainstorm Search Check List

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 30 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Rental Search Checklist Helpful to take a checklist of desired features while walking through rental units Makes it easy to remember what was liked and disliked from place to place May be difficult if one is not able to take a walk through A person may be able to take a virtual tour or model and use the checklist Sample Check List: Number of rooms Windows in BR, BA Overall space (square footage) Closets Appliances Air conditioning Pets restrictions

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 31 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Completing an Application Form If an individual locates a living space they would like to rent, they should complete an application form An application form is a document used to determine if a person’s credit history, financial stability, and references make them a worthy candidate All information on this form should be truthful, factual, and answered completely

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 32 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Application Form Before returning the application, a person should ask some questions: Is there an application fee? If there is a fee, how much is it? Will this fee be returned if the application is denied? Is there a waiting list? If there is a list, what is the estimated time wait?

1.9.2.G1 © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised November 2004 – Housing Unit – Renting vs. Owning a Home – Slide 33 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona Conclusion Prioritize needs and wants Determine housing costs Locate a living space Get ready to move in!