HOUSING and YOU

HOUSING OPTIONS Live with Parents Live in a Dorm Rent a House Rent an Room/Apartment Buy a Mobile Home, Condo or House

So You Wanna Move Out... Reality Check Can You Afford It? There are many unforeseen costs of moving and living on your own. How to Tell? –BUDGET!

Take Jose for example Wage $9.00/Hr, 40 hrs. week Takes home $360/wk Gross, $300 Net Car PMT of $150/month Car Insurance of $100/month Lives at w/ Parents How much can he afford?

Jose with Parents IncomeExpenses 300 week after taxes 1200 month 150 Car 100 insurance 950 Extra – Good Times!

Jose on His Own IncomeExpenses 300 week after taxes 1200 month Rent 500 Utilities 100 Food 300 Furniture 100? Cable 60? Internet Expenses

Key Terms Cost vs. Opportunity Cost Opportunity Cost –the next best alternative that is given up when a choice is made Does her really need to move out now? What other options are there? –Roommate?

ROOMMATE RULES DISCUSS RESPONSIBILITES AND LIVING HABITS MAKE AGREEMENTS IN WRITING LOOK FOR AND DECIDE ON AN APARTMENT TOGETHER

Ready to Move Out? But Can’t Afford it? GET A ROOMMATE But: –WARNING -- WARNING The quickest way to ruin a friendship is to live together!

Decision Making Using Charts for Analysis! –Pros and Cons Chart –Analysis Charts – Decision Making Skills are important to have in life!

UNFOR$EEN EXPEN$E$ of MOVING First and Last Month’s Rent Security or Damage Deposit Gas/Electric Utility Service Telephone Needs – Installation and Service Water and Garbage Services Moving Van and Other Expenses Furniture Appliances

THINGS TO ASK –What is the monthly rent? –What does the rent include? Utilities, Laundry? Repairs? –Is there a lease? How long are your lease agreements? –What parking is provided? –What rules should I be aware of?

THINGS TO LOOK FOR How good is security? How noisy is the place? How often is the rent raised? Are repairs made quickly? Is the building well-kept?

WHEN READING the LEASE Requirements for return of the security deposit. Conditions of the lease Legal Rights of the lessor and the lessee Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance Oral agreements not contained in the lease. INSIST THAT THESE BE PUT IN WRITING.