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Living with a roommate Massachusetts

Are you thinking about finding a roommate? Before you get started, look to this article for a discussion of pros and cons and some tips to consider.

Local Companies

Stonegate Group
(508) 655-1700
83 Speen Street
Natick, MA

The Warren Group
(617) 428-5100
280 Summer Street
Boston, MA

Tishman Speyer Properties
(617) 342-7500
125 High Street, 14th Flr.
Boston, MA

Edens & Avant
(617) 369-6600
21 Custom House Street, Ste. 450
Boston, MA

Saint James Real Estate Advisors
(617) 426-6666
10 High Street, Suite 701
Boston, MA

CB Richard Ellis / N.E. Partners, L.P.
(617) 912-7000
33 Arch Street, 28th Flr.
Boston, MA

Extell Boston Harbor LLC
(617) 737-4440
One International Place, 14th Flr.
Boston, MA

The Congress Group
(617) 897-7200
33 Arch Street, Ste. 2100
Boston, MA

Lincoln Property Company, Inc.
(617) 951-4100
225 Frankin Street, Ste. 2310
Boston, MA

Crowley Associates
(617) 350-6135
355 Congress Street
Boston, MA

Do you want or need to live with a roommate? What are the pros and cons of having a roommate? What should you consider when looking for a roommate? And what issues should you get settled before you move in? On this page we'll look at the pros and cons and some tips to consider; later, we will look at the some of the issues you should get settled before moving in with roommates and how to get them in writing.

The Pros of Roommates

it's often cheaper as costs (rent, utilities, food) are split
household chores are a shared responsibility
you can often afford a bigger apartment with more living space if you split the costs
a roommate can assuage loneliness

The Cons of Roommates

a perceived (if not real) lack of privacy someone else's problems can become yours you're relying on someone else honoring their obligations (to pay rent, to pay utilities, etc.) there's always the potential for disputes, even with a friend

Some Considerations

Just because someone's been your best friend since elementary school doesn't mean he or she will make a great roommate.

Often living together can destroy even a close friendship.

It's a good idea to know going in what you want in a roommate and what you won't tolerate. Will you accept a roommate who smokes? What about one with a live-in boyfriend or girlfriend? Will you live with someone of the opposite sex? What about someone of a different sexual orientation? What about cleanliness? Pets? Morning person vs. night owl?

If you're looking for a room sharing situation (rather than looking for an apartment with a friend), you need to start looking as early as possible. It can sometimes take longer to find an acceptable rental share situation than just to find an apartment.

As with any apartment search, make sure everyone you know knows that you are looking. You never know where the perfect lead will come from, but often people are your best source. And people who know you well will probably also recommend things they know you'll like.

Ask questions. If you're looking at apartment share situations, you want to know as much as possible about the people you'll be living with, right? Make a list of questions ahead of time, and get them answered.

Answer questions. Be as honest as possible with potential roommates and put your best foot forward.

Don't expect that your new roommate will be your new best friend as well. While the two of you may, indeed, become good friends, it isn't a prerequisite for sharing an apartment.

Be prepared to compromise. Sharing an apartment or house with someone else usually requires some adjustment. Chances are you can no longer have your friends over all night every night, watch whatever you want on the living room TV, or let the dishes sit for weeks.

by Dan The Roommate Man

About the Author:

Dan The Roommate Man has been helping people find rooms or roommates since 1989

info@roommateexpress.com

Article Source:

thePhantomWriters Article Submission Service

Featured Local Company

Stonegate Group

(508) 655-1700
83 Speen Street
Natick, MA

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Advertising	Family	Home Services	Real Estate Resources
Business Services	Fashion	Industrial Goods & Services	Retail & Consumer Services
Career	Financial Services	Insurance	Software
Cars	Food & Beverage	Internet	Technology
Computer Hardware	Franchise	Legal	Telecommunications
Construction	Health	Miscellaneous	Trade Shows
Education	Holidays	Nightlife	Travel
Entertainment	Home Appliances	Online Database	Weddings
Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History