How hard is it to find a roommate (shared accommodation) in this city? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

gottabekd · 10-13-2009, 08:24 PM

I'm looking/thinking/dreaming of buying a condo/townhouse for myself to live in (Calgary). My target area would likely be the SE, maybe SW.

Going through the finances, it looks like buying a 2(+) bedroom place, and renting a room for ~$500 would be worth it over a 1 bedroom place. Obviously, there is quite a difference with having a roommate; there are pros and cons to both situations. If having a roommate can yield a couple hundred extra dollars, that sounds pretty good to me right now.

My question: Is it tough to find a roommate for shared accommodations? None of my close friends would be ideal candidates for this set up, so I'm asking about the general public.

If anyone has any tips, experiences about such a setup, I would be happy to hear it. For example, do most people need a parking space, or are there really people in Calgary who don't own a vehicle? Is a second full (or half) bathroom a necessity for such an arrangement? Or, would you suggest staying away from renting a room to a stranger?

Thanks.

Thor · 10-13-2009, 08:28 PM

I'm gonna do the same in a few months, have a 3 bedroom condo in Woodbine and be curious to see what people have to say.

ken0042 · 10-13-2009, 09:33 PM

Get a place where both bedrooms have their own bathroom. There is a common floor plan where the bedrooms will be seperated by the living room and each have their own bathroom. I've had room mates in apartments like that, and it works out pretty well when each person has their own space, and is able to do things like watch TV late at night or have somebody spend the night without it disturbing the other person.

RW99 · 10-13-2009, 10:18 PM

Seperate bathrooms would be great. Also consider how your kitchen will be set up. Will you have all your own cookware/dinnerware and share? Or do you want them to use their own stuff? If they are using their own stuff, make sure you have lots of cupbards.

I'm not happy where I am. There's no space for any of my cookware and barely enough space for my food. The roommate/homeowner uses his kitchen a lot, so either I go in there at the same time (not cool), or go later at night or not at all

Having everything in writing before hand is recommended. Everything from rent and deposit, to how often they will clean and what common areas. Because you own the condo, your roommate is NOT a part of the tenancy act. This may also deter some possible roommates.

Will you be at home a lot to watch Flames games? If you plan to watch in the living room, be prepared to have issues with the roommate. If they started watching something the game starts, do you kick them off?

And as normal as people seem when they come by to meet you, something will always start to show after a while of living together

Nage Waza · 10-13-2009, 10:24 PM

Avoid the roommate. I would get a part time job before getting a roommate. Keep in mind I am way beyond that scenario career wise, but looking back it is worth having your own place where you do what you want. Plus it is much better for scoring some action, if you know what I am saying.

Russic · 10-13-2009, 10:37 PM

If you're going to live in the south might I recommend a place within walking distance of the ctrain? That was only a minor factor when we bought our place but looking back it was the smartest thing we did. Not sure if you or your roomate will be transit riders, but it sure is nice to be able to get around the city without a car if need be.

gottabekd · 10-14-2009, 12:48 PM

Cool, thanks for the tips guys. I guess one other consideration is appreciation and resale value. I understand that apartment-style condos are terrible in this respect, so maybe 1 or 2 bedrooms doesn't make a big difference.

mykalberta · 10-14-2009, 12:54 PM

I thought about getting a room mate - I have 2 bedroom 2 full bathroom but its not worth the hassle for someone I dont know. If I knew the person, no problem.

Shazam · 10-14-2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I thought about getting a room mate - I have 2 bedroom 2 full bathroom but its not worth the hassle for someone I dont know. If I knew the person, no problem.

You say that now, but when that psycho chick with the big tits comes along that wants to be your roommate, you'll say yes.

kevman · 10-14-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shazam

You say that now, but when that psycho chick with the big tits comes along that wants to be your roommate, you'll say yes.

I need a new roommate, can you pass along her number?

mykalberta · 10-14-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shazam

You say that now, but when that psycho chick with the big tits comes along that wants to be your roommate, you'll say yes.

I am not really a guns man per say. The face matters more IMO. Thats why I dont get the fascination with Cowboys.

yads · 10-14-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gottabekd

Cool, thanks for the tips guys. I guess one other consideration is appreciation and resale value. I understand that apartment-style condos are terrible in this respect, so maybe 1 or 2 bedrooms doesn't make a big difference.

Primary residences should not be considered investments. It's rather a forced savings plan as you're building up equity with each payment. Don't worry so much about appreciation/resale value. The main thing that could hurt you when you move is if there are serious problems with the building (water leaks/structural integrity/etc). Do your due diligence on the building before you buy and you should be ok.

Komskies · 10-14-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor

I'm gonna do the same in a few months, have a 3 bedroom condo in Woodbine and be curious to see what people have to say.

Woodbine represent!

Huntingwhale · 10-14-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komskies

woodbine represent!

word!

moncton golden flames · 10-14-2009, 04:44 PM

buy my house and rent out the main floor and live in the basement. about 2/3 of your mortgage will be paid by tenants!

Mike Oxlong · 10-14-2009, 06:48 PM

When I first bought a place my wife was still in school and not working so we needed to get a roommate. Luckily for us we had a decent sized house so there was enough room for everyone.

In my opinion 2 bathrooms are essential. Having to wait for a stranger to crap or shower while you are trying to get ready for work in the morning has disaster written all over it. Although I am glad I don't have to do it now, having a room mate allowed me to get into a bigger house and still have a decent amount of disposable income. Once you get to the point in your career where you are making more money you can always booth the roomie later but it is nice to have someone pay off a portion of your mortgage for you.

We ended up having 3 different room mates in 2 seperate houses we lived in. Both of them were way down south in McKenzie Towne. That made it a bit more challenging to find a room mate as public transit down there wasn't ideal at the time. The room mates we got ended up having their own vehicles which obviously required an additional parking spot.

We ended up getting all of our roommates from www.roommates.com

If you are debating between condo and townhouse go for the townhouse if you are getting a roomie. The extra space will be a huge benefit.

TurnedTheCorner · 10-14-2009, 06:54 PM

A coworker of mine has a 2 bedroom apartment in the beltline and hasn't had any problems finding roommates. I'll ask if he has any tips or suggestions.