Tuesday 23 December 2008

Hmmm...

I just went to see an apartment. It's a basement suite, 2 bedrooms, a 30 minute walk (!) from the library. The landlady is an acquaintance of mine and we both had "good feelings" about the other. It's very obviously a basement, but there are a lot of windows and the paint colours are nice and light. I actually really liked it; it felt very cosy. The extra bedroom is tiny, so would be designated as an office. Once I get my furniture from Victoria, I can set up my desk and computer in the second room and be away from the main traffic area. So to speak, of course, as all traffic is me.

So. My current monthly expenditures break down like this:

Rent: $550
Cable: $58.28
Heat & Hydro: $150 (approx)
Cell: $50
Phone/Internet: $120
Gas: $100 (min)

Total: $1028.88 before groceries.

Potential monthly expenditures:

Rent/heat: $700
Cable: 58.28
Internet (shared): $40
Phone: (landline) $35
Cell: $50
Gas: $50
Hydro: $60?

Total: $993.28 before groceries

Difference: $35.60

Moving won't save me much - if anything - but it's in the location I want and the couple who own the house are fantastic and would make really excellent landlords. I've invited them to come and meet my cats if they want to, so they know they're well taken care, clean and well-behaved. I felt really comfortable there, despite a t-i-n-y kitchen and it would be silly to say 'no'. It's empty and I could move stuff in early...I wouldn't be paying any more living there, which is great, although it would be nice to pay less of course. Waiting, on the other hand, will just frustrate me and I might not find something I like nearly as much mainly because the price is actually really good for where/what it is and where we are.

I wanted to sleep on it because I didn't want to make an impulsive decision and end up regretting a move - which is not a little thing. But having spoken with my sister and had some feedback from a couple of friends, I think I'm going to go ahead and take it. I really doubt I'll regret it, particularly since I've been wanting a move to this area for over six months.

Timing is everything! It seems I'll have a new home Feb 1! :)

5 comments:

dinah34 said...

i think you are making a wise choice! from what i've heard housing is pretty scarce up North. i say grab it if it's in the hood you've been waiting for. :)

Sharon S said...

Hi there-best of luck with the new move, it does seem the right decision for you my dear!!

Anonymous said...

it seems like a great idea, and you seem very pleased about it. though feb seems awful cold for a move. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow! Sounds like an awesome plan! Getting alone with your landlords will make the renting process that much better!
Hope it all works out for you :)

Canadian Saver said...

It's very cool you can bring your cats with you... doesn't seem like much of a difference in your budget, so sounds like a good move!

Good luck :-)