An Asian lesbian thinking about buying a house in Salt Lake City? (Sandy: for sale)

[lienfan]

I am 34, a very low-key Asian lesbian. I just moved to SLC for 6 months and now I am thinking about buying a house in SLC. For job concerns, my partner is still living in California but we visit each other quite often. She stays with me for 2-3 months during the summer time. We don’t have "gay appearance" but we do kiss each other and hold hands in public. I know that avenues, 9th-9th, the university area are liberal, but I can hardly afford a good-conditioned house around these area, and I am not very handy to fix up things (especially when I will live along for most time). I am thinking about buying a house around the area of 2700 south (still on East side) but I am not sure whether it is a good neighborhood for us. On the other hand, I can afford pretty nice condos around these “gay areas.” I am very concerned with hate crimes or unfriendly attitudes to gay and color people. So far I have never experienced anything like that in SLC, but the factor that I live nearby the university may be the reason. Any suggestion?

[kwm03160]

I think you should be fine in that area (with the disclaimer that I don't live in that area)... In general, you will be fine as long as you don't venture too far south into the suburbs (Sandy, Draper, etc). In general, hate crimes are not prevalent here; in southern Salt Lake County you are more likely to be "shunned" and not talked to by neighbors.

[snowstorm]

Why not a condo? Then everything is done for you? It sounds like you should look into that while you still have the option. Are you working with a realtor? Otherwise theres a TON of great deals on homes in SLC right now, the market is flooded!!!! I wish I could post my name on this so I could help you out, but good luck. Check out Urban Utah - Homes and Estates they are working with a bunch of projects downtown and have alot of very well priced condos avaliable!

[SlightlySiamese]

I was told that Salt Lake City has the largest gay population in the USA per capita by a woman who works for Salt Lake City. They have a huge Gay Parade. No one will bother you. My home is for sale in the Avenues and is already fixed up. Maybe you could afford it. You would love the Avenues. We even have Buddhist Monks who live in the Aves! No one bothers anyone. Oooh, except for Salt Lake City parking enforcement people! JUST WATCH WHERE YOU PARK!

[lienfan]

I did not rule out possibilities of condos. However, I am concerned with the resale value and high HOA fees of condos in SLC. Any suggestions?

[snowstorm]

It just depends on the place and the price. Two of the condos I was thinking of have HOA fees between 115-130.00 a month and the property taxes are only like 500.00 a year! The utilities are also usually included. I think one of the condos you only pay electric and a quote we got on that was like $25 a month. It just all depends on what your looking for size wise, condo, house ect.... Theres so many options for you, maybe you need to look at a variety so you can get a better idea of what fits you best. Let me know if you need some help and we can arrange to contact each other.

[lienfan]

In fact, I made an offer to one that has HOA cost about $270. After making the offer, I called the president of HOA and asked more questions. It seems that they will increase HOA soon, so i am really looking at $300 per month, plus a lot of assessments. I felt lucky when i knew my offer did not go through.

[snowstorm]

thats alot I think!! I wouldn't have done it either! Like I said I think it depends on the size of the place, area, and price. Smaller will be less. If you buy a house and maintanence is your worry I would just sock away a little money every month so that when you have a problem you can just take that money and fix it and it won't seem as big a deal. You would probably have a home warranty the first year also, so that helps ease into home ownership. You will have to mow your own lawn though, unless you have kids around your block you want to pay, hahaha. There are great deals all over Salt lake right now, I think this is a GREAT time to buy!

[Haai]

From my experience, SLC isn't as gay/lesbian friendly as other cities in the country. However, it is a very safe city to live in, so I have no complaints in that regard.

[riley1999]

I know people who have similar requirements as you and bought around 1700 South. She is happy. Her home has appreciated and her neighbors are nice. Just want to share that.