Apartment question

[MADEKUN]

Originally Posted by revelated

Impractical...and risky business in any case.

As I'm sure you well know, what San Diego considers a 'Condo' is really nothing more than a building that used to be an apartment, got granite counter tops, paint and appliances, and is being sold. But not to be fooled - it's an apartment. The condo conversion craze has finally ended with Bernardo Hills/Villa Taviana, but the damage has been done. So many subpar condo complexes it's silly. If the apartment complex got sold for condo conversion, not only would I get first purchase rights, but if I opted not to purchase, I would get cash to relocate. A lot less risky. Also, renting a condo/townhome gives you little-to-no guarantees as far as how your neighbors choose to act. If they have a bunch of emos blasting punk music at all hours you really have little recourse but to call the cops until it stops - if the cops bother to respond at all.

Townhomes in San Diego are severely overpriced - much more than houses.

Detached homes are nice, but then you run the risk of the owner not having paid the mortgage. Last thing I need is to get settled in only to get a foreclosure notice on the door. Even in the affluent areas it's still a risk, not even considering the fact that most want what effectively amounts to the full mortage payment in order to take the rental. I'd do the same thing if I were in their shoes. Additionally, every single one wants a full month's worth as a deposit PLUS the first month's rent. Keep in mind also that you're stuck with their choice of decor, talking about furniture.

The other standard things - dedicated maintenance staff, electronic payments, etc - are other reasons why I simply cannot bring myself to rent anything other than a good old apartment.

Im gonna suggest what Sassberto mentioned. As I was in the same shoes you were in 2005. I agree with you on the condo conversion and worrying about renting from someone and them going into foreclosure. I learned most good apartments as least in N.C are the same prices if not more than Townhouses/houses that offer alot more sq ft and ammenties. Craigslist is your friend use it to look around. Apartments are cool starting out but once you get into a Townhouse/house it's a different ball game. After I exprienced the difference unless I have no choice I will never opt for an apartment again. You have more chances of encountering bad neighboors in apartments. The first house I moved into the owner came back after my 12 month lease was up, luckly I was going back to Iraq. So I understand your concern.

[revelated]

Originally Posted by esmith143

Pinnacle won't work, it's right next to a big private school.

I can probably deal with a private school - a lot more standards and laws for the students to abide by instead of walking around with skin tight jeans sagged down to their knees and 3 inch rings in their ear lobes.