Getting a roommate can help defray some of the costs of living, which may enable you to find a Dallas apartment that’s either bigger, has more amenities, is located in a nicer neighborhood, etc. But sharing your living space with someone else can also be challenging. To avoid uncomfortable or unpleasant situations down the road, you want to be careful about who you select – especially if you’re entering into a long-term lease situation. Here are a few of the best ways to find the perfect roomie.
Know what you’re “looking for” before you start looking.
Before you begin the process, it’s good to have an idea of what you’d like to get out of the arrangement. Are you looking for someone to hang out and party with? Or, would you prefer someone who just pays the rent and otherwise keeps to themselves? Do you want a roommate who shares the same interests as you, or does that not matter? Envision your ideal living situation and then go from there. This will give you a better picture of who you’d consider and help you narrow down your choices.
Look for a match in other key areas.
If you’re the type who prefers a quiet night with a good book or turning in early, a roommate who is prone to party into the wee hours every weekend obviously won’t be a good fit. Are you a neat freak? Make sure the other person isn’t a slob. Likewise, work or school schedules should also be taken into consideration. For instance, if you like more alone time, you may prefer a roommate who has a schedule that’s opposite of yours. If you’re looking for more socialization, coinciding schedules make more sense.
Make sure they can afford it.
Another critical factor in choosing someone to share your Dallas apartment is their ability to pay their share of the living expenses. Your best friend from college may seem like the perfect roomie, but if he or she doesn’t have a decent job or is irresponsible with money, getting on a lease together may not be the best idea in the long run. Choose a roommate with a steady income who is capable of paying the rent and whatever other bills you’ll be splitting.
Know where to look.
Once you’ve got a clear picture of your ideal roommate, it’s time to start the search. There are lots of different avenues you can take, whether you’ve already got a place or you’re starting from scratch. We recommend starting with your own personal network. Ask friends, family and colleagues if they know of anyone who is looking. From there, the internet has a number of resources as well. For instance, you can try Craigslist or one of the more formal listing sites, like Roommates.com or Roomiematch.
Ask the right questions.
When those calls and emails start coming in, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. Consider setting up some time to chat with each potential roomie to see whether you’d both be a good match. Make sure you ask the right questions upfront, like whether they have a good job and decent credit rating, what their work schedule is, whether they smoke or drink, how frequently they like to host guests, etc. (Here’s a list of more roommate interview questions you might find helpful.) It may seem a bit uncomfortable, but it can save you both a lot of trouble in the long run.
Sharing your Dallas apartment with someone can be a great experience, but if you’re not careful, it could also turn out to be a disaster. By following the five tips above and doing your due diligence, you’ll set yourself up for a long and peaceful living situation.
Found a great roommate but still need a place to stay? Get in touch! We’d be happy to help you find the perfect Dallas apartment for your needs!
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