KNISELY: House hunting blues

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February 10, 2013

KNISELY: House hunting blues

by Misty Knisely Pharos-Tribune Thu Feb 14, 2013, 08:38 AM EST

— I feel like Goldilocks.

No, I didn’t dye my hair. I went blond once. It wasn’t a good look for me.

I’m looking for a house to rent and can’t seem to find the right fit for me. Before you start in, I know now is the time to buy a house. As people learn I’m looking to rent instead of buy a house, that’s what everyone tells me. I’m just not the buying type. I’m a renter. I buy cars, not houses. I’m a bit of a commitment-phob like that.

Anyway, since graduating college, I’ve lived in apartment complexes. A lot of apartment complexes. But I want to rent a house for a change. Little did I know looking for a house is frustrating. I’ve only been at it a couple weeks, but I’ve already seen a lot of houses.

I can only assume that looking at rental properties is a bit like online dating. All too often you show up and learn it’s not like the picture you saw online. Then there’s that awkward moment where you question if it’d be entirely rude to just turn around and walk out because you know it’s not right for you. And then decide it would be rude, so you begrudgingly walk through the house and find yourself looking for new reasons to hate it.

Then other times, it’s just like you saw on the Internet and you get really excited about the prospect. But 5 minutes in you realize there’s a major flaw that ruins everything. Like learning your date collects trolls (translation, the house has bugs.)

But what I’ve found thus far in my search is there tends to be more little flaws than massive deal-breakers. I’ll find a house I like but there’s a weird situation with water service. I’ll like another house but I’m not sure about the neighborhood. One house had an awesome kitchen but the weirdest bathroom I’ve ever seen.

So I find myself debating the merits of the three bears.

This house is too big. That house is too small.

This house is too far away. That house is too close.

And then I’ll find a house that seems perfect. I’ll like the way it’s laid out and think it’s in a great neighborhood. And it’s priced right, too. But after seeing so many duds, I’ll find myself looking for the catch. Is it haunted? Are there chalk outlines throughout the house?

Eventually I’ll find the perfect fit and all will be well. It turned out OK for Goldilocks in the end, right? Oh wait ...

Misty Knisely is managing editor of the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5155 or at misty.knisely@pharostribune.com

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