The clock is quickly ticking away for two things - the deadline for the first-time home buyers' credit and time for me to sublet my apartment. Those two things and the concept of location intertwined this week creating a conundrum that should be a lesson for all those soon to be homeowners and even those looking to rent.
I'm currently showing my apartment in the Huebner Oaks area of SA, convenient to everything you need - shopping, dinning (bring you fat pants), UTSA, La Cantera, The Medical Center, bike trails. Great area, cheap rent, awesome unit. Easy sell.
I've been advertising through Craigslist and I have trouble keeping up with all the responses I’ve been getting. I have interior pics on the ad and people like the interior so much a few have asked if I can leave the furniture because they like what I've done. All these years of watching HGTV are paying off big, and boosting my designer ego.
This awesome unit is located in Forest Glen, built in the 70s like many of SA’s apartments. The units are well kept, but the grounds haven't seen a water hose since sometime before the 80s real estate crash. As you drive in you’re welcomed by grey-green buildings and a whole bunch of dirt and gravel. No grass, no ground cover, the trees are large, but somehow odd. It’s not the best first impression. The property owners clearly haven’t been watching Curb Appeal (but you should).
The Glen is a very economical place to live. I’m here because it’s super affordable in a great area. The floor plan is perfect and aside from my balcony, I don’t spend much time outside so the grounds don’t bother me. I didn’t foresee buying a home when I leased in December, several months before the Administration gave life to the home buyer credit. Had I known, I probably would’ve signed a shorter lease (which was offered, but I said no, a year is perfect).
I get prospects all jazzed up to see the place and when they come in person I have to fight the grounds, and I’m losing the fight. By the time they make it to my door they’ve already driven through a good portion of the complex alone, gathering an impression and making judgments. By the time they’re inside the apartment you can tell they’re not as excited as they were when they called you lost 20 minutes ago. Add to this having to tour the grounds to show them the pools and laundry. They see more untidiness and whoever designed the place clearly did not think people would be walking anywhere, anywhere. But that’s an urban planning issue for another post. The interior is awesome, but my cause isn’t helped by the location. And there’s nothing I can do about where the place is.
So two important lessons to learn this week – whether buying or renting, make sure you take a hard look at the neighborhood and think about the impression it gives prospective renters; and always make the shortest commitment possible. You never know what’s around the corner and it’s best to be prepared and know where your towel is.
