This morning we continued the Great Apartment Hunt and I believe we have landed us a nice one!
It is still in our little town, but on the other side, about 1 1/2 miles up a country road, not far from Maxi's schools. In recent years they've been building all along this road, putting in small complexes of apt and condos, each one set back into the woods, to keep the area nice.
The complex we looked at today is only 2 1/2 years old. There are about eight buildings, each with 8 units. The one I want is on the first floor, in the front of the building.
It has a nice large porch. When you enter, you are on a tiled area -- very nice for coming in with wet feet! Straight ahead is a big closet for coats, boots and backpacks!
If you turn to the right you are facing the living room. It has a hardwood type floor. Directly to the right is a large sliding glass door leading out to the porch. The living room is smaller than what we have now, but nice.
Straight ahead through the living room is the kitchen/dinette area. The back wall and wall along the right is for the handsome refrigerator, stove (with self-cleaning oven) all the counter space with upper and lower cabinets, a dishwasher. The upper cabinets all have underneath lights that can work together or be used individually and each has three settings for brightness.
Also on the rear wall, to the left of the refrigerator, is a large area behind bifold doors for a washer/dryer combination to be hooked up.
Also to the left of the kitchen, in front of where the laundry area is, is the dinette section with a small chandilier. Our smaller table will fit well there. There is also another door on that side of the room that opens to a very large storage closet, you know the kind that fits under a stairway.
So to the right of the kitchen/living room is the hallway to the bath and bedrooms. The bathroom is about twice the size of the one we now have. Maxi's room will be the one nearest the bathroom, to the rear of the apt.
His room is twice as wide as his room here and has two large windows. There is a ceiling light fixture with a fan. One wall is two big closets side by side.
My room is to the front of the apt next to the living room. It is a bit smaller than the room I have here but it has a closet which I do not have here. It also has threee nice windows.
All the rooms are wired for cable and phone, so whereever we decide to put the TV and computer would be okay. There are not just smoke alarms but also sprinklers throughout.
The entire apt is MUCH smaller than what we have now, but it is all so NICE and clean and modern -- very convenient and so easy to care for! -- that I think the lesser amount of space will not be an issue for us.
The rent is only $795, down from the $1227 we pay here. And although it is new construction and doesn't have the "personality" of an older building, I think it is exactly what we need.
When I explained to the realtor that having a neighborhood for Maxi was important because he's had no playmates for the past three years, the guy laughed. He said most days the complex resembles a day care center! LOTS of kids; and plenty in Maxi's age group. There is a bike trail built down in the back all the kids use and a nice bit of woods to go romping in.
There are three steps up to the porch which I think I will be able to handle on most days.
I like the idea of being able to live more independently. When I stood up in the kitchen, I was able to reach the top shelves in all the uppers. Here I can't do that and most people need a step stool to reach. I sat down and tried out the stove buttons and oven door... all within my reach. Having a full-size washer/dryer permanently hooked up rather than these mini ones I have to have someone pull out and hook up to the sink will be nice! And, I won't have to open my back door to the basement to use the dryer!!
So tomorrow I have to turn in the application with supporting documents for ID and proof of income. He said he would have the credit check completed by Tuesday since Monday is a holiday and would be able to let me know.
If I am approved, there will be some paperwork to file with housing and the place will need inspected. I know it will pass with ease.
So let's keep everything crossed we possibly can that I get approved quickly and that all the paperwork gets done without a hitch.
A friend from church who is an agent with a large insurance company is being one of my references and my priest is being the other, so that should be helpful too.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally posted by JV: Merme that sounds high to me also. For that kinda money here you woudl get a real nice townhouse. From people I talk to (I havent rented in over 20 year) average two bedroom here goes from around $450 to $650. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are right, of course. Rentals are much more reasonable in other parts of the state. But keep in mind that I live in a coastal resort town and everything is MUCH higher here.
In fact, even finding a year-round rental is nearly impossible. The owners all know that if they DON'T rent their properties year round to one tenant, they will make way lots more money.
So... they do "winter rentals" from September to May. Then, they toss out the winter people and open the place for summer visitors.
During the summer season, they can get between $1,000 and $2,000 (and more) PER WEEK for the unit, and that is too big a pile of $$$ to pass up.
However, some owners don't want to deal with the hassle of renting by the week or month during the summer, having so many people in and out, so they will opt for a year-round lease just because it is easier even if less cash.
Then there are those who earn so much in season that they don't even bother with winter rentals at all... they just shut up their properties each September and leave them vacant til May.
Keep in mind that as a person on a fixed income, I can NOT afford the better properties in the area... anyone with a decent income would NOT have moved in to where I live now, so don't let the $1227 fool you into thinking it must be pretty darn nice. It ain't.
I'm telling ya, though, JV, the two years I lived in Tulsa, my Ex and I had a splendid, splendid deluxe extraordinaire apartment for mere pennies compared to anything you could rent in the East...
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
Tina ~ One of the things I noticed immediately about the potential new apt is the long porch that will get loads of sunlight. There are already sturdy hooks in the ceiling for hanging baskets, and a nice wide, very solidly built rail for windowboxes and of course, I'm crazy about container gardening. Maxi was disappointed to see that there is no place for his big vegetable garden, but I told him we could look around for perhaps a community garden for him to use.
I will not request a ramp because the stairs are so few and so shallow. Plus it feeds directly onto a community sidewalk and with the angle of the porch and the height involved, a ramp would be a big, complex affair -- unsightly and not very handy.
I am strong enough now to manage a few stairs at a time.
And yesterday, with all the snow/ice underfoot, I did really well walking about the places we went to see. Of course, I was wearing my boots with the superdeathgrip treads -- although they are PINK suede with pom poms, they are Serious Boots when you need a good grip.
And today I also did well except for twice because the rain on top of the old snow/ice caused me to hydroplane. My Ex's girlfriend took my arm and got me stable and stopped from the glide I was in. Then I just stood still (well, as still as possible!) while she brought the car around.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
I don't rent but wuhat I see around here is not cheap. Last apt Billie and I rented was $150.00 for a three bedroom two bath with an Island kitchen. Jimmy
* * * * Meet Clyde my Male Sugar Glider. Clyde says. Keep it organic GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. Pray for our Troops!
posted
Wow, I cannot believe those rental prices. Around here rent is about 400 a month with all commodities included. Mind you I live in booneyland. lol. Good luck Merme.
posted
Rents fluctuate so much from place to place that it's hard to imagine how high they can be in the Northeast but they are mind-boggling up there. When my sister was having an addition put on her home in NJ so my parents could move in with them she had to pay $2300 a month for 2 bedrooms in order to stay close enough to the kids school, and still had a 20-30 minute drive.
Merme - the place sounds terrific and I hope you get it. If at some point you needed the ramp is it possible to get one? Is there a back or side door that it could go to without blocking the walk out front?
FYI - rents in Quincy MA which isn't too far south of you are averaging $850 for a one bedroom.
When I spoke to the realtor on Friday he said he'd definitely know by Tuesday.
When I called him this morning, he said he'd know by 1:30 or 2:00.
I gave him 'til 3:30 and called. He isn't in the office, but he's supposed to be back later on today. I left him a message.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Goodness Merme, how frustrating. Have you heard anything yet?
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
That is awful that he could not give you a call to at least let you know he did not know anything yet.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Worse, since everyone knows I expected to hear yesterday, I got flooded with phone calls and emails asking what news?
It was hard to have to explain ten million times or so... still waiting to hear!
Well, I do want a definitive answer today!
I have friends coming later this morning to help with the packing...
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
gardenmom32210
guest
posted
Keeping my fingers crossed(and everything else I can cross)that you hear something today
Seeded: 68.218.217.160
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
Just wanted to let you all know that I got the apt this morning!
The realtor said he had "some trouble" with my credit history. I said I had known he would. Then he said he spoke with both of my previous landlords plus the housing agency and he said "They all love you to death! So I'm going to risk it and rent to you!"
And, truly, the only thing of concern to him is whether or not I pay my rent on time and in full without fail. I ALWAYS do that!
What bad debts I have were all generated around the time of the divorce and he also said he was familiar with that.
OH! And he said he believes we can expedite the paperwork with housing so I can move in the weekend of the 15th and not have to wait until the 28th.
Oh man, I will so love being out of here!
Thanks everyone, for your prayers and support!
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
I'm so happy for you. I know you have help with packing but are there people to help with the actual move? And how long do you think you'll be out of contact with us, here? We'll worry, you know. ~Tina
* * * * ~Tina Getting old is the pits. But it sure beats the alternative. My Blog Plants: 7549 | From: So. Cal. | Registered: Nov 2005
| Seeded: 71.103.187.127
posted
Tina ~ I am going to hire a local moving company. They are really good although their newspaper ad only reads "Two guys and a truck"! They are fair in terms of rates, they are fast, and most importantly, they are reliable and CAREFUL!!
I will not have computer access for about a week. My computer guy intends to dismantle this one, take it to his shop and do it's maintanence and any upgrades needed and then just bring it to the new place and reinstall it there.
And Barley ~ YES! It is WONDERFUL to have peace of mind again! Just this morning I was bewailing the fact that we could end up in a motel if this deal didn't go through. G-mom held my hand through that bit of despair. So you know I am now feeling MUCH better.
Now, if we can just hear from Vanessa tomorrow that all is well with them, too....
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
I'm jumping for joy for you, Merme. (and practicing adding graphics, too) ~Tina
* * * * ~Tina Getting old is the pits. But it sure beats the alternative. My Blog Plants: 7549 | From: So. Cal. | Registered: Nov 2005
| Seeded: 71.103.187.127
posted
Yay!!! So good to hear!! I bet the anticipation was driving you nuts. It's always so exciting to move into a new home. Great time to do the ol' "out with the old - in with the new". Good luck Merme!!! Christina
posted
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Merme: [QB] I GOT IT, I GOT IT, I GOT IT!!!!
[IMG]<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/nanas10/balloons4.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">[/IMG]
I am so happy for you and Maxi- was sure you would get it but you never know sometimes! Your moving company sounds like one here - they have a very good reputation too - sounds like good hands to be in.... downsizing may be very good for you too- less to clean- more room for what you really want and need...will sure miss you being on line but a week isn't to bad- and getting computer stuff done at same time is a wonderful idea.... 2 birds with one stone ... Now please send new address to me before you move and new phone number if you have to change it....... so glad for you- made my day! Nana
posted
I should mention that my boyfriend is in a wheelchair so I'm aware of the struggle of finding something suitable...something that fits your needs. By the sounds of the description you gave, sounds as though this place was made for you!
i m so happy for you and maxi,he s gonna have a lot of new friends,you said the other day that the landlord told you it was almost like a kindergarden there.i glad you gonna be ok with the movers,i sure would ve hate for you to have no one to help...by george i think i would have asked keith and we would ve gone and help!
now you don t have to bring the seeds,i ll send you some,but you pm me your new address,you have some space for a garden i hope.
will be thinking of you on the 15 th. , waiting for your new address and praying for you so everything will go smoothly.
Can't wait to hear all about it once you're all move in! And, may I be among those who've asked for your new address? Will you be able to keep the same phone number?
This is the best news of the day so far for me - thanks for that!
And... MAZEL TOV!
* * * * Lynne's knitting journal "I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???" Plants: 17066 | From: Rockland County, NY | Registered: Nov 2003
| Seeded: 68.192.121.47
loz
guest
posted
Wow, that really is great news .....apartment/house hunting is stressful, especially when you have a limited time to do it in.
BTW Merme, I didn't forget about your package to send you....I just didn't want to mail it around the holidays...now I guess I'll wait for you to give me your new address....
Seeded: 70.109.89.20
posted
Merme, I am so excited for you. Many congratulations!!!!! Cannot wait for you to get in and all set up. Now is this one in the town where friends and church are??
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Thanks, everyone, for being so excited with me!
Triss ~ this is in the same town we are now, but as close to the other town's line without crossing it! So it is about 2 miles or so from where we are now; 2 miles closer to friends and church!
A good compromise, to my way of thinking!
I spoke with the internet/phone service provider and they said I WOULD be able to keep my same phone number although the guy did mention a possiblity that it might have to change for just a few days... they would give me a temporary number to get me set up fast with phone service, and then change it when they could transfer my line. It has something to do with shut off/turn on dates, because I can't be without phone service.
Well, not unless I have my forum friends looking out after me and sending Melcon6 to the rescue after suggesting she call Maxi's school!!!
I am so thrilled for Maxi because he is going to love it there.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
That is just wonderful! Hope you get the early move in date!
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
So the packing frenzy is underway. Can I say I am SICK of looking at STUFF?!?!?!
Nobody minds stuff when it is all neatly put away behind doors and in drawers and bins. But oh man, start pulling it all out and it makes you wonder why on earth you ever thought you needed so much?!
yipes.
We are definitely streamlining!
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
Just thought I'd check in with you all now that this very demanding weekend is over. I read all the Coffeehouse posts I missed -- yipes! -- there is no such thing as snoozing around here with all of you as we so like to do!
Saturday morning at 9 AM, five friends from church came and packed. Man dear, it was truly a packing tour de force. What a massively good job they did, too. My dining room now echoes!
I was so overtired by the time they left at noon, I could not rest at all. Barely slept Saturday night although it was much better than Friday night's 2 hours.
Early to church this morning because of the breakfast.
And if Fernie gets on tonight and reads this: I wore a deep robin's egg blue silk suit with a white crocheted shell. For outer wear, I wore my white fleece cape with the dramatic black trim and my big fur hat that is very much Lara from Dr. Zchivago. It is kind of a stunning outfit.
And if Tina reads this ~ deciding you might have had a point about me going to church with wet nails too often, today I went without doing a manicure first... they got me chips and all. Oh well.
At church I addressed the congregation, explaining about the move and all the help the packers had been yesterday. People were thrilled the application was accepted and applauded the efforts of Packing Team #1.
After church, Packing Team #2 came... again, 5 people. This team only stayed a little over two hours, but they did Maxi's room completely -- no easy task! They did all his bookcases, his big curio cabinet of fragile things, they dismantled his large captains bed with the four drawers underneath. They did his clothes and his toys. Yipes. What brave hearts waded into that place!
Meantime, one of the women worked on the kitchen and packed up everything we will not need for the next two weeks. She also continued the laundry process for me.
One of the men made a pot of coffee and brought me the most delicious cup of it when I was at my very worst thinking Oh I need something, but uncertain what! He guessed; he guessed right!
Oh, and I nearly forgot.... one of the women at church today approached me in private to say that the women's bible study group volunteered to take up a collection to help me with moving expenses. I've been so worried about how I was going to afford the high cost of the move. But before they did it, they wanted her to ask me if it was ok, not wanting to embarrass me or make me feel bad about my limited circumstances.
I was very touched by all of that!
So Maxi got home at dinner time. They called before they brought him home and I asked if she had any cash to pick up dinner on the way and I would pay her when she got here because oh man, I was too tired to even think about cooking. She picked up a baked potato for me from Wendy's with cheddar cheese and broccoli and a burger for Maxi. She also had him shower there before bringing him home.
It's been a peaceful evening and now I am more than ready to hit the sack.
It will be a busy week and I have GOT to start feeling better to be able to face up to all that remains to be done.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Weezie ~ I attend Trinity Episcopal Church.
We are a small but very caring parish.
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
They certainly are...I can feel it in your words Merme...when you talk about them...
quote: It will be a busy week and I have GOT to start feeling better to be able to face up to all that remains to be done.
And please, rest up.. get your Red Rose Tea... and rest up... You want to be home for your new move in date, not somewhere's else... you know what I mean ...
Think only good happy, calm thoughts, and trust and believe you will be on the other side of all this in no time flat...
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
quote:Originally posted by weezie13: Think only good happy, calm thoughts, and trust and believe you will be on the other side of all this in no time flat...
Thanks, Weezie, I needed to hear that! And that's just what I will do, too, over a cup of Red Rose Tea -- even if it does have a new tag!
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Congrats Merme & Mr. Maxi. Just thrilled for your new home and new chapter in your life. You certainly have a lot of caring people around you. Very happy for you both.
* * * * Old age ain't no place for sissies Plants: 306 | From: Alberta,Canada | Registered: Jun 2004
| Seeded: 68.149.32.140
Today my pal Angel's boyfriend Rich is bringing his bosses Yukon (I hear that thing is BIG! -- like an Explorer on steroids). He will be taking large items to the storage unit for me...
...my electric scooter, the a/c units, the artificial Christmas Trees and some boxes I will sort later, after the move...
At 5:30 last night I got slammed with a huge mountain of paperwork by housing -- endless forms to fill in, another trip to Social Security to get proof of income and then another trip to housing to hand deliver the stuff today.
All of which wouldn't be so bad IF a friend hadn't come from an hour away YESTERDAY to go to the bank, go to the realtor AND go to housing for me! All of which are errands in another town.
The problem all along has been that no live person EVER answers the phone at housing. You get a huge menu and choose who to leave a message with, then they call you back when they can "due to the large volume of calls".
So...last weeks messages were finally returned on Tuesday of this week; we got the errands done and then housing called me after hours to say they needed more stuff!
Plus, Maxi is home from school again today with his headcold and I have an important doctor appointment at 4:15 for a very minor (but important) surgery and I still haven't figured out a ride there, although I do have a ride home!
What a whirlwind I am caught in!
Merme
* * * *
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
"In the midst of winter, I learned there lives in me an invincible summer" Camus (maybe a paraphrase) Plants: 9229 | From: Maine | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 205.209.72.150
posted
Merme...you wore me out already...now I'm gonna have to go take a nap!
quote: So...last weeks messages were finally returned on Tuesday of this week;
I hate those kinda things...a few years ago I had to talk to someone at the capital (Frankfort) and had to leave my number for them to call back. I called about 3 times a day for a week, and no one ever returned my call. Finally, I drove to Frankfort (a long way from here!) and got the form I needed...which they could have faxed to me. 3 weeks later someone called...finally returning my call!
* * * * Buckle up! It makes it harder for the aliens to suck you out of your car! Plants: 43285 | Registered: Mar 2004
| Seeded: 70.35.241.223
login | 
| 
| 
![[dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
![[grin]](graemlins/grinnnn.gif)
![[kissies]](graemlins/kissies.gif)
![[lala]](graemlins/lala.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
to him for not letting you know!![[thumb]](graemlins/thumb.gif)
![[flower]](graemlins/flower.gif)
I'm so happy for you.
![[clappy]](graemlins/claps.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[wavey]](graemlins/wavey.gif)
![[gabby]](graemlins/gabby.gif)
as we so like to do!![[angel]](graemlins/cherub.gif)
BLESS ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[muggs]](graemlins/mugggggs.gif)
![[shocked]](graemlins/shock.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this garden