Condo Question

gettysburgfreak · 08-31-2010, 09:10 PM

Since I am moving at the end of November I have had to start looking for an apartment. Currently I am living in a brand new 1000 square foot apartment and love it. I am an avid golfer and found a condo overlooking a pretty nice golf course up in Lynden, Washington. It sounds great but its not furnished and its only 688 square feet which includes the downstairs living area, kitchen, and bathroom downstairs, a bedroom and another bathroom upstairs. Is 688 going to feel really cramped? Input would be appreciated. Here is a link to the guy's condo.

http://www.whatcomvacationrentals.com

BlackDog · 08-31-2010, 09:33 PM

Personally, I'd be OK with it if I were single. But a lot would depend upon the floor plan. I hate small rooms. If it has an open floor plan, and has good natural light, I'd probably be good with it.

hotreds · 08-31-2010, 09:44 PM

Smoking allowed?

Goldie · 08-31-2010, 10:49 PM

Those look like a really nice place to live, but if you are single 688sqft doesn't seem too bad to me.

Just as long as there is room for your humidor

CasaDooley · 08-31-2010, 10:54 PM

Looks to be non smoking. Bad mojo

Samsquanch · 08-31-2010, 11:05 PM

My wife and I share a one bedroom 700 sq foot apt and are fine with it. We like our layout because the living room is pretty large and that's where we spend most of our waking hours. I think if you're by yourself you should find it plenty big, especially with the great amenities, you won't be in the apt too much! Best of luck!

gettysburgfreak · 09-01-2010, 05:40 AM

It does have two patios one on the main floor and one off the bedroom upstairs. I would assume I could smoke on those. I am just concerned that it will be really cramped after I get furniture in there and also the lack of storage space. I have a lot of gear just for work alone, plus all my personal stuff that I crammed in my car when I moved down to Texas.

bigliver · 09-01-2010, 05:54 AM

As has been stated. I think it really depends on the layout. I have moved a lot in the last 15 years and I can tell you that you can make anything work. And with it not being furnished, you can do so in a way that will maximize your space. Just my

elderboy02 · 09-01-2010, 05:57 AM

$2100 a month seems very high.

mosesbotbol · 09-01-2010, 06:34 AM

It's totally doable for two people. The condo has a decent lay-out. Hallway's kill a condo for space and this unit looks modest on hallway space.

Be smart with your furniture picks and remember "less is more" when it comes to living in such spaces. Pick modern furniture with a small foot print. No double stuffed big sofas and like. I have lived in a few similarly sized condos. It's all about picking the right stuff to decorate.

Living a on golf course with that kind of view is worth giving up some space. Think of how much space is really wasted in larger places? Not every foot is really lived in either way.

I would think about the condo fee and heat. Looks like it could be electric heat.

Subvet642 · 09-01-2010, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elderboy02

$2100 a month seems very high.

I live near Boston, one of the most expensive places in the country and I bought a condo, 1400 sq ft plus 300 sq ft of in-unit storage, and my mortgage plus taxes are about as much as that rent.

Eleven · 09-01-2010, 08:02 AM

"This is a non-smoking facility. A $500 cleaning fee will be charged if this policy is violated"

sucks.

jmsremax · 09-01-2010, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elderboy02

$2100 a month seems very high.

To me that is and I live in Boston.....how much is the association fee? That is something that would be a major factor to me.

mosesbotbol · 09-01-2010, 08:25 AM

My buddy is paying $1600 a month condo fee on a 1500 sq ft condo in Boston, so it is all relative.

A $500 cleaning fee if one time for smoking does not sound that bad.

HK3- · 09-01-2010, 10:29 AM

Not bad. Question is, will all of your current stuff fit in a down sized place?

Go for it!

BigCat · 09-01-2010, 11:23 AM

Before we were married, my wife had a 600 square foot place. It was fine when we'd spend the weekends together. It is just all the more important to keep it clean - the walls close in more quickly when dishes pile up, etc.

mosesbotbol · 09-01-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCat

Before we were married, my wife had a 600 square foot place. It was fine when we'd spend the weekends together. It is just all the more important to keep it clean - the walls close in more quickly when dishes pile up, etc.

Tell me about it. Makes for throwing things out immediately so much easier. All the pack ratting I did before I moved to my current place; yikes!

chippewastud79 · 09-01-2010, 01:51 PM

Isn't this a vacation rental, not a residential rental?

gettysburgfreak · 09-01-2010, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

Isn't this a vacation rental, not a residential rental?

The guy said he normally does just vacation rentals but has been thinking about doing a year lease which is what I was considering. If it was listed as a vacation rental does that mean I would be violating some law if I lived in it longer term? As far as rent, the guy said we could do $1,100/month which includes all utilities, comcast cable, and wireless internet.

chippewastud79 · 09-01-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gettysburgfreak

The guy said he normally does just vacation rentals but has been thinking about doing a year lease which is what I was considering. If it was listed as a vacation rental does that mean I would be violating some law if I lived in it longer term? As far as rent, the guy said we could do $1,100/month which includes all utilities, comcast cable, and wireless internet.

A rental is a rental as far as the law is concerned. If it is zoned to be residential or vacation rental it shouldn't matter. I would be careful with the lease he has you sign however, since his standard lease is probably geared towards short term tenants rather than year long. Be sure you read through it and make sure that everything is geared towards longer term tenancy.

08-31-2010, 09:10 PM	#1
gettysburgfreak Patriot Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Mitten Posts: 1,442 Trading: (2)	Condo Question Since I am moving at the end of November I have had to start looking for an apartment. Currently I am living in a brand new 1000 square foot apartment and love it. I am an avid golfer and found a condo overlooking a pretty nice golf course up in Lynden, Washington. It sounds great but its not furnished and its only 688 square feet which includes the downstairs living area, kitchen, and bathroom downstairs, a bedroom and another bathroom upstairs. Is 688 going to feel really cramped? Input would be appreciated. Here is a link to the guy's condo. http://www.whatcomvacationrentals.com __________________ Author ofeath, Disease, and Life at War: The Civil War Letters of Surgeon James D. Benton, 111th and 98th New York Infantry Regiments, 1862-1865.

08-31-2010, 09:33 PM	#2
BlackDog Gonna make you groove... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Warren Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 2,468 Trading: (19)	Re: Condo Question Personally, I'd be OK with it if I were single. But a lot would depend upon the floor plan. I hate small rooms. If it has an open floor plan, and has good natural light, I'd probably be good with it. __________________ "We live in the good of this."

08-31-2010, 09:44 PM	#3
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,662 Trading: (63)	Re: Condo Question Smoking allowed? __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

08-31-2010, 10:49 PM	#4
Goldie Bring the pain! Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Drew Location: Ohio Posts: 808 Trading: (13)	Re: Condo Question Those look like a really nice place to live, but if you are single 688sqft doesn't seem too bad to me. Just as long as there is room for your humidor __________________ Come in here dear boy, have a cigar, you're gonna go far - Pink Floyd I like my draw, like I like my women, a little loose - Goldie

08-31-2010, 10:54 PM	#5
CasaDooley Herf Crew of 2 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kevin Location: The birthplace of Fathers Day Posts: 2,465 Trading: (41)	Re: Condo Question Looks to be non smoking. Bad mojo __________________ *Founding member of the Lilac City Dedicated Herfers*

08-31-2010, 11:05 PM	#6
Samsquanch Feeling at Home Join Date: Jun 2010 First Name: Andrew Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 564 Trading: (21)	Re: Condo Question My wife and I share a one bedroom 700 sq foot apt and are fine with it. We like our layout because the living room is pretty large and that's where we spend most of our waking hours. I think if you're by yourself you should find it plenty big, especially with the great amenities, you won't be in the apt too much! Best of luck! __________________ ...I'm not saying I agree with it, it's just that bird law in this country, it's not governed by reason.

09-01-2010, 05:40 AM	#7
gettysburgfreak Patriot Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Mitten Posts: 1,442 Trading: (2)	Re: Condo Question It does have two patios one on the main floor and one off the bedroom upstairs. I would assume I could smoke on those. I am just concerned that it will be really cramped after I get furniture in there and also the lack of storage space. I have a lot of gear just for work alone, plus all my personal stuff that I crammed in my car when I moved down to Texas. __________________ Author ofeath, Disease, and Life at War: The Civil War Letters of Surgeon James D. Benton, 111th and 98th New York Infantry Regiments, 1862-1865.

09-01-2010, 05:54 AM	#8
bigliver Cigarmurai Join Date: Dec 2008 First Name: Jason Location: Oki Posts: 404 Trading: (9)	Re: Condo Question As has been stated. I think it really depends on the layout. I have moved a lot in the last 15 years and I can tell you that you can make anything work. And with it not being furnished, you can do so in a way that will maximize your space. Just my __________________ Build a man a fire, keep him warm for a night. Set a man on fire, keep him warm for the rest of his life.

09-01-2010, 05:57 AM	#9
elderboy02 Lets Go Buckeyes! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 12,508 Trading: (133)	Re: Condo Question $2100 a month seems very high.

09-01-2010, 06:34 AM	#10
mosesbotbol That's a Corgi Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moses Location: Boston Posts: 6,171 Trading: (6)	Re: Condo Question It's totally doable for two people. The condo has a decent lay-out. Hallway's kill a condo for space and this unit looks modest on hallway space. Be smart with your furniture picks and remember "less is more" when it comes to living in such spaces. Pick modern furniture with a small foot print. No double stuffed big sofas and like. I have lived in a few similarly sized condos. It's all about picking the right stuff to decorate. Living a on golf course with that kind of view is worth giving up some space. Think of how much space is really wasted in larger places? Not every foot is really lived in either way. I would think about the condo fee and heat. Looks like it could be electric heat. __________________ Port Wine & Claret \| British Cars \| Welsh Corgi's

09-01-2010, 08:02 AM	#12
Eleven Solid As The Sun Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Scott Location: SW Ohio Posts: 1,859 Trading: (23)	Re: Condo Question "This is a non-smoking facility. A $500 cleaning fee will be charged if this policy is violated" sucks. __________________ CA: putting the 'man' in bromance since 2008! --markem.

09-01-2010, 08:25 AM	#14
mosesbotbol That's a Corgi Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moses Location: Boston Posts: 6,171 Trading: (6)	Re: Condo Question My buddy is paying $1600 a month condo fee on a 1500 sq ft condo in Boston, so it is all relative. A $500 cleaning fee if one time for smoking does not sound that bad. __________________ Port Wine & Claret \| British Cars \| Welsh Corgi's

09-01-2010, 10:29 AM	#15
HK3- Cashmere Jungle Lord Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Boffa Location: The town so nice they named it twice Posts: 5,035 Trading: (48)	Re: Condo Question Not bad. Question is, will all of your current stuff fit in a down sized place? Go for it!

09-01-2010, 11:23 AM	#16
BigCat My back is now unwatched. Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Colin Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 723 Trading: (5)	Re: Condo Question Before we were married, my wife had a 600 square foot place. It was fine when we'd spend the weekends together. It is just all the more important to keep it clean - the walls close in more quickly when dishes pile up, etc. __________________ "Now, I don't approve of dissipation, and I don't indulge in it either; but I haven't a particle of confidence in a man who has no redeeming petty vices." Mark Twain

09-01-2010, 01:51 PM	#18
chippewastud79 Fatter than you! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Larry Location: A little place called home. Posts: 5,397 Trading: (44)	Re: Condo Question Isn't this a vacation rental, not a residential rental? __________________ If we weren't supposed to eat animals, then how come they're made of meat? You can never have too many cigars, they are like an investment in good times.