sarahsahara's Profile

We had the same situation a year ago, and that was the tipping point that pushed us out of the building and into home ownership (except we have no kids).

After renting for nearly ten years with no problems, new neighbors moved in below us and immediately began to complain. We did all the the things you did, tiptoeing, carpets, changing our routine, but it only seemed to escalate the problem. Eventually things came to a head when I burned myself and dropped a hot pan in the kitchen and the man downstairs came up and threatened me and assaulted my husband. We had to call the police that night and on several more occasions.

In the end it cost us money to move and we really didn't have it; but moving out was the only way to resolve the situation. It's tough to hear, but once your quality of life has dropped so low that you're living in fear of another complaint or a knock at the door, it's time to move on.

What a lovely, charming home. Count me among those who dislike the term 'starter home,' particularly for jewels like this one.

I've shared several tiny dorm rooms, but the smallest 'home' I've ever lived in was a 400 sq ft. 1 bedroom apartment I shared with my former husband. When a friend needed a place to stay we added a twin bed and a clothes rack in the kitchen. While I like a small space, that apartment was a bit too snug.

Those stairs are totally unsafe.

I've got a medium/large breed dog that has been a happy apartment dweller since day one. He's got a bit of energy that he lets out with a frolic around the living room between naps. We go for walks and to the dog park for socialization and exercise. As long as he's got a window to look out of and toys he's a happy boy.

It looks really great.

Just don't do it. From personal experience, if this neighbor is lying to drive you away for her own motives, you lives will be hell. If she's telling the truth, you could be in danger.

There's freedom in renting, and I could just pick up an move anytime. Which is great. And true, I don't theoretically have to do any maintenance. That didn't hold true in my previous rental. My landlord was very 'hands off' and refused to fix major health and safety issues (think major leaks, electrical) as well as minor things and I did have to do all those things myself and send him receipts. I might as well have been the owner.

As a current apartment renter, I don't have to shovel snow and have access to a gym and pool. However, my rent increased more than $150 a month in the last two years and I pay a separate monthly 'pet rent' for my medium-size terrier. I also have to deal with noisy neighbors above and below us. We just purchased a small house with a yard. It has 500 more sq feet, and the mortgage payment, taxes, insurance and HOA are $400 a month less than my rent. For that I'll paint and shovel my own snow. Your mileage may vary.

I was going to say exactly what SweetVirginia said, but she beat me to it. Seriously, the change is so subtle that it's hard to recognize. It looks a bit tidier, and there's a yellow chair. Sort of like featuring a before and after of my bedroom on laundry day when I switch my white sheets for tan.

Looks very Florida, not so much Venice. Pretty though, but just has that impersonal feel.