So the guy came to see the room today. I promised my dad I'd call him it as soon as it was over, which I did. But the interview went very well.
He's pretty nice. A few years younger than me, in the year between undergrad and graduate school. He's working at a restaurant in the local hospital and saving money towards grad school. (I liked that!)
We discussed the rent ($450.00) and the need for 1 month's deposit. I showed him the house, introduced him to the cats, which he responded well to. He said he was impressed with the amount of space and cleanliness of the house. And he even asked why I had priced the room so low.
Before putting the ad on Craigslist, I had reviewed 'the competition' and determined the rent of $450.00 was appropriate. I actually was hoping to attract roommates who were near my age, maybe just a few years out of college. And I knew there were a LOT of housing options out there right now. So I priced what I felt was the amount where I would come out ahead enough of the increased utilities to make renting the room out worth while.
I asked about references (yes), drugs (no), smoking (no), parties (no). We talked about overnight guests (no/rarely).
He's looking for a one year lease, which is where I was comfortable. We'll have 30day out clauses just in case.
He liked the room and was fine with sharing a bathroom. He'll have full access of the living areas, kitchen, basement & washer/dryer. He only has bedroom furniture, although I had plenty of storage room in the basement if he had needed it.
We talked for a little under an hour after the tour, getting to know each other. We talked about where we work, what he'll be doing in grad school, pets, and movies. We seemed to get along. Of course, you can never really know someone until you live with them.
All in all, I let him know to think about it, email or call with questions and let me know. I'm not in a huge rush and I want to think things over for a few days, talk it out with my family.
We'll see how it goes. I have a feeling he'll be calling back and saying he'll take it. He won't need the room until August 1st, which gives me plenty of time to put up rods and shelves in the spare room and install the new pantry door.
Update on the roommate interview
June 25th, 2008 at 09:32 pm
June 25th, 2008 at 09:47 pm 1214426847
June 25th, 2008 at 10:13 pm 1214428388
June 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm 1214429417
June 26th, 2008 at 02:39 am 1214444394
Maria, I was concerned about the guy thing too, but I feel confident for a few different reasons, which I won't go into right now. I am definately taking precautions though.
June 26th, 2008 at 03:23 am 1214447008