When my friend Suzanne told me that I was responsible for her financial solvency, I asked her if she would write up her experience. It’s exciting to hear about people making the move to shared housing and reaping the benefits. Here’s Suzanne’s story.
Suzanne’s Story
I have a roommate now!
But, until somewhat recently, about 4 or so months ago, I had completely dismissed the idea of having a roommate. Not because I didn’t have the space (I had a totally empty spare room), but because the idea of sharing my living space totally turned me off.
I never thought it would work for me because I like to keep a very clean home. When I’m home I like to have the run of the place. At home I want to feel relaxed and not like I’m entertaining someone or have to be conscientious about music or noise in general.
When times got tough financially, I had to get creative about generating income.
Annamarie told me I should get a roommate and I rejected her suggestion in seconds. She said I would be surprised at just how nicely a roommate situation done right could work out so well. She said to read her book and so I did. After reading the guidebook, I decided to see if I could live with a roommate.
The book helped me think of the qualities in a roommate that would work for me (i.e. someone clean, with a schedule opposing mine of times and days that they would be home). Then I placed an ad for a roommate, corresponded with several, and met a few potentials and then selected one using questions and suggestions from the book on preferences in a roommate.
Tips from the book helped me to make a house sharing contract and talk out the important things like chores, bills, communication, sharing food, and such.
Three months later, my housemate and I are still getting along very well. I am relieved, because I needed the income, and I am surprised that it’s working. If not for Annamarie’s book, I would not have opened my mind to house sharing as a possibility for me.
Thanks!! Great book, highly recommended for someone on the fence about getting a housemate.
Over 50? Check out this post: Silver Sharers, A New Home-share Site for 50+
Yes, it’s true that most of the usual online sources (Craigslist etc.) are geared towards younger people. We are trying to change this! More older people can live in shared housing.