Originally Posted By LuLu I spent the last month fretting over the HUGE decision of whether to sell the family home or buy my ex out... now I'm faced with another decision where I'm gonna disappoint somebody... The situation is renting my "guest quarters" which is locked off and separate from my own living space... I have 2 candidates who are both very interested and qualified so I have to choose... Candidate 1 is male, age 45, overqualified income-wise but this fits his needs. He is really easy going and laid back, has worked with kids for years, now manages a kids' gym. He has a dog! So this is assuming our dogs get along (we're introducing them tomorrow) I think this is a plus for CoCo to have a buddy. Candidate 2 is female, age 44, has 2 teens who live with their dad but one daughter may spend some nights here. She has a small eBay business, gets money from her ex, is to start working at a new restaurant soon. The only drawback here is she talks A LOT and I'm not a talker, plus when I'm home (which is most of the time) I need to be working. So hopefully she wouldn't distract me too much! Both are thinking of staying a couple years... Aaaah I hate decisions!! Any input / suggestions?
Originally Posted By Tinkerbell819 My vote is for the guy. (I hope the doggies get along!) He can probably fix things himself, if anything breaks down. I think it might get to be a problem having somebody chatty around, too, while you're trying to work. The guy is not going to have other people there using the utilities, too. (If they are included in their rent.) DH was a landlord for years and I read him your post, he just gave a list of reasons for the guy, too. So, two votes for the guy coming from here on the east coast.
Originally Posted By murfsmom i opt for candidate #1, he sounds a little more stable and won't have the drama of kids coming and going and if you work from home, sounds like he would be more peaceful to have around. a friend f mine has been renting out oart of her place for years and even though she checks them out, there has been so much drama with the female renters !!! it's either kids. ex's or both, the ex's don't pay, so hey can't pay the rent. if you really looked into his back ground and etc, i would go with him !! just my opinion !!!
Originally Posted By chickendumpling I trust dogs to make decisions like this. They are almost always right on with judging people, so I say let CoCo decide. Sounds like you are leaning towards Candidate #1 and I can't disagree with that. Unless his dog is some huge barker or something. Good luck, LuLu.
Originally Posted By Stacers76 I agree with #1 also. He sounds a little more stable and less prone to "surprises". Ya never know what might happen with a moody teen that doesn't want to live with dad anymore or whatnot..and sounds like the financial situation with #2 might be a little...hmm...riskier I guess. And I can tell ya from experience with the "talker" types..lol it doesn't stop, whether you're trying to work, watch a movie, talk on the phone...and then they get hurt if you tell them to back off or hush...oye! Yep I vote for Mr. works with kids and has a dog Hopefully the pooches get along!
Originally Posted By Lady Starlight Go with the Guy. Two females don't work when it's your own turf. Plus, men are more hany to have around to help fix something and to protect. I'm just sayin.
Originally Posted By Tinkeroon I think you already have your candidate picked out in your own mind...#1. He seems like the most reasonable choice. And if the dogs get along,well, that would just be a great bonus and your Coco would have a friend and part time playmate. On the other hand if male Candidate #1, 45, were introduced to female Candididate #2, 44...oh never mind...
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 Oh, LuLu. I know that you are both very logical and very compassionate. What a tough spot for you to be in. (((LuLu))) That (sincerely) said... 1) Accept that it is inevitable that your decision WILL disappoint one of the candidates. You cannot change that fact. So (not to be harsh, but)... Don't waste time wracking your brain trying to come up with a pain-free decision. It doesn't exist. And don't give in to any temptation to make your decision based upon how much disappointment it will cause. Make your decision based upon what it right for YOU. Unless you mis-represented the situation to either of the candidates, they knew they were in a competitive position. It was not unfair of you to open the offer up, to accept nominees, and to decide between contenders. Everyone knew the rules of the competition, and there's nothing wrong with you choosing one person over another. 2) Forget the subjective for a few minutes, and re-review the "objective" information you have for each of them. Think "business." Think "landlord-tenant law." Think "asset risk." Does either of them have a questionable history with payments? Does each have a reliable source of income? Is there a legitimate reason to be concerned that either would cause damage to the property? Have you sought references for each of them? If you forget the personalities, does one look better than the other "on paper"? 3) If there's no significant difference between the candidates "on paper," just go with who you feel most comfortable with. And don't feel guilty about it. Based on what you've written, I'd agree with the posters who've written that it sounds like you'd be most comfortable with Candidate #1. Personally, that's the way I'd go. If someone is 44 and very, very chatty, she's not going to suddenly become a quiet person. I see that relationship as potentially difficult to manage. You might begin by giving her an honest, assertive talk about how you need your privacy. She might understand and want to honor that. But you will want to be friendly to her. There could be ongoing tension in attempting to maintain a cordial relationship that is non-invasive to you. 4) I learned this from a very wise person when I was well into adulthood... Sometimes when you find you can't make a decision between two options, it's because it really doesn't matter which you pick. In other words, it could be that either would be fine. That it's a complete tie. And if that's the case... it's completely legitimate to flip a coin!
Originally Posted By TINK-MOBILE Lulu....take a breath...it seems everyone feels you should rent your space to this gentleman...all for basically the same few reasons , chatty, and more finaciallly dependant on paying on time, and comes with a companion for your own dog, now i will tell you dalmations are very jealous animals, very high strung , do not like alot of noise, which now makes this decision a lil tougher, an unhappy doggie relationship, or a few migranes from a chatty neighbour, it is a tough one, but as smart as you are and as good as a judge of character, your heart will lead you in the right direction, don't be hasty take a lil time, both choices that you have may surprise you, once they are established...perhaps letting them both know, that you may need a trial period and that if things don't work out , they may be asked to find another place to stay...this is just a thought that has merit but is not a nescessity "darn word", to include...hope you have success in your choice, if I was you, I would choose the woman, her need seems to be the greatest, both could bring partners into your home, so that is a even position, one partner could have children, that ties the other..so go with your heart, who makes you feel most comfortable...let us know we are all eager to find out...heck sell the house and pay the ex out, start fresh...Good luck Lulu, will be saying a prayer for you..hugs from the tink-mobile..ox
Originally Posted By LuLu You guys are amazing - thank you all so much! I didn't expect anything like this response, especially on a Saturday evening. Yes, I did feel comfortable right away with the guy. Unfortunately the woman made me cautious from the first phone conversation. So it's hard to be objective, tho for financial stability the guy definitely has the edge. My ex is so against the guy! (He hasn't met either - maybe he's a bit jealous. But he insists the dog will ruin the yard, etc.) I have a few more questions for the guy when our dogs meet tomorrow. So I'll most likely have a decision made by tomorrow evening. I'll keep you posted!
Originally Posted By Tinkerbell819 Good luck, Lulu! It's easy to get people to move in, and REALLY hard to get them to move out. (and the woman's story makes me a bit nervous.)
Originally Posted By LuLu She seems very sincere, I believe her stories about being a great tenant for 5 years at her apartment, but I'm concerned about her child support. I find it hard to believe that her ex will continue his (generous) payments when the kids now live with him. I'm also a bit concerned that she won't be 100% happy here with VERY limited kitchen facilities, and one window AC only. It's hard to downsize from a really nice 2BR apt with all the amenities... my place is quite nice, and has a LOT over many other similar rentals, but it's not like having a fully-staffed and tricked-out apartment. I would probably be thrilled to have her if not for the guy. A few days ago I was lamenting a total lack of qualified tenants, except for 1 neat lady who eventually decided she couldn't do w/o a kitchen. I was getting worried. Then I got 2 great applicants and a whole new problem! :-D
Originally Posted By LuLu BTW I have had 3 woman tenants previously (one at a time!) with no issues. I'd never considered having a guy before, but this one seems easy to please and very un-macho.
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove I'm not prejudicing my vote by reading past post #1. Go with the guy, if the dogs get along. By all means. Having a needy female talking my ear off would make me want to blow my head off. Yes, I'm in a dark mood. Love's bitter dark chocolate side is coming out, but at least I'll be 100% truthful and not worry about hurting people's feelings and stuff. xoxo You'll do the right thing, LuLu. Follow your heart. (Still not reading anyone's opinions, btw.) Moving on to next thread....
