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reynardo1) Check now whether it has an AC/Heating system. If not, compare the rent. A decent portable reverse-cycle AC can be bought for about $900 so you'd want to have at least $30 a week off the rent if that's so.
2) No swimming pools. Not in Melbourne, not in the middle of water restrictions. (Learned due to the trials and tribulations of dear friends who were assured that of course, if it was illegal to top up the pool, of course they should be expected to do it - then were hit with a bond charge at the end of the lease for not maintaining the pool.)
3) 10 minutes walk to a 25 minute train ride is fine. 20 minutes walk to a 15 minute train ride is fine. 30 minutes cross-country hike through the bushland, which is likely to happen in the dark in winter, to a train that will take up to 30 minutes to get in, is not.
4) We have no tame electrician here. Make sure the house is in good order.
5) On street parking will work in the quiet side street, unless said quiet side street is beside the racecourse.
6) If 9 out of 10 of the neighbourhood houses have bars on the windows, and there are doughnut marks on the road outside, seriously consider whether ths is a good idea.
Anyone want to add any little pearls of wisdom?
2) No swimming pools. Not in Melbourne, not in the middle of water restrictions. (Learned due to the trials and tribulations of dear friends who were assured that of course, if it was illegal to top up the pool, of course they should be expected to do it - then were hit with a bond charge at the end of the lease for not maintaining the pool.)
3) 10 minutes walk to a 25 minute train ride is fine. 20 minutes walk to a 15 minute train ride is fine. 30 minutes cross-country hike through the bushland, which is likely to happen in the dark in winter, to a train that will take up to 30 minutes to get in, is not.
4) We have no tame electrician here. Make sure the house is in good order.
5) On street parking will work in the quiet side street, unless said quiet side street is beside the racecourse.
6) If 9 out of 10 of the neighbourhood houses have bars on the windows, and there are doughnut marks on the road outside, seriously consider whether ths is a good idea.
Anyone want to add any little pearls of wisdom?
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no subject
Date: 2009-02-18 04:01 pm (UTC)6.2 Crime scene tape is right out.
Depending on the area, knocking on the neighbor's doors, and asking them what it's like to live in the area might not be a bad idea. It might also get you insight into the problems associated with the previous tenants and/or their problems with the property. The neighborhood gossip grapevine is sometimes more reliable than the agent showing the property.
Also look for: Pipe corrosion and/or evidence of water leaks under the sinks. "Swampy", dead, or recently-dug areas of the yard, especially above the municipal sewer connection.