WeeklyBagel

How To Find A Roommate - Episode 16

The current economy situation has some young adults seeking roommates in order to afford a roof over their heads. This is according to National Association of Home Builders. It says young working class adults of age 25 to 34 constitute 23% of 6.3 million households in shared housing.
That is a whole lot, is it not?
Well, I am not surprised. Millennials and adult Gen Zs have been having it rough compared to those before them, when they were our age. We are all trying to make the best of today's situation.
Simply put, some of us have to get roommates so we will not homeless. Not because we don't have a job, but due to the fact that the cost of living far exceeds our wages.
Speaking of roommates, where do you find these roommates?
This is what I talked about on this episode. I elaborated the roommate search process. Also, the things you must consider to avoid being miserable living with another person.
When it comes to finding a roommate, it is a decision which could alter your life in a good way or a really bad way. Hence, why I always recommend considering the pros and cons of having one. I discussed this in great details about this on episode #5.
So, use the websites I mentioned on this episode to find a good roommate for you. There are other ones out there. Be sure you are doing your due diligence before accepting a roommate. By due diligence, I mean you are venting and making sure they meet your standards. This is because there are a lot of dysfunctional people out there.
The last time you want is to a free loader. Check out Episode 15- How to split rent with roommates, so you can be better prepared on drafting a good contract when it comes to splitting monthly bills.
 

How To Split Rent With Roommates- Episode 15

Do you remember when I asked: Is it smarter to get a roommate or rent it alone on episode 5?
Well, it turns out one of the biggest issues renters face is having their roommates not pay their share of their rental bills. Most times conflict arise from young working class adults sharing an apartment, it is often money issues.
Why is money issue the biggest conflict, my dear listener?
This is because some young adults do not discuss aspects of rental bills with their potential roommates. Or, draft a contract where that specifically highlight who pays what and what percentage monthly.
On this episode, I talked about the six ways of splitting rent with your roommates. Also, how you could go about it without the other person feeling the burden of rental expenses have fallen on them. That way, there will not be conflict down the line.
So, grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee. This episode is about +25 minutes long. I hope it answers your questions.

How To Set Up Utilities In Your New Apartment

There is no joy better than having a place of your own. You get to make it a home away from the home you were raised in. Utilities play a big role in shaping this home for you.
Without them, half your creature comforts are out the window. Now, it is important you set up your utilities before moving in. If not, you can do it a day or two after you move in.
But any more delay may incur a fee from the apartment. This is because apartments keep paying the utilities bills of an occupied unit, until it is rented. It is expected you transfer your utility accounts to your new place or create a new one.
If not, the responsibilities fall on the apartment. And trust me, you do not want to start being an issue when you just barely moved in. Am I right, my dear listener?
This is why I recommend discussing about any hidden cost of renting an apartment from the leasing office. This is to avoid surprises or extra fees you did not budget for. I talked about this on Episode 11.
On this episode, I talked about the different kind of utilities you will expect in addition to your base rent. Also, how you could go about setting up utilities in your new apartment. So, grab a freshly baked bagel and a cup of coffee for this one.
Try not to fall asleep to the sound of my voice! ; )

How To Rent An Apartment With Low Credit Score - Episode 13

On episode 6, I talked about the credit score apartment usually look for in renters. 
Personally, I recommend young working class adults work on their credit first before trying to get a place of their own. But, let us be realistic. Sometimes, circumstances call for us moving out immediately and our credit score may not be up to par.
In a situation like this, what do you do?
On this episode, I discussed how you could still rent an apartment with a low credit score. This is regardless of whether it is poor or bad. With all the things I listed here, apartments can be convinced to rent out to you.
This is especially, if you have a good rental history. So, grab a cup of coffee to wash down the bagel I am about to give to you.
Note: If you want to build your credit first before moving out, read the following articles below:
What To Know About Building Credit For the First Time
Credit score vs Credit History
I recommend building your credit first before trying out to get an apartment with a poor credit score. It increases your chances of getting one. But if circumstances demand you get an apartment now while your credit score is bad, just do all I talked to you about on this episode. You will be alright.

Horrible First-Renters Mistakes Young Adults Make

When trying to rent an apartment, it is important you do your due diligence. This is to avoid an apartment being an extra burden to you, besides the usual expenses. You avoid these by having an apartment checklist.
They make sure you do not neglect asking the right questions prior to signing a lease.
On this episode, I discuss the common mistakes young working class adults make  when trying to get a place of their own for the first time. I talked about how you could avoid these mistakes to prevent additional unnecessary rental expenses. To simplify, I show you how I would do it, if I were you.
So, grab a cup of coffee and a bagel. I am about to save you from a world of heartbreaks and financial stress. 

The Hidden Costs Of Renting An Apartment- Episode 11

One of the problems with renting apartments is some leasing agents do not disclose the hidden fees associated with renting an apartment with them. Sometimes, these fees could rack up a substantial amount for the average renter. As a result, rent becomes a burden for the average working class adult trying to eke a living while needing a roof over their heads.
This is usually where we start seeing rent becomes 45% or more than half of the monthly paycheck we bring home.
On this episode, I encourage my fellow young working class adults to ask apartments for hidden fees, besides the usual base rent, trash and water bills. I listed the usual reoccurring bills you should be familiar with and I discussed the hidden fees some apartments do not disclose prior to lease signing.
I lay out how to deal with hidden costs that add to your monthly housing costs before it becomes an issue. So, grab yourself some coffee and a bagel, because I am about to save you from a world of financial stress caused by some bad apartment complexes out there!
Note: I also elaborated more on an article I wrote- The Hidden Costs of Renting An Apartment. I highly recommend you read it. You can share with any young working class adult out there hunting for an apartment. You will be doing a great service to him or her.
Wishing you the best in your art of living. Good luck, friend!

How To Save For An Apartment- Episode 10

On this episode, I discuss the necessity of saving a few months worth of apartment rent. It saves you from the anxiety of a sudden income disruption. The last pandemic taught all nasty lessons, did it not?
Well, saving for an apartment starts with having a specific, realistic and attainable goal. Goals keep us grounded. I recommend buying one of those Walmart white boards and writing them on it. I talked about what to write on it here.
Additionally, I talked about tips to help you raise the money for an apartment quicker than the usual time. Below are some of the articles I mentioned on this episode.
7 Best High Interest Savings Accounts
Building Credit For the First Time
This episode is important to me, because it was actually how I started out as an independent working class adult. What I talked about here will set you up successfully, so you do not see a future where you move back in with your parents.
So, grab a bagel and some coffee. In case of any questions, shoot me an email at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. I'd be happy to hear from you!
Note: I write articles where I am able to talk more on topics I discuss on my podcast. Since I am a better writer than a speaker, I elaborated more about this topic on my article: How To Save For An Apartment For A First-Time Renter.

Are there Rental Scams On Zillow?

Zillow is a great platform for looking for an apartment, however it is not excluded from the iron grasp of scammers. On this episode, I discussed the red flags on Zillow that should tell you when a listing is fraudulent. Apartment scams on Zillow is a real issue.
Also, I talked about how to go about renting an apartment on Zillow the smart way. I figured this is important since there are a lot of reddit trends about people getting scammed on Zillow. I do not want you to be part of the statistics.
Scammers are not entitled to our hard-earned money. We should not make it easy for them. Right?
As working class adults, it is important we always go see the apartments we want before giving out sensitive information or making a down payment. It is how you avoid rental scams as a first-time renter, or any renter for that matter.
You can read my article on this podcast- Are there rental scams on Zillow?. I went in depth, given I am better at writing than I am at speaking the English language. I know- I am still working on my podcast skills!
So, go find a quiet to listen to this episode because it will save you a lot of heart breaks. Wishing luck on your apartment hunting!

How To Spot CraigsList Rent Scams

Craigslist is a great platform for getting affordable rental properties. However, it is plagued with scammers trying to have a shot at your money. What pisses me off, is these guys are so good, you need to be good to spot Craigslist rental listings scam.
On this episode, I discuss what to look for. This is in addition to how you could avoid falling a victim. Finally, where to report scams or rental listings you suspect are fake.
You can check out the article I wrote on this topic- How To Spot CraigsList Scams Like A Professional. It is more detailed than what I talked about on the episode. If you enjoy reading, I recommend you check it out.
Now, go grab a cup of coffee and a bagel. I am about to save you from a whole lot of Craigslist rental headaches and heartaches. You are welcome!

How To Avoid Apartment Scams

Apartment rental scam is a big nuisance nowadays in the property rental industry. This is especially on websites showing apartment complexes. It is easy for scammers to get on there and set up apartment rental scams.
On this episode, I discussed how you could identify and avoid these apartment scams. This is to avoid being taken advantage of financially. Or worse, getting the apartment from hell.
You know, a bad apartment which was not what was shown on the pictures you saw on the leasing website.
Also, I shared my personal experience on narrowly escaping getting scammed with a bad apartment infested with bugs. So, this episode hits home. This is why you and I will explore ways to spot apartment scams, so we do not regret renting an apartment from shady leasing offices.
Feel free and email me on Chimezie@weeklybagel.com in case of questions. Grab a cup of tea and bagel, because I am about to lay it out for you.