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Have you responded to a roommate ad and then heard nothing back? Sending a clear message at the beginning can create more interest and get you a faster response.
Let’s start with etiquette. To begin, you don’t want to assume that the other person is ready to say yes and invite you over to their home. They want to see a change of compatibility before they let you know where they live and what’s in their home.
Here are some tips for writing messages let the other person know whether or not this might be a compatible fit.
Keep in mind, you want to keep your messages to 1-2 paragraphs max and not overwhelm the other person with a lot to read; Consequently, too much text is a red flag.
Reaching out to a host:
Introduce yourself! Let them know what you do and what you’re about. What is your vocation, your hobbies, free-time activities, social life, and general lifestyle. Paint a picture of what it would be like to live with you. Also, let them know what you’re up to and what you’re looking for at this stage in your life (And be honest! This isn’t about trying to move in or get “accepted”; it’s about finding compatibility!)
Let them know what it is about their space that caught your attention and why you think it would be a good fit for both of you.
And feel free to ask any questions! This let’s know that you are also looking for compatibility.
Reaching out to a potential roommate:
Introduce yourself and let them know why you and your home might be compatible. Share a bit about yourself and send them a link to your listing.
If they are interested, then proceed to get to know more about each other and see if you’re compatible.
And voila! This should help you move through the beginning a little more swiftly.
Choosing a new roommate can be like choosing a new partner, so it is important to do everything in your control to ensure you feel confident about the person.To do so, you should go through a roommate interview process to decide how compatible you and the potential candidate are. Here are some personal experience tips and tricks to help you as you navigate this decision.
First, make sure your potential roommate can:
- Afford the rent.
- Be responsible with the property and anything else included in the rent.
- Be a safe and trustworthy person to be around.
While many people may end the vetting process here, there are additional characteristics we highly recommend you consider.
A roommate (or as we say here, a FriendsMate) is more than just a person who physically lives with you. A FriendsMate is someone you will see on a daily basis and will share in all the costs of having a home. Your home is the basis of your life – your sanctuary. It is where you wake up, retreat to, and where you go to recharge. You need to feel safe to be your true self. That is why you need to consider more than just finding someone who can afford the rent.
So, how do you find someone who makes your home one that you love coming home to? Here is a list of questions to ask your potential FriendsMate:
Logistical Questions:
- What do they do for work? Are they happy in their careers?
It’s a good idea to verify that they have a job, and it’s okay to ask questions that give you a sense of their stability. If they show signs of job instability, ensure that they have a backup plan in order to continue paying rent. - Are they financially stable enough for your home?
Make sure that the potential roommate is comfortable with the rent cost. If it seems like a tight budget, you may want to reconsider to avoid the risk of this potential person having to move out abruptly or having issues with making payments. For some people, tight budgets make them work harder to get ahead… for others it becomes a hardship they deal with until they decide they can’t afford it. Just something to keep in mind. - Where are they moving from and why are they moving?
It is important to know if they are coming from a harmonious living situation or a toxic and unstable one. An example of a harmonious reason is because they want to move closer for a job. An example of a toxic situation is if they had a negative experience with a past roommate. - Have they had roommates before and what was their experience like?
It’s helpful to know if they have experience living with others. Make sure they understand how to share in responsibilities around the house. For example, are they familiar with how to share a fridge, how to be respectful of each other’s quiet time or cleanliness needs?
Lifestyle Questions:
These questions help you understand your home-sharing compatibility. For example, if someone is a night owl and the other is an early and light sleeper, there could be scheduling issues. Here are some examples of questions to ask.
- What is their sleep schedule and morning routine?
- What do they do to relax?
- How do they spend time with their friends?
- Do they cook or eat out?
- Do they drink or smoke?
- What are their hobbies, interests, etc?
- Do they have a significant other? Or are they single or dating?
- How do they feel about overnight guests?
- Do they like to be social with their roommates?
- What is their idea of a happy home?
- How do they feel about house cleanliness?
- Do they cook often?
- Do they get along with most people?
As you go through the process of asking your potential FriendsMate questions, make sure to pay attention to their personality, emotional stability, and emotional intelligence when answering.
In conclusion, go with your gut and make sure to choose your next roommate based on compatibility and less on the need to have a room filled. While it is important that rent is covered and your house is filled, it’s even more important that you say no to someone who will not be a good fit. We’re sure that once you go through the vetting process, you’ll find your perfect FriendsMate!
If you’re looking to increase the desirability of your home, check out the tips and tricks to increase the perceived value of your home.
You’ve found a home that you like! Congratulations! While the enthusiasm is high, it’s important to know a few key things before you sign the contract and say yes to the new roommate!
Information to Know:
- Begin with understanding the terms of the rental agreement, whether it’s a month-to-month lease or a full-year commitment and the terms of moving out.
- Is the person you are talking with the owner, property manager, the sole lease holder, or a current tenant in the home? If you’re taking over a filled room, connect with someone staying in the house and confirm with the person you will be sending your rent to.
- Clarify the terms of the security deposit in writing to ensure a smooth refund process at the end of your term.
What to do Before Moving In:
- If you have roommates, engage in pre-move conversations through group Zoom calls or in-person meetings (if safe). Assess their living preferences, the house’s management, and how the house is running overall. You want to make sure the house is functioning and you’re not entering someone else’s mess.
- Explore potential roommates’ FriendsMates profiles, reading reviews and asking questions as needed to look for compatibility and any potential future complications.
Security Deposit:
- Firstly, ensure a signed rental agreement is in place before any money exchange—a crucial step to minimize risk.
- Opt for a payment-protected method like PayPal with purchase protection, even if there’s a fee. It’s a safer alternative to checks or cash.
Congratulations! You’re now prepared to embark on your home adventures with FriendsMates.