Move 2006 - Part One

Early prep for move has begun - this is mostly for my records, feel free to ignore "move" posts :)

First load of boxes from freecycle acquired - living room is now knee deep in broken-down boxes awaiting tape and contents. Provides a joyous play item for scootercomputer, much to the annoyance of his elders.

Fancy-schmancy tape dispenser (the kind used in retail stores, as opposed to super-cheap things that always let the tape get mangled) has been acquired. As well as first 6 rolls of tape. Must acquire COLOURED masking/duct tape for box labeling convenience ASAP

Move 2006 notebook started. Room designations and initial 25 box list started. Must make/buy folder pocket for misc. related items - receipts, coupons, contracts, etc.

Super-cool - make you pant - wonderful power drill (Black & Decker 18 volt cordless) acquired - and charged :) On sale - with a coupon that added on a FREE 45 piece drill set - of which no sign could be found, so replaced with a 30 piece set that has great quick-change setup (worth another $20). Will make taking apart and re-assembling the fairly-newly acquired bunk bed much easier.

Goal today... 3 boxes packed, dining room table cleaned off, dishes done.

Housing Help Request

Hey all you wonderful Seattle area LJ friends of mine (and friends of friends, and acquaintences of friends of friends) - As previous posts have noted, we are in need of new housing - and fairly soon. End of March the earliest.... End of May probable.... End of August at the VERY latest.

So... here is my request.... please let me know if you see housing that you think would fit my family's needs/wants; which are as follows:

NEEDS:
1) Rent or lease for $1400/month or less (we decided to wait a bit to buy unless the PERFECT house arrives at an INCREDIBLE price ...separate post about that decision).

2) 3-4 bedrooms (or more... always open to more :)

3) Pet friendly (we have dog, cats, birds, chinchillas)

4) Yard that is fenced or can be fenced.

5) Within a 45 mintute or less commute to Harbor Island (average day, not middle of the night).

6) Good landlord (attentive to major issues, not too nosey, etc.)

WANTS:
1) More than one bathroom
2) Garage and/or storage area
3) Offstreet parking for 2 vehicles
4) hardwood/laminate/etc. floors throughout (no carpeting)
5) nearby safe place for kids to ride bikes/skate

PIPE DREAMS:
1) Lease-to-buy option if house is "right."
2) Nice trees and places to plant garden
3) Within 15 minutes drive of Harbor Island
4) Gas heat - wood/pellet stove
5) "Green" house - insulation, windows, heat, appliances, etc. are most 'green' friendly

DEAL BREAKERS:
1) outdoor only dog/cat requirement
2) per-pet deposit requests
3) bad/scarey neighborhoods where kids can't play safely

Ok all you wonderful people.... you have eyes in more neighborhoods than i can imagine - and off the major roads, too. Please share those signs in windows/on lawns.... the conversations with co-workers or neighbors.

Thank you so much. :D

Rent vs. Buy

Well... i think, unless miracle appears, we will be moving to another rental when we leave this house.

1) wingedelf will be renegotiating salary w/ Virtuoso in a year... if, at that time (after he has proven himself in the position and taken as many "certification" classes as they offer) they are unwilling or unable to bring his salary more in line with local median pay for the job description, he will likely be looking for another job. Which means the liklihood that his job will NOT be next to the one he has now... so if he should change jobs we could be (if we bought) stuck with a house for 4+ years that is not near his job.

2) By waiting a year we will be 5+ years our from our bankrupcy.

3) By waiting we will have another year of good credit information on our credit report.

4) By waiting we will have the opportunity to save up a decent amount of money (especially if we rent on the cheaper end of our spectrum) for down payment/closing costs/etc.

Yes... i know things will only get more expensive... but i just don't see us having the savings to afford to buy - and our budget is still too tight to afford $2000/month for mortage easily... and there is little in Seattle that would come in under that with our credit history.

i just called on a place in Shoreline.... $995 for 3 bedrooms.... and emailed about another that is $1600 for 5 bedrooms (roommate maybe??) in W. Seattle.