Does anyone out there own a college rental?

[East Texas Parrothead]

My brother bought a house at Wheaton College when his twins were freshmen. It's worked out well for them. The boys are seniors, so the place will be going on the market in the Spring. Hope that part of the deal works out, too!

Good luck.

[nutmeg]

When my kids were in college, one of their biggest NON-fun things was having a roommate that was horrendous (using their things without asking, keeping the place looking like a pigsty, loud music when they were trying to study, differences in partying style, etc.). All I can say is make sure of everything UP FRONT and VERY CLEAR about what is expected.
Maybe even get it all in writing.

Kinda like Sheldon's several notebook roommate agreement on Big Bang?

I agree about rules in writing...but it would be really hard to enforce. Best thing is to get compatible people who have the same basic styles.....I'm sure that is easier said than done. Some of the quietest, most studious kids in high school broke out big time when they hit college.

[springparrot]

When my kids were in college, one of their biggest NON-fun things was having a roommate that was horrendous (using their things without asking, keeping the place looking like a pigsty, loud music when they were trying to study, differences in partying style, etc.). All I can say is make sure of everything UP FRONT and VERY CLEAR about what is expected.
Maybe even get it all in writing.

Kinda like Sheldon's several notebook roommate agreement on Big Bang?

I agree about rules in writing...but it would be really hard to enforce. Best thing is to get compatible people who have the same basic styles.....I'm sure that is easier said than done. Some of the quietest, most studious kids in high school broke out big time when they hit college.

like my first roommate in college.
She went from a quiet, mousey CATHOLIC school girl to
WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO I'm in college

She was only my roommate ONE semester

[FinnsU.P.]

When my kids were in college, one of their biggest NON-fun things was having a roommate that was horrendous (using their things without asking, keeping the place looking like a pigsty, loud music when they were trying to study, differences in partying style, etc.). All I can say is make sure of everything UP FRONT and VERY CLEAR about what is expected.
Maybe even get it all in writing.

Kinda like Sheldon's several notebook roommate agreement on Big Bang?

I agree about rules in writing...but it would be really hard to enforce. Best thing is to get compatible people who have the same basic styles.....I'm sure that is easier said than done. Some of the quietest, most studious kids in high school broke out big time when they hit college.

like my first roommate in college.
She went from a quiet, mousey CATHOLIC school girl to
WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO I'm in college

She was only my roommate ONE semester

I had a high school friend that did that!

[FinnsU.P.]

Thanks for the help and the words of wisdom everyone. We're finding it all very helpful.
I like Mel's suggestion of a discount if you sign for the whole year although, I don't think landlords have a hard time around here making students rent year round.
I'm not too worried about our sons friends as roommates. Like I said, we know them all. They aren't angels, but they're manageable. They'd have to sign something saying no parties over like maybe 20 people. This house is located directly behind a former hotel which is now owned by the hospital. It's used as a place for families from out of the area with a someone who's in the hospital for a extended stay. I think those people deserve peace and quiet with what they're going through. Our sons friends understand.
Getting everything in writing is also a great idea that we had thought about. I should have mentioned that I was an assistant property manager for Coldwell Banker eons ago. It's a pain in the butt, but if we could get our son into a place and have the roommates rent cover the mortgage, it would be golden.

[FinnsU.P.]

We finally closed on the house Monday that we've been looking at for a rental. We're busy doing lots of patching of plaster walls, sanding, priming and painting in the bedrooms. I've also branched out into ripping out inside walls!
It's 1/2 a block to campus, 1 1/2 blocks to the PE Building, 1 block to "the dome" (enclosed football field) and 2 blocks to a grocery store. Needless to say, we had no trouble lining up 3 of our kids friends as renters along with our two oldest boys. I didn't think we'd be able to get rid of the basement bedroom or the enclosed sunporch as a bedroom, but the guys that took them were willing to fight for them! Who knows with college kids?!! Best of all - the rent from the other 3 will cover the mortgage and our boys will be living rent free, just have to pay their share of the utilities. Yee haw!
Thanks again for the encouragement, good luck wishes, and tips. You all were a great help.

[springparrot]

(((Tina)))
It sounds like everything came together!!!