Not everyone is meant to be a home owner. Some have recreational property and don't want to maintain two properties. Some travel and need a home base without maintenance. Some have lifestyles not conducive to owning a home. Some want lots of free time for other activities. Some don't want the responsibility of maintaining a home.
Alternatives to single family homes in St. Paul are many. Common interest communities include town homes, condominiums and cooperatives and are the right choice for the right people. For others, apartments best meet their needs. The oft forgotten option is rooming houses.
Rooming houses sometimes have shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities. They come in all kinds of configurations. The Lowell is an example of one St. Paul rooming house with history. According to the resident manager, the Lowell is one of only two houses of ill repute still standing. The grand staircase has since been partitioned off, but it originally led to a second floor teller type window where the gentlemen paid their fee and were introduced to their escort of the hour. Twenty-five furnished rooms are now occupied at the Lowell with residents of both genders, all ages, and many who have lived there many years. The paintings in the photos below are only 12 years old, but reminiscent of the building's origins.
Greg, being in the military is a lifestyle choice that definitely impacts housing choices. Ultimately, the choice is the client's, but I can certainly help by pointing out some pros and cons the client may have neglected!
Posted by: Bonnie Erickson | May 23, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I have had some military clients that I have recommended they rent for the two years while they are going to live here instead of buying. That might be the best option for them. I hope the market will be higher in two years but some of these families cant take the risk of losing lots of money on a house or not being able to sell it when they get transferred.
Ok…only once have I ever recommended renting instead of buying…
Posted by: Greg Broadbent | May 22, 2008 at 11:32 AM