https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 10 May 2026 09:24:56 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800754 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 10:26:59 +0000 Radish 1800754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you have a pretty good idea of when you want to purchase a house, I would go for cheaper rent. We lived in a less than ideal place for 3 years so that we could save money for a down payment and I have no regrets. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800742 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 10:22:45 +0000 Greentea 1800742@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Oliviapope: your home affects everything else in your life; go with the place you want! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800719 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 10:14:10 +0000 bunnylove08 1800719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>we were in a similar situation, we choose to go cheaper so we can save for an apartment. a year later after going for the cheaper place, we are in contract for an apartment. </p> <p>If its temporary then go for cheaper. Your LO will not really use the backyard for the first year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800708 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 10:08:28 +0000 autumnlove 1800708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go for the cheaper option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800664 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 09:51:21 +0000 NCSUchick27 1800664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As long as both are clean and safe I would go with the cheaper option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800598 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 09:28:45 +0000 yoursilverlining 1800598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Caveat: I’d personally probably go with the nicer place.</p> <p>I think a few things to consider would be if you will actually set aside and save the extra $300/month towards a down payment. That isn’t that much each month - - unless you are a good saver and stick to your budget, it would be very easy to reabsorb $300 into your normal spending for a month. Especially when you’re buying stuff for the baby. Also, if you have to buy for a lawn service, or buy a washer/dryer, that all eats into your savings. </p> <p>I would also look at how much you have saved already towards a down payment, how rents compare to mortgages in your area and how much you’ll need in total for a down payment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800587 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 09:19:05 +0000 loveisstrange 1800587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Absolutely save the money, especially if its just for 1-2 years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800470 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 08:42:22 +0000 Dandelion 1800470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Cheaper place. for just 2 years, I'd do it. Renting isn't an investment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800468 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 08:41:07 +0000 mrsjyw 1800468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Depending on the timeline for home purchase, I would make the sacrifice and save more faster. However, if it was another 5 years, then I'd go with the nicer rental. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800464 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 08:39:09 +0000 lamariniere 1800464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The nice place all the way! If you have to buy a washer dryer, that's going to quickly eat into the "savings" on the cheaper rent. </p> <p>A nice place is very important to me for several reasons: I WAH so I am home aaaalllll day long and for me, living in a nice place makes me happy. In our situation, we could move out of the city center and probably pay half of what we currently pay for the same size apartment, but it's a lifestyle choice, we like being in the center of the action. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800434 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 08:20:24 +0000 avivoca 1800434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably go with the cheaper option. Will you guys have to take care of the shared yard or does the landlord take care of it? What is the laundry setup like? We rented an apartment that had W/D hookups, but if we had full size appliances we wouldn't have been able to open the oven fully unless they were stacked. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800398 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 07:50:35 +0000 Smurfette 1800398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Unless you are going to buy a washer and dryer, option 1 is the only one I would consider with having a baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800357 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 06:53:53 +0000 Mamaof2 1800357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For the cheaper option will you need to buy a lawn mower and a washer and dryer? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800351 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 06:41:19 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 1800351@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Where will you do laundry? And will you have frequent house guests/family in from out of town to see you new baby (making the 1 bath TOUGH - been there)? Those are my two reservations on the Cheaper place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800332 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 06:10:46 +0000 honeybear 1800332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd pick the cheaper option, and I always have. The main things I don't compromise on are 1) location, and 2) safety. Then the difference goes into an investment account or a retirement account. </p> <p>The only thing I'd say about your situation is that 3BR is nice, but 1BA might be a little tough, depending on how you live (i.e., do you all need to get ready to go at the same time in the morning?). We had a 1BR/1BA when LO was a newborn, and it was doable, but now that he's a bit older, I'm glad we have 2 bathrooms. </p> <p>Also, what kind of rental in a market where a house is a closely-priced option only has a washer/dryer hookup? I might keep looking unless that's standard in your area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800329 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 06:09:00 +0000 SugarplumsMom 1800329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you intend to buy a place immediately after moving out of this one? If so, I'd save the money. But if the timeline is closer to 5 yrs, I'd splurge on the nicer apartment. I'd calculate the cost of a washer &amp; dryer and offset the increase in rent by it. My guess is it wouldn't be such a big difference then.</p> <p>Having a place you don't have to worry so much about would really give me peace of mind when the baby comes. I'm usually very cheap and we saved tons before the birth of DD and I honestly regret it. We didn't have to skimp so much and now it's taking much longer to finish and start our home renovations. If I got a do-over, I'd spend the money and enjoy simple conveniences instead of being fixated on saving saving saving. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800326 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 06:06:26 +0000 illumina 1800326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess it depends on how long you are planning to be there...but if it were me I would go for the nicer place. I'm a SAHM so we are home a lot and that would be important for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800322 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:59:59 +0000 looch 1800322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So you'd have to purchase a washer and dryer, or do the laundry at a laundromat? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800320 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:58:01 +0000 SleepyMonkey 1800320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely save the money! 1-2 years isn't that long and $7200 to spend on rent is a lot of money you'll never see again! If you save that Money for a down payment, that's equity in your home that you'll definitely see again and it could even grow if the housing market appreciates! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800318 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:45:59 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1800318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I always go the cheap route- but things are extremely tight over here as it is. So while our rent is 20% of our income, it's also the absolute cheapest apartment I could find. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800314 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:17:54 +0000 dc yoga bee 1800314@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When we first moved to DMV, we lived in a nice city a mile or so outside of the district, but an old building. It was $1700 including all utilities for 1BR/1Bath &amp; had beautiful hardwoods. Unfortunately, that's where the "nice" ended! Sure, we saved about $400 extra a month, but the building had not been well-maintained. When it rained, it rained in the apt, and all the maintenance did was literally paint over it. They were always making us vacate to spray the building for bugs (which did nothing btw), constantly turning the water off for the entire day, and safety was a concern (three people were broken into on my floor alone. Including my neighbor being broken into, while I was home studying for the bar). We broke our lease, and moved to a new building in another suburb. Now we pay $2125 for 1BR/1Bath, and it doesn't have hardwoods. I've never had to have my apt sprayed for bugs, it is super safe requiring a key fob that only takes you to your floor, concierge, and my water has never been turned off! I'm not saying a cheaper place will have all of those problems, but when my co-workers say I'm crazy for paying so much, I tell them my peace of mind, and cleanliness is worth it. We find savings in other ways (stop eating out so much!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800313 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:16:25 +0000 regberadaisy 1800313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I lean towards saving the money but safety of the neighborhood would play a huge part in our decision as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800312 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:00:04 +0000 hotchildinthecity 1800312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We actually just made this decision. Down payments are so high here that $4k over a year really isnt going to make that much of a dent. We wanted to finally get a place we really wanted and not just "settle." But we will be living there for easily several years so thar factored in as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800271 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 23:19:02 +0000 sunny 1800271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When we were renting, we always made the choice to go with the cheapest place we could live with. We didn't have a nice kitchen or updated unit, but we saved a ton of money. Over the years, that adds up to lots of savings towards your bigger goals in life like owning a home. We never regretted those decisions for a second! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800265 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:59:08 +0000 pinkcupcake 1800265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I remember trying to make a similar decision - two apartments, one was substantially nicer than the other, and the diff was about $200. We ended up going with the not as nice (but still decent! Clean, safe, etc) apt and put aside $200/ month into a Separate savings. We used it towards our home purchase later :) was a great decision- I'm so glad we went with the cheaper place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800260 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:43:02 +0000 gingerbebe 1800260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've been living in a dumpy rental duplex for 2.5 years and just signed for one more. I really don't like it BUT it's a great location, easy commute, and we've paid off 40% of our massive law school loans in that time. We are having our first baby in September and we have the ability for me to take a longer maternity leave too. Totally worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800254 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:20:15 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1800254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm all about saving money. I'd go with the smaller place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800247 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:08:45 +0000 birdofafeather 1800247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>we're living in a SMALL place in the hopes of buying something when we figure out where we'll be long term. i complain about the space, but the price is right and the location is perfect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800246 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:06:31 +0000 pui 1800246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Less money on rent to save for a down payment. The sooner you buy, the better it is in the long run. Small sacrifice now for a payoff later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-pay-more-rent-for-a-nice-property-or-less-rent-for-a-not-so-nice-property-amp-more-savings#post-1800239 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 21:58:59 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1800239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Oliviapope: If you only plan to stay for 1-2 years, I would save that chunk of change and go with the place with less rent. Agree with @OpinionsLikeKittens: that babies/young toddlers don't need very much space. </p>