The value of a pool
>> Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tomorrow is the day we finalize our plans for moving... well, at least the first step will be finalized- which is choosing where we will be moving to!
We have our list down to 3 different houses to rent, all about 20 miles east of where we live now. Our thoughts about moving that way is to be closer to Michael's work. He works longer days than I do- 6:30 AM to 7 PM usually. So for him to add a 30 minute drive on top of that only makes those days even longer. All 3 properties are within a 5 mile radius of Michael's work so we still plan to be a one car household until we save enough cash to buy a car without financing (see goal on right). He also gets to wear tennis shoes to work everyday, so biking or scootering (did I just make up an awesome word? I think I did!) is not a big deal. I usually wear a skirt and high heels so I have no choice but to change when I get here.
Two of the houses are in the same subdivision, just different models. It's a gated subdivision only 1.2 miles from Michael's work that has a community pool and a park. The rents are about $150-$200 less than we're paying now.
The 3rd house is just over 2 miles from Michael's work but it's the same rent as we pay now ($1200/month). However, it has a private pool, not just a community pool but it's on a golf course and the fence is open to one of the holes so it's not exactly "private." (pool service is included in the rent)
The size of the houses are very similar so this got me thinking, how important is a private pool? And not just a pool, mind you, because 2 of the houses have a community pool (outside, large, very nice) but the one has a private pool right in the backyard.
Is it worth $150/month?
Considering Michael and I work as much as we do, we only use the pool on the weekends. An extra $150/month is $1,800/year--- is it worth it? Right now, I'm not sure of the answer so we'll have to see what happens tomorrow when we have to decide.
The plan is to sign the paperwork tomorrow so our lease will start Feb. 1st. We have to be out of our current place by the 25th of February so that gives us almost the whole month to move. My workouts may be a little MIA while we're in the middle of getting things situated so bare with me!
Until tomorrow,
Kelsalynn
7 comments:
I'd say all other things being "equal" then skip the private pool. Because it's not actually private - the only advantage you might have over the public pool is hours of operation and letting Niki go for a swim. You don't get the "romantic" advantage of a personal pool b/c it's not actually private. Because you rent, I don't think you need to worry about it - but pools also up the cost of insurance. It also ups your risk for accidents and you'll need to make sure little kids and pets can't get into your yard while you're gone. Also, while pool cleaning is included in the rent - it's still a major pain in the ass to make sure it's happening/scheduled/done right, etc. Our friends have a pool in Phoenix and it's a major hassle.
All the being said - it is nice to be able to just walk right our your back door and take a dip - no matter what time of day or night it is.
Live like no one else so you can live like no one else. Save the $150. Next time you move think about all of the money you've saved.
I agree. save the $150... put it in a fund on the side and use it for traveling?! :)
Agreed. Save the $150 and you'll still be getting a pool. (lucky...)I realize your concern with the community one being busiest on weekends as opposed to having it to "yourselves" if you got a private one when you finally get to enjoy it.
Megan has a good point about the insurance issue... Did you look into that?
If you're living without a pool now and 'surviving' then the next "step up" would be the community pool. See how much you want/do use it, how crowded it is and how much the "crowdedness" bothers you.
If, at the end of your lease, you find yourself wishing you had rented the "private pool place" then reevaluate your decision. Sure it'd be another move but you guys are pros at that by now!
No matter what you choose, it seems like you guys have some great places to pick from!
Good luck! I'm excited for you!
If you were considering buying the property, and we were discussing mortgage instead of rent, I would vote for the private pool, but because you're renting, I definitely side with the others and say "skip it."
Ditto to what your very smart commenters already said. I'd kill for pool access of any kind. Hell I'd kill for weather that would even make having access to a pool worth it. Stupid Chicago and its endless winters.
I feel like I should be devil's advocate here and say that you should totally get the pool. I mean, we pay about $100 extra a month to have a playground across the street....but that's kind of a different story. plus there were other factors- neighborhood, floorplan etc that made us chose this place over the other...and i think we actually might have talked them down $100 in rent in the end anyway. so my point is mute. not that i had a point anyway :)
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