Major Changes for Me

[alleycat]

I live in NE and housing prices along with property taxes it is unbelievably expensive. Many people who live in NE cannot afford to remain here in retirement. They are taxed out of their homes. Our utilities are also high.

[indivinefavor]

I finished my last day as an instructor at the career school, but they're wondering if I'll come back to teach online. I haven't decided yet. I could use the extra money, but I'm not sure if I'll have time. My second to last week there was interesting. I reported 3 students for cheating/plagiarism. One student copy and pasted another student's discussion board post..... She cursed at her counselor and the assistant school director, but later apologized. The other two students turned in the same paper two days apart.... I also informed my students who were present that their certificates in CJ will be nearly worthless and are way overpriced. They thanked me for it, and I gave them advice on transferring to regionally accredited schools. This isn't just my opinion. Our program is in danger of being put on probation because either our graduates aren't finding jobs, or they're finding jobs that pay too little for them to keep up with their student loan payments.

I saw my new townhome/apartment for the first time when I paid my rent and got my keys. They didn't have it ready until the last minute. They didn't even have any similar units to show when I pre-leased. That seems to be the case at most of the apartment complexes in San Marcos. My townhome is butt ugly and falling apart. They tried to go for the trendy beige/tan paint on the walls, but it looks peach. Their solution to flaws is to paint over them. Gashes in the walls: paint over them. Bubbling in the ceiling caused by a leak: paint over it. Dirty shower walls: paint over them. I'm paying almost $1,000 a month for this monstrosity. In Texas, that is what one would pay for an apartment that is near luxury. The median income for San Marcos, TX is only $27k because of all of the college students, but they price gouge because they know the students either have roommates, help from their parents, and/or student loans. This will be my first time living outside of San Antonio since I was a few months old.

Hey sanantone! I'm a newbie, but one thing I know is property management...seeing as I'm a Property Manager. And what you're describing is absolutely unacceptable. #1 Never sign a legal binding contract/lease without seeing it first...I DON'T CARE WHAT LINE THEY TELL YOU...it's all about a commission. But since you're in it, it's not much you can do about the paint color and the gashes, but they MUST IMMEDIATELY fix that leak. God forbid, it starts leaking heavy and your stuff gets damage. Put in a work order, give them 24 hours to respond. Yes, only 24 hours, because this is what I would consider an emergency. An emergency is anything that affects heat, hot water, and plumbing. And if they don't...then call the City. If they're anything like Chicago, they'll come out right away and cite them. And don't worry about retaliation, there's nothing they do to break your lease unless you are non-compliant with your lease. I'm in Chicago and every city has different, but I feel your pain, lemme know if I can help.

[sanantone]

Hey sanantone! I'm a newbie, but one thing I know is property management...seeing as I'm a Property Manager. And what you're describing is absolutely unacceptable. #1 Never sign a legal binding contract/lease without seeing it first...I DON'T CARE WHAT LINE THEY TELL YOU...it's all about a commission. But since you're in it, it's not much you can do about the paint color and the gashes, but they MUST IMMEDIATELY fix that leak. God forbid, it starts leaking heavy and your stuff gets damage. Put in a work order, give them 24 hours to respond. Yes, only 24 hours, because this is what I would consider an emergency. An emergency is anything that affects heat, hot water, and plumbing. And if they don't...then call the City. If they're anything like Chicago, they'll come out right away and cite them. And don't worry about retaliation, there's nothing they do to break your lease unless you are non-compliant with your lease. I'm in Chicago and every city has different, but I feel your pain, lemme know if I can help.

Thank you for offering advice. There wasn't a leak when I moved in; I believe there was previously a leak that caused damage. They did a sloppy job of covering it up. They've actually been quick to fix things. The lease says that they have to fix something in 48 or 72 hours...can't remember which. So far, they have been fixing things within 24 hours.

One thing that is really bothering me now is how we are billed for water. I thought I was going to be billed for MY water usage. However, they have a bill for the whole apartment complex and split up among the units based on square footage. A couple who lives in a one-bedroom will pay less than a single person who lives in a two-bedroom. The small two-bedrooms are the only units with washer and dryer hookups, so those in the larger, two-bedroom townhomes are essentially subsidizing them. If they wanted to do this collective thing, then they should have just included water in the rent. Not that I'm saying that they should raise the rent to do this. Our rent is high enough.

[UptonSinclair]

It sucks being responsible for utilities you have no control over. A couple of toilets with leaky flappers and the water bill could go through the roof.

[Lindagerr]

Where I used to live in NJ was one of the most expensive areas of the country with one of the highest median incomes( about $100K/family). There you could get a so-so apartment for a minimum of $1000 a month. There were not any colleges near by.

Now I live near Buffalo which may not be a "college Town" per se but there are a lot of colleges around. The median income here is about 50K/family. Here you can get a fairly nice 2 bedroom apartment for about $800. So maybe it is not just the colleges that make a difference but what the local economy will support.

By the way taxes in NJ are also off the wall, i know someone with an older house in a rich area, 1 acre of land 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bathroom house. $20K+ in taxes per year. Yes that is just taxes? Is it any wonder people move out of the area to retire?

[Getiton1]

Hi Sanantone,

Sounds like you and your dog are paralleling! Take it in stride. Anything new takes time to get used to. Is your dog into other dogs or more of a mamma's boy? Maybe a dog park visit would be good for you both? Not sure, but it's worth a try? Hope you both settle in and can find a slice of happiness in your new surroundings

All the best,
Tara

Maybe all college towns are like this. Some people call Austin a college town, but most of the people in the city aren't affiliated with UT-Austin. Cities like San Marcos and College Station (Texas A&M) have economies that are dependent upon the local university. Even the public transportation system in San Marcos is provided by Texas State University.


Thank you. My dog is having a hard time adjusting. She doesn't understand that this is our new home.

[Getiton1]

Yep, I can back Lindagerr on that. I live in rural Hunterdon County New Jersey and used to live in Somerset, and before that Morris. We have the most horrible taxes in the whole USA. I moved from Morris, to Somerset and more recently to Hunterdon. To give you an idea. We are looking at a modest 1950's ranch at about 295K (this is considered moderate to low income for the area of Hunterdon we live/want to live in). And the taxes are some of the cheapest around at 7,000.00 a year. Yes, that's right 7,000 a year! I have clients in northern NJ who are not rich, just grew up in the more urban towns of Essex and Union Counties and they are elderly, on fixed incomes (like SS income) and are forced to move because their taxes are in the 15 to 25K…and they live on a postage stamp sized property. Somethings gotta give with taxes like these. Must be why NJ is the state with the fastest exodus of native dwellers in the USA. Oh, and by the way, you have to pay an "exit tax" to leave too…which ads insult to injury! NJ is a pretty and diverse state (it's not all like the Soprano's or Jersey Shore though we do have that too if you like that kind of thing)…we have lots of rolling hills and farmland, beautiful suburbs and more jobs that most states. But it's a rat race state. You really have to move and shake to like living here. My hubby and I moved as far to the Pennsylvania border as possible so that we get the best of both words while we are stuck working. But I honestly get a sick feeling when I think about what life will be like for us and our families in the coming years. Be careful with where you pick to live…your home should be your sanctuary

Here's some links:

That pretty gold dome is right around the corner from TESC!

The States People Are Fleeing In 2013

Oh no, more people are leaving NJ than moving in! (Washington: 2013, apartment) - New Jersey - City-Data Forum

Exit tax:

http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/201...sales.html

Best of Luck,
Tara

Where I used to live in NJ was one of the most expensive areas of the country with one of the highest median incomes( about $100K/family). There you could get a so-so apartment for a minimum of $1000 a month. There were not any colleges near by.

Now I live near Buffalo which may not be a "college Town" per se but there are a lot of colleges around. The median income here is about 50K/family. Here you can get a fairly nice 2 bedroom apartment for about $800. So maybe it is not just the colleges that make a difference but what the local economy will support.

By the way taxes in NJ are also off the wall, i know someone with an older house in a rich area, 1 acre of land 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bathroom house. $20K+ in taxes per year. Yes that is just taxes? Is it any wonder people move out of the area to retire?

[Getiton1]

Colorado is in my top 3 of states I would move to in the USA. I might pick your brain on this in the future UptonSinclair.

[sanantone]

Hi Sanantone,

Sounds like you and your dog are paralleling! Take it in stride. Anything new takes time to get used to. Is your dog into other dogs or more of a mamma's boy? Maybe a dog park visit would be good for you both? Not sure, but it's worth a try? Hope you both settle in and can find a slice of happiness in your new surroundings

All the best,
Tara

My dog loves socializing with other dogs and jumping on people. She loves the dog park, but I won't be taking her to the one here. We went once, and there was dog poop all over the place. Seriously! They provide trash cans and bags for you. It's too unsanitary to have her play there.

[EI2HCB]

Yep, I can back Lindagerr on that. I live in rural Hunterdon County New Jersey and used to live in Somerset, and before that Morris. We have the most horrible taxes in the whole USA. I moved from Morris, to Somerset and more recently to Hunterdon. To give you an idea. We are looking at a modest 1950's ranch at about 295K (this is considered moderate to low income for the area of Hunterdon we live/want to live in). And the taxes are some of the cheapest around at 7,000.00 a year. Yes, that's right 7,000 a year! I have clients in northern NJ who are not rich, just grew up in the more urban towns of Essex and Union Counties and they are elderly, on fixed incomes (like SS income) and are forced to move because their taxes are in the 15 to 25K…and they live on a postage stamp sized property. Somethings gotta give with taxes like these. Must be why NJ is the state with the fastest exodus of native dwellers in the USA. Oh, and by the way, you have to pay an "exit tax" to leave too…which ads insult to injury! NJ is a pretty and diverse state (it's not all like the Soprano's or Jersey Shore though we do have that too if you like that kind of thing)…we have lots of rolling hills and farmland, beautiful suburbs and more jobs that most states. But it's a rat race state. You really have to move and shake to like living here. My hubby and I moved as far to the Pennsylvania border as possible so that we get the best of both words while we are stuck working. But I honestly get a sick feeling when I think about what life will be like for us and our families in the coming years. Be careful with where you pick to live…your home should be your sanctuary

Here's some links:

That pretty gold dome is right around the corner from TESC!

The States People Are Fleeing In 2013

Oh no, more people are leaving NJ than moving in! (Washington: 2013, apartment) - New Jersey - City-Data Forum

Exit tax:

http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/201...sales.html

Best of Luck,
Tara

Tara,
I have the honor of paying 6,000 a year for a house currently valued at 89000 makes no sense that half my mortgage is paying taxes each month.