Just yesterday, I had an interesting conversation with a realtor while searching for a house with my roommates. When we explained that we were three non-college age boys applying for a house, the realtor was initially skeptical. "Do you even have jobs?" he asked concernedly. When I mentioned we were dancers with Nevada Ballet Theatre, his attitude changed completely. "Oh my gosh, my daughter dances there! I’ll see what I can do!" he exclaimed. This encounter highlighted both the challenges and unexpected connections that can arise in the housing search process.
Lessons from My Housing Search
Three years ago, I got very lucky with a house that already had dancers living in it. I moved in easily, but recently, the house was sold, and the new owners wanted it vacant. This put me back on the housing hunt with my roommates, and I quickly learned a few key things:
Proximity to Studios: Being close to the studio is a significant advantage. It reduces commute time, which is essential for dancers with demanding schedules and forgetfullness...
Affordability: Houses can be an affordable option, especially if you can fill a big 4-bedroom, 3-bath house with roommates. Splitting the rent makes it much cheaper than living in an apartment, and you often get more space.
Neighborhood: Living in a good neighborhood is crucial. Safety, accessibility to amenities, and a pleasant environment can significantly impact your daily life and well-being. I have really enjoyed having close proximity to walking paths. It helps me get outside and stay sane!
Hidden Fees: Rent is rarely what it seems at first glance. Always add at least $100 to the advertised rent to account for hidden fees like trash, key, HOA, and pet fees. These can quickly add up and make a seemingly affordable house much more expensive.
Price Escalation: The more expensive the house, the crazier the fees. For example, a $2100 house with fees ended up costing closer to $2200 with a $2100 security deposit. On the other hand, a $2300 house ended up being around $2500 with a $3100 security deposit. It's essential to be prepared for these additional costs when budgeting.
Realtors' Preferences: Realtors often prefer renting houses to families rather than groups of individuals. They may view a group of young dancers as a higher risk, which can add another layer of difficulty to the housing search.
Tips for Dancers Looking for Housing
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Start early but not too early: Begin your search in advance of when you need to move, however, most places will be on and off the market within just a few days. You have to be prepared to immediately sign a lease or lose it. So give yourself time to find a place that meets your needs and negotiate any potential hurdles with landlords or realtors, but don't be too early or you will find yourself having to pay extra rent just to keep the spot.
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Network: Use your dance community connections. Often, former dancers or those currently in the company might have leads on available housing or be looking for roommates.
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Be Prepared: Have proof of income, references, photos of your ID and a clear explanation of your profession ready. Highlighting your stability and reliability can help alleviate concerns from potential landlords.
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Flexible Budget: Be realistic about your budget. Account for hidden fees and be prepared for the security deposits that come with renting a house.
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Consider Roommates: Sharing a larger house with roommates can significantly reduce costs and provide a supportive living environment.
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Explore All Options: Don't limit yourself to one option. While I personally prefer houses, apartments or shared living arrangements can offer better deals or more suitable locations
- Utilize multiple online & in-person resources: There are many great websites like realtor.com that will help you find housing. However, they don't always have everything, explore other online options like the portals for different property management companies for more options. Additionally, if things aren't working out, hire a realtor to help you in your search. Many dancers transition to realty so you may already have a connection!
Finding housing as a dancer can be a challenging experience. By being prepared, flexible, and leveraging your network, you can find a place that not only fits your budget but also supports your demanding schedule and lifestyle.
