We've given a lot of thought to this. We weren't sure when to move, how soon the baby will need his/her own room. We'll be having the baby sleep in our room with us, so basically the baby's room will be for storing baby's stuff and a changing table...for at least a year, if the co-sleeping works. Regardless, we had to think about the time frame, and how we would benefit from moving now as opposed to a year from now. It just made sense to do it now, get settled and not worry about it. When we started looking to see how much rent is for a two-bedroom, it occurred to us that we'd be paying quite a bit more than we are now...especially if we wanted to be in a slightly quieter neighborhood. (if you don't know, we live in a neighborhood mostly made up of folks our age and younger, and the majority of properties are rentals; great place to live - we absolutely love it - but it can be a bit annoying, especially in the Summer time)
Needless to say, a lot of houses and duplexes weren't much more expensive than apartments. I sort of decided, for us, that this is what we needed to look for. A duplex (or four-plex) would give us: fewer neighbors being noisy, not as many people crowding the laundry room, and - in a duplex - at least 3 exposures (right now I don't have South and West facing windows and it's driving me crazy!). A house, of course, would be even better!
I put an ad out on craigslist, basically stating that we're a responsible couple, expecting a baby this Fall, and a list of things we were looking for. Since we have to give a two-month notice here at our apartment, it's difficult to find ads for places available that far out, so I figured putting out a "housing wanted" ad would be the way to go. And it worked! A woman emailed me to say she and her husband have a house (not in our neighborhood - the only disadvantage) that will be available May 1st - perfect!
So, we exchanged a few more emails and got some information about each other, and it started to sound like a really nice fit. Then, Michael and I went to look at it on Sunday...it's perfect for us! It really is. The folks who own it live out on the East coast, but had updated a lot of stuff before they moved. (I guess they figured it would be easier to rent it out than sell it) It's a modest bungalow, with everything on the main floor (no upstairs), and additional space in the basement. They installed a gas fireplace in the basement and made it a family room (which will be our office/work/play area; "play", as in for us, not baby). There's also laundry in the basement (yes, a washer and dryer is included!). We are totally free to do - basically - whatever we want in terms of painting and updating, and in the yard. Yay gardening!!!
After a lot of discussion and going back and forth (really, just about the location), we've decided to go for it! It's not far from where we are (a couple miles), but just far enough that the buses don't run as frequently (there aren't nearly as many bus stops) and we can't walk to everything like we can here. (it'll be like we're living in a suburb! *kidding*) This just means, I guess, that we'll have to put a lot more thought into our trips, be they by bus or by car. I'll be really sad to not have my co-op only 3 blocks away. But, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantage of location.
We're going to have a home. A place where we can grow and preserve our own food to our hearts' content. A place where I can hang laundry on the line and have BBQ's in the backyard. A place where Michael's electronics aren't in the living room for all to see, and a place where he can try his hand at woodworking - finally! (did I mention we'll have a garage? 1 1/2 stalls - enough space for our teeny car and some work benches) A place where I can grow herbs, inside and out, and where I can open windows all the way around(!). A place where we can set up the baby's room and get that much more prepared for the life ahead of us.
We'll have neighbors who, apparently, are really friendly and care about each other. And, quiet - this makes me so happy. I will be able to fall asleep with the windows open in the Summer time, and actually sleep.
I realize this isn't anywhere near the satisfaction that comes from owning your own home, but until we're able to do that, this is going to be just about as good!
