House Hunting, Part 3

Looking for the right place to live is exhausting - for all of us.  The process just seems to take a lot out of us (and everyone else I know that has looked for housing).

This morning, we met a British man at the park this morning and we quickly got on the subject of house hunting (because that was what we were doing later in the day).  He has been in Japan for 3 years and really wants to move with his family.  However, it is REALLY expensive to move in Japan.  Here are just some of the costs associated with moving:

• Shikikin or security deposit: usually equivalent to one to three months’ rent, potentially refundable as long as the home is in the exact same condition as you moved in
• Reikin or key money: a gratuity paid to the landlord, typically equivalent to one to two months of rent and is non refundable
• Chuukai tesuu-ryo or real estate agent finder’s fee: usually half or one month’s rent

So, in order to move in, you will pay between 2.5 to 6 times the amount of the rent!!!  (Info according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.)

If you want to move, like our new acquaintance, you REALLY have to want to move.  As we parted ways, he reminded us to make sure we love the place, because we will most likely be stuck with it.  Good advice for any country!

My husband and I are very specific about our likes and dislikes.  We (okay, I) also have a few things that are super important in a home.  #1 - It has to feel good/have a positive energy about it.  This usually is aided by lots of natural light and an inviting neighborhood.  #2 - The kitchen has to be big enough for at least 2 people to be using it at the same time and have plenty of storage.  We both cook and for us the kitchen is the heart of the home.  #3 - I need outdoor space.  I need to be able to grow things.  It brings me mental balance and joy.

I found myself dreading meeting with our real estate agent today.  We found an apartment that we were fine with.  We could just go with that one and be fine.  Right?  But the British man's warning tickled my ear, so we proceeded with the meeting. 

One tiring aspect that made us dread a third day of house hunting is that we have to pick up the keys for each place at a rental office, then drive to the location to look at the place, then return the keys.  For every place!  It takes forever.  And it feels like it takes even longer because my son has decided he really doesn't like the travel car seat we got him (it makes his butt hurt).  So I'm trying extra hard to keep him entertained.

The first place was a bust.  But the second one had us excited.  It had us more than excited.  We reevaluated the remaining properties and quickly whittled the list.  We agreed to see 3 more properties.  If they didn't floor us, we weren't interested.  We breezed through the other three properties.  They just couldn't compare.  We found the apartment for us.

Our hearts are set.  We are excited.  Now comes the paperwork and the waiting (after all, our stuff still doesn't arrive for at least another month and a half).  Send us positive thoughts that this all comes together. 

I'll only give you one little hint, my son keeps saying "Momma, I want to live in the place with the rocks.  I like rocks."  Little one, this exhausted momma likes rocks, too.