House and apartment hunting for a long-distance move can be both exciting and challenging. It’s a journey filled with emotions, logistical puzzles, and financial considerations. Let me take you through my personal experience of planning to relocate to a new state, the trials I faced in finding the right place for us, and the joy of finally securing one. Impact-Site-Verification: -2143195576
The Costly Quest for the Perfect Home
When you’re planning a long-distance move, one of the initial obstacles you encounter is the cost associated with exploring potential residences in your new location. The expenses pile up quickly, from the cost of flights and hotel stays to car rentals, gas, and daily expenses for food. Many times, I wished for a helping hand to view these to avoid this expense , but there’s a sense of pride and accomplishment in tackling the journey on your own. I flew down on a Thursday and returned late Sunday night.
The Quest Begins
I started the house and apartment hunting journey by scheduling appointments to view properties in various Florida communities. The list included Deland, Edgewater, Lake Mary, Longwood, New Smyrna, Oviedo, and Winter Springs. Initially, I had six to ten prospects per community, but this number soon dwindled to three to five as some properties were snatched up before I had a chance to see them.
The Elusive Manufactured Home Dream
My dream of owning a manufactured home encountered unexpected challenges. The influx of snowbirds escaping the upcoming winter made it difficult to secure one. Although I managed to view a couple of manufactured homes, they were rented out swiftly. And some did not look like the photos. This prompted me to shift my focus toward one-bedroom apartments, which were a more financially viable option.
The Complexities of Apartment/House Hunting
Apartment hunting in Florida came with its own set of complexities. Advertised rates often claimed that one-bedroom apartments started at $1600 per month, but reality told a different story. Rental rates in Florida fluctuated daily, and what, may cost $1900 one day could easily become $2010 the next. Furthermore, if I needed amenities like a garage or extra storage space, I had to be prepared for additional fees. Keep the pool keep the clubhouse: I’d rather have a garage. Haha
The Challenges of Property Viewings
Finding an available apartment was a daunting task in itself. On my first night, I managed to view two places, but they disappeared from the market within mere hours. Some properties had their share of undesirable features, like a persistent mildew smell, a couple had bugs the size of my thumb dead in the kitchen ewwww and dimly lit interiors that required my camera flash to get a good real picture despite the lights being on, and an unexpectedly high number of steep steps.
A Moment of Serenity
Amidst the whirlwind of apartment viewings, I took a moment to appreciate the sheer beauty and serenity of the ocean during my second day of searching. It was a much-needed reminder that, even in the most stressful times, nature can offer solace and peace. And God is good and I have so much to be thankful for. So I spent an hour on the beach and then went to Ponce Inlet and museum.
Then back to the grind. I also applied for 4 jobs while in between house/ apartment hunting.
Triumph Amidst Exhaustion
After visiting numerous properties, I finally found a couple nice a places to call our own. One came with both stairs and an elevator, a blend of convenience and necessity. And opted for a garage at an extra cost if course. And the other was a very nice home with garage.
Now, the real work begins, with the impending move, loading and unloading tasks ahead. As they say, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I’m excited to share more updates as I embark on this new chapter of my life in my new home. Peace.
Joint Purpose 
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