still hunting...

Recently we went condominium hunting on the weekend (we went almost every week!). It is unexpectedly not a cakewalk like we had envisioned!!! First of all, we are searching off-season meaning the pickings are slim. Secondly, our criteria (around 60m2, less than 10 years old, less than 1000USD a month) is similar to that of many other couples...so sometimes we found a place we liked, but after just a week of consideration, the place was snatched up by others. No time to think - just nod yes and sign here, please!

Note: we are not looking for an apartment because they tend to be flimsily built - steel contruction. The place I live in now is a cheaply built apartment...sigh, if only I had known...I would have gotten a smaller but better constructed condo. Condos (called 'mansions' here in Japan, ha ha ha...the irony of it!) are reinforced concrete, quality will cost ya! Benefits of condos: less noisy, cooler in summers/warmer in winters due to better insulation.

This is the latest place we like, it is a little pricey but worth it.
2LDK (living room, dining, and kitchen)
63.36m² condo
2006/08 finish date was extended to September '06
20,000yen (or more for fire insurance)
10万円4,000円 (the first figure is the rent; the second one is maintenance fee)
2ヶ月1ヶ月 (the first one is 2 month's worth rent as deposit money; the other is one month's worth as a 'thank you' gesture...totally bogus if you ask me!)
UPDATE 6/26...SHOOT, it is sold out.

So in the beginning, a couple has to pay a LOAD of money just to rent a place. My current place cost about...thinking...3000USD up front plus the first month of rent. OUCH. For a lousy two-year contract. You have to renew every two years, pay another absurd sum of money. Crazy system if you ask me! Also, especially if you are a foreigner, you need a respectable guarantor to vouch for you.