rent or buy in Boulder?

[@Shevock]

Always rent a place for a year and get to know the neighborhoods. That's my rule of thumb. A full year. You'll hear good things about some neighborhoods and then hear bad things later. You'll find one or two that just don't feel right when you sit in a cafe or restaurant. You don't want to feel locked into a neighborhood that's OK for somebody else but not ultimately you.

[@patrick7228]

Assuming finances aren't an issue, definitely rent for a year. A rushed / bad house purchase greatly outweighs any negatives associated with renting for a year. I think you are more likely to look back 5 years from now and say I wish we hadn't rush that house purchase as opposed to I wish we hadn't rented for a year.

[@caitlin7220]

I agree with everyone: either rent for a year or do an Airbnb. A rushed house purchase in this market could be way more disastrous longterm. You don’t need to look for available houses until you know which area you want to live in/ lease is coming to an end. Best of luck!

[@MsJoannk]

Hi again Gwen and Pat- Four years ago we moved from Minnesota to Arizona. We simplified the whole process by using our priority list for our home search. For you, I see schools, training grounds, home price, etc. Once you use your list to search for your new home it can actually move along quickly. We were able to locate our new home in two weeks. There was no need for a long term rental, and it was relatively stress free.

[@kevirose]

We started by squeezing into an airbnb for a short period. It gave us the time to find a rental. We rented for a couple of years before buying. No matter what you do it will be ok.

[@paulburns8208]

This is what I hope someone would tell me: Start with the big picture. You guys have been working through a number of challenges... pushing through Olympic trials, traveling / searching / deciding on a place to live, leaving BTC / rejoining a coach, finding a school for Stan the man, planning your move / getting rid of stuff, etc. etc. You still have to move and drive. You still have to get settled in an initial "home" and new routine (school, groceries, post office, drugstore, running paths, training routine, etc. etc.). So, at this point I would: 1) Celebrate and pat yourselves on your backs... You've done a lot of hard stuff in a very short time and you are moving toward a very positive new situation in Boulder. It is going to be awesome! You've done great! 2) Now, optimize a bit more for stress reduction and don't "force" yourself to make any unnecessary big decisions. Time is on your side and there are no perfect answers. You'll know a lot more in just a few months. If you get a short term rental (AIRBNB, etc.), it is nice and easy. You roll in to town and start living the good life right away. You start your training without some huge weight on your shoulders to find a place to buy. You have a place to live and visitors can crash at a hotel easily enough. It is only temporary. Enjoy! There will be plenty of fun things (and perhaps some chores) to spend your time on rather than pushing to find a house to buy. If, a month or two in to it - when things are all under control and you are enjoying the benefits of your new town and Stanley has friends, etc. - then feel free to look for a house. If that takes a little longer, then next April or May would be a good time to start looking again (you can always look in the winter too, but maybe not as many places listed for sale as people don't like to move during school year; also, you don't always get a good idea of what the place looks like in green of summer). If instead you happen to find a 12 month lease that you feel good about, then great. So it takes a little more set up with furniture, etc. No biggie. You can relax on looking for a house to buy until April next year, and then in May or June start the buying process. You won't have a rush to move to your home once it closes and you won't lose much on the lease if you really are stuck with a full 12 months. I'd lean toward the AIRBNB to start and then just be flexible from there. If you get a longer term lease that feels good to you, that sure sounds fine as well. The only thing to avoid seems like adding a ton of pressure to yourselves on any of it! And October in Boulder is simply AMAZING!!!

[@nathanieldrake7545]

You're almost never truly "locked in" to a 1-year lease. It's usually legally simple to break them (something like 30-day notice + 2 months rent penalty is pretty common - make sure you understand the terms in the lease). It's expensive, but worth it if it means you're moving into your dream house and not having to rush into a place because you only have a short-term lease. Also, if you're looking for an Airbnb, skip the 3rd bedroom requirement. You'd be better off just getting something that works for you and putting your parents up in a nearby hotel or Airbnb when they come to visit. No point in limiting your options so much when the workaround is way easier.

[@ShawnWeigl1229]

This is exactly what I was about to write. Learn the area, accept that backing out of a lease may be the cost of finding a really great home, and the cost of a third bedroom for just one year is not worth it.

[@sarahleslie5791]

Agreed! I just moved across the country, signed a year lease, and am moving out after 4 months. Our landlord was great about it and we are losing the security deposit but that's it. Maybe you will find a similar solution!

[@BradleyBaker]

Airbnb without a doubt. Don't get locked into. lease in the event that you find something quickly or determine a few months that's it's not the place you want to be. Place priority on flexibility before locking anything down.

[@chloeanddiego]

We moved to the suburbs of Chicago from the suburbs of Boston with a 4 year old and a 6 year old this year, in the height of the real estate craze. We used a corporate relocation company, stayed in corporate housing (a furnished 2-br apartment) for a month, and bought and closed on a house in a month. We considered renting and getting to know the area, but stability for the kids and school district was top of mind for us. We have no regrets! We love our neighborhood and house. Corporate relocation is a pre-tax, business expense, I believe, so be sure take advantage of that :)

[@johnromais10]

Buy for sure. Since you can. Rent or AirBnB is going to be money down the drain for a year... plus you will probably pay 3-6% more for that house in 12 months. Market correction maybe but in the most desirable places, like Boulder, homes are going to continue to go up, maybe just slow in its accent. In a year, if you want a different neighborhood, then sell and buy again. You will still come out ahead by a lot when you compare rent vs selling fees.

[@roustabout4fun]

Rent unless you find a total place that makes your heart sing. If you buy meet the neighbors first to get the lowdown and a real feel of the immediate folks.

[@blueskiesskiing]

When we were between houses, we rented for 6 weeks in North Main at Steele Ranch in Louisville. Although this is an apartment complex, they have a couple of furnished apartments, and that is what we rented. Nice complex with great Clubhouse, Gym and Outdoor Pool (was being used in March & April, when we were there). About 1/2 mile to get on a connector trail to the long Coal Creek Trail.

[@kurtphilly]

Prioritize first. You pick the order obviously - 1. Stanley's school 2. Family (extra bedroom) 3. Specific housing requirements 4. Cost - 5. Complexity and cost of purchasing a home vs renting a home. ------I think this covers most of the areas of your concern. This last priority includes many different subjective aspects to your individual wants and needs. I personally think moving is a pain and prefer the stability of a location for at least several years. But, you do you! As you know buying a house is incredibly stressful, so the dilemma, in my opinion, is rent for a year get to know other neighborhoods but realizing that you are just prolonging the inevitable of the search and buying process OR embrace the stressful process now and find a home that meets your needs. If you plan on staying in Boulder for a while as you seem to want to do, buying may offer you the added benefit of your home appreciating in value if you decide to move to a different home in several years. Best of luck to your family!

[@carolynfergus-callahan4194]

Airbnb :) I’m in Boulder and being stuck in a lease has really limited our ability to be adaptive to both housing and rental market changes - if we had had the financial flexibility to Airbnb for a couple of months when we got here and put our furniture in storage, that’s what I would do looking back.

[@mmutilva]

Someone already mentioned I think: there’s a third option that is the “corporate rental” style (I don’t know the official name) where you get a fully furnished apartment for a short period (e.g. 1 to 6 months) while you look for a final place (either buy or long term rent). I moved twice like that already as I relocated through my employer and that’s how they helped us. It’s convenient and you may work out something with your moving company to get them to store your stuff until you know the final place and date (though I guess storage facility will be cheaper). I don’t exactly how much these rentals costs as I haven’t had to pay for it myself luckily. Both times I used it for relocation plus a few month-length work trips I did I was always put in a condo with a gym, a pool, etc. I believe the one my employer used is called Oakwood apartments or something like it. Good luck!

[@sarahchristoff2125]

As someone who was going to buy in Boulder, but ended up renting because of time - living here for a summer has definitely changed my opinion. The smoke can be really painfully and who knows if it'll get better (as it seems like it will get worse) and so it really sucks to be stuck inside for the most of summer.

[@marathonmeg9428]

Moving to the Boulder area would be a DREAM for us, I would want to spend more time there before making the huge decision on the location of a house to buy, we would need to be in love with running and cycling routes from the door. Airbnb month to month is what we would do (or maybe 2 weeks in each location), especially in this sellers market. Don’t rush the purchase and have regrets, especially since you want to live here for a very long time!

[@raymondpearce8160]

Look on the southwest side of Longmont. Prices are more reasonable than Boulder and it is only a 10 minute drive down the Diagonal Highway (119) to Boulder. I furnished my condo from Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and furniture resale shops.

[@staceyrothchild3450]

We moved across the country from Massachusetts to Florida. We rented an Airbnb for 7 weeks to start. It was way too small not exactly where we wanted but it gave us the time and flexibility to explore other areas. We ended up buying a house almost an hour away from it but I'm so glad we didn't just jump into buying immediately. Even if the Airbnb is only two bedroom, I'm sure your family could find a hotel or another Airbnb to stay in for the short term. Realistically how many visits would they make in the first three to five months.

[@brokenfreddy7676]

A rushed home purchase is usually a disaster waiting for a time and place..IMO anything rushed normally fails badly..try a 3 to 6month rental while you learn the area better..locking into something then discover you can not tolerate the neighbors or traffic or shopping or any of a dozen other things that can make or break your choices and your sanity..been there ,done that

[@mikediazArtist]

There are possible options to consider: With a privately owned rental condo/home, the owners with some negotiating would definitely consider renting on a monthly basis with the ability to break the lease without penalties. This will give you a stable/stress free living space while you look for a home to buy. The downside is that month-to-month rent usually costs more per month than a 6-12 month locked in lease on the same property. Definitely contact a realtor agency in the area and let them know your needs. They would help you find a match with what kind of home you're looking for but also with the terms you're looking for as well, and their services are free. I only know this because it's exactly what I'm doing for my situation ;) The other option is like you mentioned, an air-bnb. Which is great because u don't have to worry about furnishings. Maybe the owner can workout an extended stay deal.. time to DM some air-bnb listing owners! Best of luck, congrats on deciding on Boulder!!!

[@annab188]

We rented for 6 months and managed to find a replacement for our lease but that was stressful, if you’re really wanting to buy then probably going month to month on an Airbnb would be ideal, since you kind of need to hop on buying a house if one comes up you want to buy, and the aftermath of paying for the lease you aren’t using is expensive.

[@karamtanner]

Try calling and asking the apartments/condos that you're interested in if they will let you rent without a lease. Some places don't advertise that option but will let you do it at a slightly higher monthly rent.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

If you think you're going to move in a year... Don't buy... You're going to pay a premium for housing right now and the market is not going to hold like this for a year. It will rebound. Unless you find your dream home and think you will stay in boulder, thinking you will buy now and not lose your a** on value, I think you might be disappointed. Granted, your rent isn't something you get back, so maybe it would be a wash, but none of us know the magnitude of the market rebound, even if it returns to 2019/2020 levels, that could be a huge loss and you may still owe a substantial sum on your mortgage after you sell... Just something to think about.

[@elizabethellis6062]

I would suggest you rent or AirB&B for a few months. Don’t rush into a home. I would also suggest South Boulder. For a runner, this is where the trails are. Chautauqua is gorgeous for sure, but the trails are full of tourists. You can run on open space from the highland neighborhood for miles. Best schools here. Rec center is within walking distance, library, shopping center, easy access to Denver or skiing. Good luck.

[@GwenJorgensen]

yes that's wheere we like. or louisville

[@4Dangert]

Peanut gallery checking in here 😃. I would squish into an AIRBN 2 bedroom. Nothing will be perfect. And if your parents come put them up in another airbnb or hotel! And look to buy. Renting house for a year is big commitment +furniture rental etc seems like a hassle.

[@bluemanchester4344]

Exactly what I was going to comment. A third bedroom for parents who may/may not visit seems to complicate things. If they visit let them have the house and stay in a hotel.

[@GwenJorgensen]

they will visit. not a matter of if, but when. and pat would like an office third bdrm too

[@bluemanchester4344]

@@GwenJorgensen At least this process is confirming some non negotiables! Have you looked into the possibility of a house swap? It's very short notice though. I don't know how house purchases are made in the U.S. Here in the U.K it often takes several months to move into a property even if paying cash.

[@GwenJorgensen]

@@bluemanchester4344 no...how in the world we would do that?!?! is there a website for it?

[@bluemanchester4344]

@@GwenJorgensen Amongst others www.lovehomeswap.com/how-it-works Never tried it but met people on holiday in Austria who had swapped there South African home for one in Seefeld Austria for 3 months. They travelled the world for 9 months of the year.

[@bcat8619]

AirBnb for a few months to look around. Some apartments do 3 month leases or find a sublease.

[@ponderingfox]

Interest rates are as low as they're going to get now, and they'll be going up soon. Just one of the things to factor in.

[@abdielmaysonet4539]

Hello, I hope you and your family are well ... First they must verify which payment is cheaper, whether to rent or to buy, to know how to choose the best decision, then, logically, they choose the cheapest payment, and if they are more or less the same, choose to buy ... but Yes, make that decision after an orientation with an authorized realtor ... I wish you the best and that everyone does well, everything is for your son ... see you later👋👋👋

[@twin1westie]

Welcome to Boulder! I've rented in three different areas of Boulder and equally liked them all. I think that is a positive, you can hardly go wrong anywhere in town. One strange consideration is considering how far in a side street you plan you live. When it does snow, it doesn't last long and the main roads are generally plowed promptly and well, however, the side streets can lag and especially so if they are more shaded from the sun. I like the most living only a few houses in on a side street, then I never have problems getting to the main roads for a ride or accessibility.

[@blueskiesskiing]

Lived in Boulder for 27 years. Our local streets were plowed only a couple of times in all those years. Now in Superior, where they do plow local streets, and promptly. In Boulder they may not plow your local street, but they will plow the bike paths. Same with the US36 Bike-path -- not my favorite place to run, but in a pinch, it's quickly cleared of snow.

[@susanmorris6755]

"Make time your friend, not your enemy." Rent for a year while you take a mental break and get the lay of the land.

[@runbikerun8189]

Look for houses while staying at an Air B-N-B, then purchase a house.

[@KenVerheecke]

Is it a buyers market there? From what I can see... around the country, it is a massive sellers" market... maybe good to wait? At any rate... hoping for the best for you both!

[@elizabethellis6062]

Prices right now have reduced over last year. They will rise again beginning the first of the year. This is typical for real estate. Actually, they would get the best price now. Unless there is a huge catastrophe, prices will never go down here. It’s a tight market, surrounded by open space, with almost no new single-family housing. That won’t change.

[@guest00791]

buying is always the most comfortable decision.

[@AB-qx3pf]

AirBnB for a few months and look to buy. If nothing to buy then rent for a year and deal with that when you finally find your house. Inventory will probably go to low low double digits this Winter and of those you'll want to forget even looking at the places. Don't rush. That's the take away. Or, you've got 2m to spend and then whatever....

[@Erin60147]

If your commited to Boulder 100% I say rent month to month or buy now. Why wait?

[@jimoconnor8597]

Do list a pros/cons or ranking list just like you did to decide on Boulder. Include what you absolutely have to have vs what is nice to have. Good luck!!!!

[@hennnnerz]

Do the 2 bed and parents can stay somewhere local for a couple of months if they come 👌🏼

[@alfredquerubin]

Live in Fort Collins instead! It's cheaper here and an hour away from DIA.

[@tasha5432]

Air bnb then buy. Just do it. Get the sauna in a cute backyard before winter!

[@hayleebarber8387]

Rent in Eerie! :) Right near Boulder & such great schools + family community. Reach out if helpful!

[@anisseismaili8828]

Rent first to sort out where is your favourite bakery.

[@Brockdorf]

What would Mirinda Carfrae do? I realize she lives in a $2 mil home, but I would think she would give good advice specific to your situation. The problem is many experts are saying a major housing correction in 8 months, but the market just keeps going up and up. Can you buy land now and start building your perfect house?

[@curtisschmid7887]

Building a house in West Arvada right now. Signed the contract in November 2020. My mom kept sending articles last year that were saying major housing correction will come on Spring 2021 by experts from CBRE and others. If we had listened to her then we’d be paying over 130k more for the same house. Markets are near impossible to time. The only thing that sucks is the house won’t be done until January 2022 due to material and labor shortages.

[@4Dangert]

Boulder will not go the way of most towns. Doubt a correction there. It will continue to go up.

[@Brockdorf]

@@4Dangert may sales have already leveled off and part of the increase is a building supply problem that will correct.

[@tarajonmanning1117]

I've lived in Boulder County for more than 40 years. I'd recommend buying. The market moves quickly here, but Louisville has always good inventory. The access to gyms and indoor workout space is abundant. The city of Louisville rec center is awesome and there are private gyms EVERYWHERE. I recently relocated from Boulder to a new build in Louisville (North End neighborhood area). So many young families and relocated folks from out of state. Investing in real estate around here is a solid choice. My equity has risen steadily in a short time. Yes, short term and executive rentals are very pricey around here. I'm sure a local agent can help you strategize short term housing. Stay away from short term condo rental complexes. I've heard really unpleasant stories including car theft/ burglary, assault, lots of police visits. I will DM a couple of my favorite realtors, as well as local road club/racing contact. Very excited you chose to live here. I have tried to leave, but always conclude no where is more wonderful than Colorado.

[@shartmann2008]

A month goes by in a flash. Do you have a good realtor... they should be able to help with all of this.

[@geraldhansen2185]

Have you considered building your perfect house? If so then rent as it will take a year to complete.

[@Scuba_Son]

Guest could stay in a Airbnb while visiting.

[@kaylahudson7142]

Do apartment complexes not do a month to month? Kids are flexible, Stan will be fine. He has you, you are his safe base and secure haven not the place.

[@GwenJorgensen]

nope - 3 month minimum and most want through May b/c they don't want to be vacant in dec/winter

[@pabkenny]

Always rent first.

[@TT41401]

If you considering only renting for a year or less then I would think a 3rd bedroom is not necessary. What are the chances that your family will visit that quick? I would not factor that in for the short term which opens up a lot more possibilities.

[@GwenJorgensen]

very high

[@mattluce2807]

Rent for a year. Don’t rush into anything.

[@gregoryluna535]

Why is everything 2 bedrooms in Boulder? 3-4 bedrooms is the norm in South Florida. That said, selling my 2/2 tomorrow and ending my time as a Florida man.

[@andrebands8850]

What role does finding a good church play in your decision?

[@GwenJorgensen]

I find you can find that anywhere (and i've been to a lot of places!)

[@mrrafferty1]

Find a month to month rental and just deal with the inconveniences that come with that.

[@GwenJorgensen]

that's ideal, just non available.

[@mrrafferty1]

@@GwenJorgensen I guess I understand the land lords point of view, but it is crazy how month to month was such a normal thing just 5-10 years ago. keep searching. check out Superior if it is not too far from Stanley's school. Good luck.

[@rickyscott6830]

Can you do a segment on tanning lotion let say pat and you two different tan lotion levels etc just for fun...

[@vivaaloha2020]

Love channel! Just a constructive feedback, the audio is pretty weak.

[@steven._lung]

This journey has been very helpful, or confirming rather. I’m moving from Tucson. Have considered Bend, will go to Asheville in a 3 weeks, and lived in Fayetteville in the past weigh plenty of visits to Bentonville. Currently in Boulder on a travel trailer, shopping for a house. However, going to Asheville anyways to challenge my strong into thin about Boulder. But all your videos have been great confirmation bias! I guess the travel trailer option would not work for you : )

[@paulmartinez15]

Now you have me noticing that Pat is wearing all black.... never paid attention until a few videos ago :-)

[@GwenJorgensen]

hehehe

[@nelsonomicsruns9246]

Rent, wait for housing bubble to deflate.

[@RunPJs]

Rent for 6 months....you'll get to know the place and your neighbours better

[@emmalazenby4174]

Rent an Airbnb. You strike me as very analytical in your thinking. I think over the next couple of months your opinions will change as to where you want to live in Boulder compared to right now. (Look back at your trip to find a city to live in, I bet your thoughts changed during that process). As for family coming to stay in the short term, you will find a way to accommodate a short stay. Whether that’s an air mattress for Pat ! Or a hotel stay. That can’t hinder making the right long term decision. I can understand you wanting to get settled and maybe buy now, but a combination of a hot property market and your thoughts changing may make that the wrong choice. Rent short term and then start to firm up your conclusion on what and where you want to be without feeling rushed. Good luck.

[@GwenJorgensen]

i guess issue is no airbnb available for the month at a reasonable price but i think we have a solution in mind :)

[@mdny7788]

Frankly, first world problems!

[@GwenJorgensen]

aren't all of my videos though? just having enough money for a place to live and food to eat makes all my problems after that 1st world for sure!

[@markschroeder5866]

Don't know your finances, buy why not buy a place in Louisville, Superior, or Niwot?

[@GwenJorgensen]

love louisville just want to get my barrings and not just buy a place without knowing the neighborhood

[@mousecabbage7293]

Rent a place a year.

[@CoachPursuit]

It will cost you more in the long run if you buy a place and decide to move within a year as moving costs aren't cheap. Rent somewhere and then buy when you know exactly what you want. Buying the house you are renting after a year could always be an option if you like it

[@maureenparker4721]

Has your Portland house sold? Rent an Air bnb for two months and decide later!

[@GwenJorgensen]

haven't even dealt with that yet

[@maureenparker4721]

It seems to be you need to take it one step at a time. List your house. Wait for it to sell. Then find a two or three bedroom air bnb for a couple of months in Boulder. Take your time to make the next decision. As an older parent I am pretty sure your parents don’t want you making decisions based on them. They can come visit and stay in a hotel or a bnb depending how long they stay. Renting a place for year limits your flexibility. A temp air bnb gives you so many more options. Don’t overthink it! Nothing is perfect.

[@GwenJorgensen]

@@maureenparker4721 we have taken months to make this decision - the house being sold isn't an issue for us. Yes, airbnb is a great option, IF there were things available. It would involve moving from place to place every week which is not ideal for a 4 year old

[@drberrydds1]

Rent a condo from somebody with flexible terms.

[@GwenJorgensen]

yes, that's ideal, but not a reality.

[@paullee8875]

Have you ever considered falling out with your parents? It would solve a lot of your problems.😀😀

[@MyDadWasALifeguard]

Do NOT buy a house as a hot market is topping out

[@drberrydds1]

Are you taking your sauna? So jealous of that bad boy.