Being a Renter Vs. Being a Homeowner

If you have never rented, this article will enlighten you to the subtle differences you may experience if you ever do. When you are a homeowner, you are usually one for along time in the same neighborhood, with everyone knowing you and calling you by name. You will even speak to strangers because that is what everyone else does. There is a general concern for folks in the neighborhood , even when you don't know them well.

When your living arrangements change due to life events such as death, divorce, job move, etc... you may think that living in a rental situation will really not be much different.

First of all, it may seem that you are the "rental" people in your new home, which technically you are of course, but the feelings that come with that are unexpected. You may think that folks will welcome you to the neighborhood and possibly invite you over to their place. This may have happened when you were a homeowner but now that you are renting, don't expect it.

A lot of the neighbors behavior may be due to the folks that lived there before. Possibly there was trouble of some kind and the neighbors were in an uproar. So now that you are the new renters, you may receive the cold shoulder.

You probably won't get the "wave" like you did as a homeowner. Sometimes folks will go out of their way to avoid you. Kind of reminds you as if you are not good enough to be their neighbor.

You may go as far as complimenting the "homeowners" about their flowers, yard, etc... Don't expect that in return. The funny thing about this whole analogy is that you could possibly be paying rent that is more than their mortgage payment. That won't matter either.

Another good tip so that you "fit in" is to know the rules.These would be the rules that govern the town. What you can and cannot do. Some neighbors will go as far as calling the local law on you if you are not complying with "the rules".

It doesn't mean you will never fit in, it just means you may have to work a little harder at it. Of course the choice is yours.