What to Do? (Need Personal Advice on Home Options)

[Disneyphile]

Ok, my car window got smashed for the second time in the last 5 months, and this time they stole some of my stuff (box of camping accessories and my only professional video tripod).

The apartment complex doesn't really care, because of the "park at your own risk" clause in our lease. Their only "solution" was to give us the parking space directly below our apartment (which there's another apartment below us, so we're technically two floors up), and give us permission to install our own surveillance system.

The cop suggested not to install the system, because it would be costly, and unless I catch the actual act on video, it cannot be used against the person, and the only place I could put it where it would show the whole vehicle is really exposed and accessible, so the thieves would most likely smash or steal it.

So, here are some options that I've been pondering, some of which were suggested by the police, and others by my parents. And, I'm quite torn on what to do:

1. Install a better car alarm system that detects impact to the windows. The cop suggested some good models that have the 2-way system with visual remote alert. It doesn't prevent the problem, but will deter it, and at least the stuff won't get taken. But, windows can still be smashed. However, when it goes off, I can take on the role of "crazy psycho bitch" and run downstairs, wielding a sword above my head, screaming like Xena, scaring the culprit into their next lifetime.
2. In addition to number 1, move to the downstairs apartment. It is being completely renovated at the moment, but would allow us to be directly above my car. It also has other advantages like saving us on electricity, since we wouldn't get direct sunlight, and my mother wouldn't have to struggle with steps when she comes to visit. The landlady says it's $1,659/month due to the new appliances, cabinets and floors, but the website lists it $120 cheaper, so I'm trying to negotiate, especially on the fact that this is obviously becoming a high crime community (the cop told me that they are constantly dealing with vehicle break-ins here). My mom made this suggestion, and said she'd even hire movers for a couple hours to carry the furniture down. Moving could literally be done in a day, since nothing would have to be packed - just carried down and set back into place.
3. Move to another rental elsewhere, since our lease is up at the end of October. This would cost about $1,000 in moving expenses, plus deposits, neither of which we come close to having right now. It would also disrupt my business flow. However, it would give us more peace of mind, and also the comfort of a more efficient and modern home, and our kitchen is almost falling apart, and it's not well insulated, if at all anymore. Also, if we could get a rental with a garage, I'd have a studio in which to do some larger projects.
4. My dad suggested for us to try and get in on a foreclosure house somewhere near Redlands or that area, which is ludicrous, because we can barely afford our monthly bills right now, and going over $2,000 for housing is not an option. Not to mention all the added time and stress of home-buying while building my business. I'm extremely opposed to this option, but he seems to be gung-ho on it. I asked him if he's willing to buy it, and he told me not to jump to conclusions. Yeah, thought so.

So, anyway, what the heck should we do?

[BarTopDancer]

I vote for moving to a new community. A little more in rent for piece of mind is worth it. I just finished apartment hunting and it's not easy, nor pretty but you can find stuff out there. If you want to PM me your price range & requirements I can let you know if I saw anything in that range when I was hunting a few weeks ago.

Stay away from buying right now. The market isn't finished going down and the mortgage industry is still in chaos. Concentrate on the present - look for a new apartment, move, get settled then look at buying while watching the market. The last thing you want to do is rush into a foreclosure property in an area you aren't sure about / loving because your lease is up. Once you are settled you can start saving/seriously looking to buy. A few thousand to break your lease to buy the dream home is better than rushing into a home you are unsure about "but the price is right".

[Kevy Baby]

FWIW, I believe there is currently a condo in our complex up or lease. If it is one of the two bedrooms (which I believe it is), you get a two car garage (otherwise, I *think* you get two one-car garages). If I recall correctly, it is around $1600.

It is a very safe neighborhood, you know at least somebody in the complex and you would only be about 4 miles from your favorite reptile store

[CoasterMatt]

How's the bacon supply there?

[Kevy Baby]

Adequate

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

If you want to PM me your price range & requirements I can let you know if I saw anything in that range when I was hunting a few weeks ago.

I'll just put it here, in case anyone else knows of anything too. (Thanks for checking!)

Requirement: 2 bed/2 bath, $1,350-$1,600, allows cats, AC/heat, dishwasher, patio, anywhere safe between northern OC and Long Beach
Prefer: washer/dryer hook-ups, downstairs, garage

Stay away from buying right now. The market isn't finished going down and the mortgage industry is still in chaos.

No kidding. My dad finally admitted to that later tonight. I think he just loves to be complex sometimes. So, now he's also pushing towards option 3, and I think they'll help with deposits/moving.

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

FWIW, I believe there is currently a condo in our complex up or lease. If it is one of the two bedrooms (which I believe it is), you get a two car garage (otherwise, I *think* you get two one-car garages). If I recall correctly, it is around $1600.

Oooh, neighbors! GusGus and I could spend the afternoons carrying out nefarious plans. I love your place, too. Would you mind checking on the one that's available?

Thanks.

So far on Craigs List, I've found a condo at $1,500 just down the street from us that comes with a 2-car garage and all hardwood floors. I'm going to call tomorrow. I know the neighborhood - it's really nice.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Check with the cops about crime levels in your intended areas. That sucks that your windows got broken twice. I hope your next place does better for you.
**hugs**
-k

[Disneyphile]

Ooooh. I kinda want to check out this place in Costa Mesa:

http://www.rentnet.com/apartments/fy...urce=1xxctb079

They have a community "media room" that would be perfect for client screenings, and the den is right off the living room, making it a perfect office.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

Ooooh. I kinda want to check out this place in Costa Mesa:

http://www.rentnet.com/apartments/fy...urce=1xxctb079

They have a community "media room" that would be perfect for client screenings, and the den is right off the living room, making it a perfect office.

Maybe you can rent in your current place month-to-month, until you can save up for moving costs. That will also give you more time to hunt for better, safer places to live.

If you pick the above place, make sure they don't have a problem with using the media room for commercial purposes.

[scaeagles]

I recommend the car security system used in "For Your Eyes Only".