Why share your home?
As a grown and settled adult, perhaps you have sworn off the days of roommates and splitting rent. Roommates are for broke twenty-somethings. Right? Well, think again.
This year, our Aviv Older Adult Services department launched a new program: HomeShare ATL. The program matches older adults with homeseekers (or homeowners!) to provide a private bedroom, bathroom, and shared living space in exchange for rent or help around the house.
If you are wondering, “Why would I share my home with a stranger?” Here are three reasons that this could actually be the perfect set up:
You’ll save money
Do you have an extra bedroom that you only use for random storage? Why not make some money off it? Offset the costs of your mortgage and other living expenses with consistent rent payments. Alternatively, homeowners can create an agreement where the home seeker may stay in exchange for help around the house-- like chores and cleaning. Either way, you will save time and money by bringing in a new house guest.
You’ll have a sense of security.
In the unfortunate event that you fall or hurt yourself, how or who will you ask for help? With a housemate, you can feel secure knowing that there will be someone to help you if you fall into trouble. Not to mention, you will also have someone who can keep an eye on your house while you’re traveling.
You have the chance to make a companion.
With a housemate, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people to potentially share holidays and special occasions. Your circle can grow as you meet the friends and family of your housemate. If you are someone who wishes you felt more connected to a community, this could be a great opportunity for you.
It’s up to you.
Ultimately, sharing your house or sharing the house of someone else can be an enriching and financially rewarding experience. At HomeShare ATL, we will make sure you are matched with a housemate that is compatible with your lifestyle. We will also help you create a custom agreement between you and the housemate that feels fair and beneficial.
To learn more about HomeShare ATL, please call Jean Cohen at (770) 677-9435