Each year we encounter a new batch of Students attending Ferris State University looking for Ferris Student Off Campus Living. While it can be a very rewarding experience their are rules off campus too. Whether renting or buying it is always best to check with Ferris as there are students who MUST be on campus their first year. At Lake and Lodge Realty we pride ourselves in our expertise in helping those who decide buying a home while attending college as a good option. Our website www.bigrapidshomes.com has lots of helpful information on the Big Rapids area and for those Ferris Students looking for Off Campus Living we have a page just for you: http://www.bigrapidshomes.com/students.htm.
Finding that house you can call home for the next few years is easy if you keep in mind a few things. First in real estate we always talk location, location, location. Well when looking for off campus housing you should focus on zoning, zoning, zoning. There are limited areas where you can go if you plan on renting rooms out to friends while attending school. If it's just you and a friend you can go most anywhere as even in R1 areas you can have up to one unrelated person not on title live with you. If you are thinking about purchasing a home, renting rooms out to make your payment and selling for a profit the search field narrows quickly.
Other things to watch for are ordinances. There is a parking ordinance which says you must have one space for each bedroom and one for a guest if renting so a 4 bedroom house would have to have 5 parking spaces of at least 180 sq. ft. per space and to make it a little tougher, none can be from the face of the house to the street and they all have to be off street parking. Yikes.
Lastly, even if you find a place with the correct zoning with ample parking it doesn't mean you are good to go. If the home does not have a current rent certificate from the City of Big Rapids you will need to apply for one and that will entail a home inspection by the Mecosta County Building Department to ensure the home you want to rent is safe.
My recommendation when buying Ferris Student Off Campus Living is to find an agent experienced in the local customs and zoning and let them guide you through the process. Enjoy your college experience and we are here to help. Thanks for reading.
Comments(0)