Hey everyone, great forum.
I wanted to get some people's opinion on this situation. I will be attending UT-Austin for grad school. I am moving from over 1500 miles away. I found a really really good place, did not seem shady and the pictures and emails that have been sent back and forth are very detailed and thorough. This place pretty much fits every thing I wanted in a place in terms of location, price, roommate atmosphere, furnished, close to the shuttles, all that. My problem is that I am extremely tight on money. I know a lot of students from way out, especially international students, sign leases pretty much without every visiting the place in person. The owner has said many students move in sight unseen (aside from emails and pictures) and were very pleased. I believe it too because this owner is very thorough.
What are people's thoughts on this? It would cost me about $500 to visit Austin for a day or two to visit this place. If I'm going to visit I figure I may as well visit other places for rent as well. How crazy is it to not visit and sign a lease for August in the next few weeks? I'd like to hear from anyone who moved a long distance or is an international student. I would feel more hesitant about it except that I have been very impressed with this particular place and the communication with the owner.
Thanks in advance.
