Korean Job Discussion Forums

[traxxe]

I want to move closer to friends to another section of Suwon called Tapdong. My lease is up the 28th of Feburary. When should I start going to real estate agents to place to find a new villa? A couple of people said just a couple of weeks before moving.

I'm just doing like a 5 mil key money and rent situation.

Is it too soon to look now or is two weeks before about right? I'll be moving in 7 weeks. In America I'd start looking for a pad now but I understand Korea is probably different.

[RACETRAITOR]

I'd start looking now. Many people will want to move right away, but others will be planning to move around then. Coordinating a move is harder than writing a free trade agreement with the US.

[traxxe]

I have a car so I can move myself. Hehe, I'm the shameful owner of a used Daewoo Nubira Spagon. That's right a sports station wagon that is entirely not sporty and all station wagon.

I guess I'll start looking this week. My problem is my lease is up the 28th and I need to move in the 28th. So hopefully my key money on my current place won't be a hassle to get back.

[victorology]

What you can do is go to a realtor, give them your date and they will check with their inventory. If nothing is available, you can ask them to contact you when something does. Do this with numerous realtors.

[RACETRAITOR]

[Scotticus]

Last year, when me and the gf went looking for apartments a couple months in advance (you know, like we'd do back home), we got looks like we had three heads. The idea of planning that far ahead was almost unfathomable for most people we talked to.

No joke, most Koreans start looking MAYBE two weeks in advance. Many go from looking to renting in a day or two. The realtors kept trying to pressure us into signing leases and moving in the next day... even though we were clear that we had another 6 weeks, at least (and had a K-speaker with us, so there were no misunderstandings there) before we'd be moving.

[schwa]

Be aware that when you do find the place you want they'll require a deposit on the deposit upfront to secure it. Maybe a million won.

[bassexpander]

Yep... we just finished all of that 2 nights ago. Loads of fun (actually, I enjoy it).

We started over a month in advance. For bigger places, they expect you'll take more time. Smaller places, they figure you'll be in a hurry at the last minute, I guess.

[victorology]

[RACETRAITOR]

[Milwaukiedave]

Moving is a chore that I don't like to do. I agree with what others have said, start looking a month or more out. Make sure you have someone to rent your current place out though so you can get your deposit money back.

[traxxe]

[schwa]

Then all going smoothly you'll get your deposit back on the 28th. You've given notice? A couple of months is customary.

Hopefully your landlord is solvent. Hopefully too you registered your deposit with your local govt housing agency (thats like govt insurance).

Chances are everything will go okay but just saying, you cant necessarily bank on an exact day turnover. In your situation, I'd seek specific assurances from your present owner now.

[RACETRAITOR]

[Hanson]