I decided against the unit - not only the size consideration, but it was also in poor condition. Basically, too many cons, and the only pro was location.

Sun Jun 22 2008, 20:27

That should be plenty of room for 2 people, especially being close to a park so its easy to get out and stretch awhile and get some space. As far as rearing into the walls? I am not so sure this is a good idea. Being a Building Contractor and a Real Estate Agent, I would have to take a look at the project before giving advice. Call me on my cell at 530-263-3037 Good luck! www.dennisbarry.net

Mon May 12 2008, 17:03

Terry Ballantyne Indigo Beach Properties....
Well, dear sardine can, there is much wisdom in simplicity. Since winters are relatively mild and you can explore the Ferry Building if you are getting cabin fever, I think you could make it through. Similar temperaments are a must. If you both like a slow vibe and soothing music, great. But if one of you is
Metallica and the other Deep Blue, hmmm, could be a fight. Do you both crave order and harmony, or
will someone stir the pot and leave the cap off the toothpaste with impunity? What will you do if it
doesn't work? Do you have a safety net? An exit strategy? Space is not the determining value, it's the story you tell each other and yourself about the space. Hope to hear the epilogue! 831 588 8485

Mon May 12 2008, 15:07

Privacy and retreat area is key - ensure that private conversations reamina private when needed (family, friends, work, etc.). This is the key to succes, not the square footage, keep the space neat and ensure that is one watches the tube while the other wants to work quietly, you can do that. equally.

Mon May 12 2008, 14:31

So what happened? Did you guys kill each other yet? Not do it? What??

Wed Apr 30 2008, 17:39

I guess it really depends on your partner. I recently moved from a nice sized four bedroom in the Presidio to a one bedroom (640 sq. ft.) with my finance and we don't have any problems. As long as you have the separate bedrooms for your personal belongings you should be fine. However, I would say that the most important aspect in cleanliness and to make sure that you both have the same ideas about what is expected. As long as the 840 sq. ft. is layed out correctly you should be fine.

Sun Apr 6 2008, 18:49

I like Sylvia's answer also. Since you and your partner are moving in together for the first time. Reality is that even if you had 4,000 SF and you are going to drive each other nuts it's going to happen and the converse is also true, you could be happy in a tent.
This isn't real estate advice but I'll put it out anyway. There are many things that come up in relationships that require flexability and the degree of flexability each person brings to the relationship portends the success of the relationship.
If you have any hesitation, recognize that as inflexibility, don't buy together and don't get married. No contracts - - just the decision to stay toghether each day and grow closer - - then start with the contracts.

Sun Apr 6 2008, 11:56

It's going to be cramped, no doubt about it. I think even if you are madly in love it will be cramped.

When you start tearing down the wall be sure to have an engineer look at the situation and tell you whether or not you need to replace that wall with a support beam. Tearing down bearing walls can create trouble for your unit if you don't replace that wall with a support structure of some kind.

Sun Apr 6 2008, 05:59

Dear Mission Bay,

You currently live with roomies....so you know how it is to live in a shared space. How well do you like that person. You each can have a bedroom so you can "get away" from each other. Do you have outdoor space as well (deck or yard?) It is a small space for two people but you will be purchasing your own home, building up equity, taking new tax deductions for yourself and starting a whole new lifestyle. It is worth it if you feel you can be happy with your partner. It will not work if you are unsure....because you need to live there 2 years before you can take advantage of the $250,000 per person tax write off.

I say go for it and good luck!

Cheeers,
Sally

Sat Apr 5 2008, 21:43

You may have to step outside to change your mind!! This will either bring you together or drive you both nuts! My wife and I had a small place when we first got together. That was 34 years ago. I'm now writing this from my large office which is a free standng building on my 1/2 acre lot. My wife has her own office/den besides she works at a university during the week and I'm a home office person. When we were young and in love we relished the idea of being together. What's with the separate bedroom thing?

Sat Apr 5 2008, 20:46

Depends, you do like each other now? :) No matter how you cut it, most people that go into smaller quarters are going to have some issues adjusting. If you're happy there I'm sure eventually you'll get used to it.
Good luck!

Sat Apr 5 2008, 20:37

Hi Barg, great answers below, I especially like Sylvia's point about the change in your relationship, not just in your available living area. If you don't have time to explore the rental option, think for a while about your current lifestyle.

One of my first lessons in real estate was about using positive language. A house with small bedrooms is well designed because you are really just going to sleep in there - what do you need a lot of floor space for? Think about that idea for the house itself. Will you spend your down time at the park, the movies or hiking in the mountains, or are you homebodies who will want to curl up with the newspaper and then spread it around? Do either of you work from home where extended confinement will become especially claustrophobic? Do you currently entertain friends or family? Do you want to? Are you neat freaks who will appreciate the simplicity of a quick wipe and sweep - or collectors of all things animal and mineral?

Think about how you currently use the space you have, and imagine your daily and weekly routine in the new space. Good luck, Stacey

Sat Apr 5 2008, 20:31

It will be tight I wouldn't lie to you. I remember along time ago I lived in a 900 square foot home that was a two bedroom. It was tiny. So yes it will be tight.

Sat Apr 5 2008, 20:15

Hi Mission Bay:

if I was you, I'd rent a place similar to that size with my partner and try it out first. This is not just because of your partner, but sounds like it'd be something you need to find out for yourself (moving from 4BDs with tons of space) to a small space. On top of that, you have to deal with living with a close relationship; not talking about maybe having to share the financial burden and legal rights of the home, etc ..A GIANT step if you ask me.

If renting a small space works for the two of you, then you can look into buying one; and if not, you can look into renting a bigger space, save up and buy a larger place when you both can afford that.

Best,
Sylvia

Sat Apr 5 2008, 20:13

Hi Mission Bar...,
The first rule of real estate is location, location,location. If it fits the first rule, the price is right and you have room to grow, then this should be fine. Look at it as an investment and a work in progress especially in SF.
Good Luck,

Laarni

Sat Apr 5 2008, 20:08

Hello. I think that whether or not living in such tight quarters will work for you depends mostly on the type of relationship you have. I remember a teacher of mine (many moons ago), who was very happily married and he told my class that he and his wife lived in one room for several years after they first got married. For them it worked out great, but for me, it would not work. If you have doubts now, maybe you should not do it. On the other hand, you can always give it a try and if it does not work out, move to a bigger place (if you still want to live with each other after the experience in the smaller place). I would sit down with your partner and each write down what your concerns are and how you can best address them. If you can't come to an agreement now, things most likely will not improve after you have moved in together. Accepting that you may have to find a larger place may remove the stress that you may be experiencing over having to make this decision. Just accept that it's not the end of the world if it does not work out. Good luck.

Sat Apr 5 2008, 20:02