ABOUT THE AUTHOR
"SORRY, THE BOA HAS GOTTA
GO!"©
By Sylvia Bergthold
Why did I write "SORRY THE BOA HAS GOTTA GO!" ©A ROOMMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE? Simple. I wanted others to enjoy the many benefits of having roommates without the problems an incompatible individual can create in your home and environment.
You have heard the story many times, of the young newly divorced single parent. That was my situation in the early months of 1975. Now I had to adjust to working full time, going to school at night to learn a new employable skill, and attempt to run a household on a bank teller's salary. Not a pleasant prospect. How could I make my house payment without going broke or the bank foreclosing on the house?
Well, I did have that "extra" bedroom that was being used for accumulating
"miscellaneous junk". What if I rented it out? I wouldn't charge much....Just enough to help make the mortgage payment. If I could find the right person it would help me out financially. Maybe if I offered to cook some of the meals, my renter would babysit my two kids while I was taking night classes.
Much to the surprise of my neighbors, family and close friends, that is exactly what I did. There was no guidebook to show me the rules and what to expect. Was I scared? Petrified! Did I make mistakes? You better believe it! Was it worth it? Absolutely! Would I do it again? The answer: I still have roommates 32 years later.
I had exceptional luck until 1994. That was the year I acquired the roommate from Hell. Not only did she cause utter chaos in my household, my other two roommates fled fearing for their lives and possessions. Luckily the roommate left without a major crime being committed, however, murderous thoughts ran through my head on more than one occasion.
It was then that I analyzed how I had made this gigantic mistake. I had not followed my "normal" procedures. I had strayed from my tried and true formula. I had not paid attention to the answers when I asked a question. At that moment, I began writing everything down, every question I had posed over the phone, every source used for advertising, every word used in interviews, etc. I went back to my old formula and added some additional safeguards. The times had changed and so had the character of prospective roommates.
I began again, this time following my new guidelines. It worked! All my new roommates have been wonderful, responsible people. Neighbors had attempted to rent out rooms but kept getting "losers". Friends, relatives and former roommates were having the same problems as my neighbors. I was hearing some real horror stories. How come I didn't have these problems? What was my secret?
It was then I began to create my guidebook. It worked so well for me, why not them? Writing out a rough draft, I gave it to a few friends who needed help finding renters. It worked! They encouraged me to write and market it. But I still had not found a name for the book!
My sister reminded me of an incident of the roommate whose fiancé had brought her a baby boa constrictor as an engagement present. Needless to say, the other two roommates would not accept the boa into our household. Baby or not, it also did not pay rent and they did. So "SORRY, THE BOA HAS GOTTA GO!" became the title. And A ROOMMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE is exactly what this guidebook is. A step-by-step guide to help you find the right person to share your home or apartment with. Read it thoroughly and use the information provided. It is not meant as a legal guide but does have several suggestions regarding legal situations and documents. Nothing is guaranteed in life, but we can make it harder for the few who attempt to not play by the rules.
Let me know if my guidebook was beneficial to you. I would love to hear of your experiences. Good Luck in your new endeavor.
sbergthold@aol.com