As I mentioned before in my presentation entitled “The Roommates” I have rented the spare bedroom in my home to many people over the years. While many of the roommates were very delightful people, many were not. Telephone calls from several of the non-roommates seemed to come from sources lacking good sense. In this accounting I will share with you some of the phone conversations I have had the pleasure of having with them.

One such call in response to my ad: “Where is the room located?” “Why it is in the “Anytown” Mobile Home Park, in Anytown.” “Oh, is that in “Anytown?” “Why yes, yes it is.” “Okay, thank you.” Hangs up, very polite.

“Where is the room located?” “Why it is in the “Anytown” Mobile Home Park, in Anytown.” “Oh, is that really a mobile home park or is that just what you call it?” “Yes, it is a mobile home park.” This one, not so polite, hung up on me. I supposed she was too proud to rent a room in a mobile home.

“I am calling about your room for rent. I’m looking for a room for me and my daughter.” “The room is for rent to only one person.” Well, I work and my daughter goes to college nearby.” “Are you over 50?” “Yes, I am.” “And, your daughter?” “She is 20.” “I am sorry but as the ad states this is a 50+ mobile home park. You need to be at least 50 to live here.”

After the ads for the room ran for several weeks and it was becoming extremely costly I changed the ad to a “completely furnished room” with all the other amenities included follows some of those responses:

A man responded with: “I am calling for a place for my mom. How much care do you offer for $700.00 per month? Does that include meals? Will you do her laundry?” “I am sorry it is a room for rent not a board and care facility.”

And there was: “I’m calling to find out what time you open?” What do you mean “what time do we open?” “Well, your ad says you have a completely furnished home, including utilities for $700.00 per month in a senior mobile home park and my wife and I are looking for a place to live.” “No, it says I have a furnished room, that is for one person, including utilities in a senior mobile home park.” “Oh!”

Of course, there are more calls I could share with you but I think you get the picture. If you have been considering something of this nature to help you meet your growing expenses…you may want to try some other means. You will probably have better luck than I have because, I swear, I am the worst judge of character ever.

Good luck. You will need it!