Texas Tech 2012 Forum

[b.gump81]

To the current Tech Law students and those familiar with Lubbock..

Do many law students buy homes?

If I attend Tech, I'm considering buying a small starter home (probably under $100,000). I noticed there's a dearth of 3 bed/2 bath starter homes in that price range that were built recently (2005 or sooner). Is there a reason these houses are so cheap?

My monthly mortgage payment estimates are WAY lower than comparable apartment rates. I feel like I would be stupid to rent when I can actually put equity into something and live in a nicer place for less.

Is the housing market in Texas pretty stable? These prices are ridiculously cheap even compared to Idaho/Utah prices. Is this a colossally bad idea? I know conventional wisdom says a mortgage and student loans at the same time is a stupid idea, but my wife will be working (not sure if it will be part or full-time, though) and my parents have given me an assurance they will help out financially with school (and will co-sign on a mortgage if we want to buy).

Somebody confirm my logic, or talk me out of this.

I rent, so I hope someone else will provide more information. The major drawbacks are of course the possible extra debt and risk of not being able to sell. Also, I dont know your exact situation, but i think if you plan on using federal student loans to pay for school, it may be harder to get a mortgage, unless your wife has a nice income. I rent just because I wanted a place closer to campus and didn't want to have to deal with repairs, the hassle of buying, and the risk of not being able to sell when or for how much I wanted. Plus, renting is a lot more convenient and hassle-free, I would think.

Lubbock has a very low cost of living. I only pay $530 a month for an apartment. My girlfriend pays $650 for a two bedroom duplex. I know of classmates that have a mortgage, but they are all married with a spouse that brings in a stable income. So my vote is that unless you plan on staying in Lubbock more than three years, the equity you would earn during school isn't worth the risk and hassle.

[JerichoJohnny]

I would really like to know about this also. I really like the idea of building equity instead of renting, and then hopefully having a rental property in a college town after graduation. I've heard various opinions on this matter including that it can be a terrible idea.

[Bluewavesix]

Anyone have any movement today? I'm still in review

[dallaslawgurl]

Anyone have any movement today? I'm still in review

Current Status:Decision Made
Current Status Date:2/8/2012
Decision Status:Decision Made
Decision Status Date:2/8/2012

No phone call, no email

[Bluewavesix]

Anyone have any movement today? I'm still in review

Current Status:Decision Made
Current Status Date:2/8/2012
Decision Status:Decision Made
Decision Status Date:2/8/2012

No phone call, no email

When did you go into review? Good luck to you!

[Bluewavesix]

I agree with b.gump. Unless you plan on staying in Lubbock, I'm not sure it's the best idea. Along with your morgage, don't forget about down payment, closing costs, taxes, and insurance. I would say that it all depends on your plans and income.

[ineptimusprime]

what's the best resource for apartment hunting in Lubbock? Ive been using craigslist and apartmentguide.com and have been extremely underwhelmed with the quality and pricing of available apartments. I had heard it was cheap, but I find that crappy apartments seem to cost what moderately nice ones cost in Utah.

[dreambig]

what's the best resource for apartment hunting in Lubbock? Ive been using craigslist and apartmentguide.com and have been extremely underwhelmed with the quality and pricing of available apartments. I had heard it was cheap, but I find that crappy apartments seem to cost what moderately nice ones cost in Utah.

How much are you wanting to pay for rent? The nicest ones are anywhere from $750 and up. Mid-range apartments, which are nice enough, are around $500. Give me you're price range and I can tell you which apts are worth living in.

[defendthefort]

what's the best resource for apartment hunting in Lubbock? Ive been using craigslist and apartmentguide.com and have been extremely underwhelmed with the quality and pricing of available apartments. I had heard it was cheap, but I find that crappy apartments seem to cost what moderately nice ones cost in Utah.

How much are you wanting to pay for rent? The nicest ones are anywhere from $750 and up. Mid-range apartments, which are nice enough, are around $500. Give me you're price range and I can tell you which apts are worth living in.

Let's say up to $1000 a month. Any cool places to live maybe closer to bars/fun? I'm not all that familiar with Lubbock... But I'm not planning on being a boring lame law school no fun student.

[b.gump81]

what's the best resource for apartment hunting in Lubbock? Ive been using craigslist and apartmentguide.com and have been extremely underwhelmed with the quality and pricing of available apartments. I had heard it was cheap, but I find that crappy apartments seem to cost what moderately nice ones cost in Utah.

How much are you wanting to pay for rent? The nicest ones are anywhere from $750 and up. Mid-range apartments, which are nice enough, are around $500. Give me you're price range and I can tell you which apts are worth living in.

Let's say up to $1000 a month. Any cool places to live maybe closer to bars/fun? I'm not all that familiar with Lubbock... But I'm not planning on being a boring lame law school no fun student.

Those places will be overrun with undergrads, which means there will be noise. If you don't plan on studying at your place and wouldn't mind hearing people party at night, I'd suggest looking at The Centre, Ulofts, The Suites, and The Retreat The Village. These are close to some popular bars and are right across street from main campus (but on the far corner from the law school). There is a small apartment complex behind Ulofts that may be a little quieter because it is an older building, but I don't know the name of it. For $1000 you could get a really nice house. I had a two bedroom house (used the extra bedroom as an office) my first year with a huge yard for 750. That way, you can just drive to bars if you wanted, and you wouldn't have to deal with noise. Also, Lubbock's main area for nightlife (besides the bars by the above mentioned apartments) is The Depot District, which is like a mini 6th street, and it's downtown. There aren't any apartments I know of within walking distance of The Depot.

edit: I put The Retreat when I meant The Village, and I was corrected below.

[b.gump81]

what's the best resource for apartment hunting in Lubbock? Ive been using craigslist and apartmentguide.com and have been extremely underwhelmed with the quality and pricing of available apartments. I had heard it was cheap, but I find that crappy apartments seem to cost what moderately nice ones cost in Utah.

Try lubbockapartments.com

[dreambig]

what's the best resource for apartment hunting in Lubbock? Ive been using craigslist and apartmentguide.com and have been extremely underwhelmed with the quality and pricing of available apartments. I had heard it was cheap, but I find that crappy apartments seem to cost what moderately nice ones cost in Utah.

How much are you wanting to pay for rent? The nicest ones are anywhere from $750 and up. Mid-range apartments, which are nice enough, are around $500. Give me you're price range and I can tell you which apts are worth living in.

Let's say up to $1000 a month. Any cool places to live maybe closer to bars/fun? I'm not all that familiar with Lubbock... But I'm not planning on being a boring lame law school no fun student.

Yes, the suites and the centre are very nice. Some undergrads live there, but they're generally seniors so not too rowdy. Ulofts is ok, I'm not a big fan though; it's just a weird place. Those are all right in the heart of where you want to be. The whole area is being developed so fast and new restaurants and bars are popping up all the time. A new apartment complex is being built in the same area too that looks to be pretty nice - The Village at Overton Park. Another option is 25Twenty. It's a new apartment complex also that is pretty cool. Pool table rooms, theatre, what not. It's also connected to a parking garage that has a cool rooftop bar on top of it and a grill/restaurant on the first floor. Not quite the same area as the others but very close and still cool. DO NOT LIVE AT THE RETREAT. It's a constant Frat part of sophomore undergrads and far from campus. The Cottages are the same (I lived there sophomore year and loved it, but way to wild and immature for a law student). Hope that helps.

To sum it up. The only places worth even considering to live at are: The Centre, The Suites, 25Twenty, The Village at Overton Park.

If it's not one of those four, don't bother. (unless you're looking for something cheaper, then expect to make some compromises)

[zanzbar]

I looked at a lot of those places to live at that have been mentioned I just have to say they are over priced for what you get. I have lived at the cottages, and I currently live at the Retreat, and both of those are only rowdy on the weekends, but I pretty much hate my fellow undergrad students so I wouldn't recommend either. If I decide to go to Tech then I am planning on living at Windsor Creek its about a 10 minute drive from the law school, but from what I could tell when I looked at them last year they were aimed more for the professional/grad student. Lubbock isn't that hard to get around anyway so you don't have to really live near the bars or depot district unless you plan on getting wasted all the time.

[ineptimusprime]

Totally torn between Texas Tech and Nebraska...

Just applied to the JD/MBA program in hopes that maybe that will be the tiebreaker.

That new Rawls building is SAWEET!

[dreambig]

Totally torn between Texas Tech and Nebraska...

Just applied to the JD/MBA program in hopes that maybe that will be the tiebreaker.

That new Rawls building is SAWEET!

I'd stay an extra 3 years just for the Rawls building...

[revival2005]

The Windsor creek apartments are the nicest in town. I definitely recommend them if you are looking for a quiet and professional environment.

[TxRenegade2012]

what about the honeycomb apartments? I'm looking for a fully furnished one bedroom for about 750 or less and that one came up.

[Texan1209]

The Windsor creek apartments are the nicest in town. I definitely recommend them if you are looking for a quiet and professional environment.

I'd say the Renaissance apartments are nicer after visiting both.

[Bluewavesix]

Everyone is already talking about moving to Lubbock, and I'm still UR
I feel left out.

[ineptimusprime]

Everyone is already talking about moving to Lubbock, and I'm still UR
I feel left out.

When did you submit? I did back in September and didnt find out until january. Don't sweat it yet. Good luck! I'm still waiting on an app I submitted in early October. Are you going to tech if you get in?

[Bluewavesix]

Everyone is already talking about moving to Lubbock, and I'm still UR
I feel left out.

When did you submit? I did back in September and didnt find out until january. Don't sweat it yet. Good luck! I'm still waiting on an app I submitted in early October. Are you going to tech if you get in?

1st week of January . I was waiting for the dreaded December LSAT. I think there is a 75% chance I would go. The only schools that MIGHT beat out TTU are OU and UH.

[TxRenegade2012]

^^^ same boat if I get off WL at Houston. Didn't apply to OU. Don't care for the folks I've met from there (school not state)

Btw anyone know if there's a fb group or anything for admitted students.

[MoreThanANumber]

Everyone is already talking about moving to Lubbock, and I'm still UR
I feel left out.

Don’t feel bad. I applied October 4th, was held, and I am still waiting on a decision. I am from Lubbock and I love Tech. I wish I had chosen the early decision option. Hopefully a decision will come soon.

[Bluewavesix]

^^^ same boat if I get off WL at Houston. Didn't apply to OU. Don't care for the folks I've met from there (school not state)

Btw anyone know if there's a fb group or anything for admitted students.

That's wierd, I actually applied because the representative from there was really nice to me. She actually gave me a fee waiver.

Facebook group for TTU? I'm not sure, but if I'm admitted, I want to join...

[Bluewavesix]

Everyone is already talking about moving to Lubbock, and I'm still UR
I feel left out.

Don’t feel bad. I applied October 4th, was held, and I am still waiting on a decision. I am from Lubbock and I love Tech. I wish I had chosen the early decision option. Hopefully a decision will come soon.

Well a long wait is good right? At least they are strongly considering everything that I put into my application. I really hope I find out this week!