A Retirement Experiment - Is Communal Living For You?

"A Retirement Experiment - Is Communal Living For You?"," One couple is from near Chicago, the other from near Dallas.
 They are part time residents in their respective locations, thus enabling a two home convenience in various seasons.
 What are the considerations?

* If a couple desires enjoying a second home, without the full burden of a year's lease, shared expenses becomes the first and most notable advantage.
 Include all expenses: lease payments, grocery and other essentials, utilities and monitoring those frequently will add to the workability of such a plan.


* There are some obvious wrinkles that have to be ironed out and agreed to.
 Having intermittent conversations about what is working and what is not will also be necessary.


*Determining a location means doing research and having a clear picture of what each couple's needs are.


*Talking through any disagreements, misunderstandings or adjustments will be a necessary and somewhat frequent requirement.
 Four people comprise a small committee, a mini-community which must agree to and review the rules and principles that binds them together.
 Consensus will be the rule of governing.


*Agreements regarding use of the house in the absence of one or another of the parties will need to be reached, especially, if/when children or pets are involved.
 If situations collide which create the need for one or the other couple to vacate the agreement, such particulars need to be provided for within the initial agreement.
 This will require some compromise and mutual respect.
 If bought independently or cooperatively, an agreement will be required to enable a fair and balanced situation.
 These will likely take place less often than expected.
"" That will not work.
 Make clear your needs, but always be prepared to negotiate to reach a workable solution.
 If not, forego the idea.