WARNING to Future Renters

Please use serious discernment when renting from hosts who strongly market themselves as Christian or Anointed. In my experience, the environment was **not as advertised** and quickly became controlling, emotionally distressing, and unsettling rather than peaceful. I was prepared to move out within **five days**. Despite raising concerns and asking whether any refund would be provided due to the extremely short stay, **all of my money was kept**. This matter is now in **litigation with the Irmo Magistrate**, so I will keep details limited. I share this to warn others that when peace, faith, and safety are promised but not practiced, the consequences can be costly emotionally and financially. "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." -Matthew 7:15 I give them 1 star for trying to be good Christians and help others in spite of their greed.

5/5 experience

Some key points if you are thinking of staying. As a renter my number one priority is safety of self and safety of possessions. There are a few house rules that assure both of these are supported. Ones such as visiting restrictions / permissions and individually locked/ keyed doors. Separate pantries and fridges allow for a clear and organic way to maintain personal belongings in communal areas. Other house rules that promote respect included quite hours and schedule sharing as to let everyone know when communal volumes would be most appreciated. Now, lets talk about amenities and common spaces. Clean, tidy and more then a staycation type of oasis ! Finally, the landlords, Susie and Jim. I could not possibly ask for a more loving, kind, welcoming, personable couple. They say when you meet them that their goal is to be a place of escape from reality, a place of rest and respite after tough shifts and hard days and I tell you what they meet this standard with 5 stars !!

I have been at the property for 3 months and have felt so much tension between the landlady and myself. I did have an issue with the coffee maker at first and apologized several times for the water spill. Not sure if that precipitated my treatment by her but from that point on it was very tense. I was accused of leaving the hall light on for an hour, stated she timed it. I was given instructions on how to boil my eggs, which I time for 12 min. She turned them down an began instructing me. When I asked for an alternative place to eat besides the community kitchen table I was told (in Nov) I could eat on the front or back porch. Until Jim came in and said I could eat in the dining room. I used the kitchen twice to cook bacon in the oven, which I was told I could no longer do. Twice to boil eggs and once to make spaghetti. I was checked on anytime I did go to the kitchen. I cleaned up after myself and she would come behind me and re wipe down the area. When I would enter the room with Suzie I would greet her. She seldomly replied. I felt she had a problem with me whenever we were in the same room. I am a pretty easy person to get along with but she did not like me from the beginning. I was accused of breaking every rule on our rental agreement which I did not. Im 56 years old and mostly keep to myself. Very stressful. I did not have any issues with the other occupants. I definitely did not feel welcomed.

The Best Home away from Home

I've used FF for the past 2.5 years and this has been the BEST place Ive ever stayed. Im not sure where the previous reviewer was staying, but her review is the furthest from the truth. We all have PRIVATE bathrooms and they are NEVER shared. the house is clean and J & S are the kindest people Ive come across in a long time. they bend over backwards to make you feel like family and welcome. The house has everything you could want or need. If you're looking for a quiet, safe place to live with christians that truly care about you, this is the place for you. I hope that those of you reading the reviews will not allow one person's unfortunate opinion keep them from this property. You will LOVE it here., just like I have. Thank you J and S for wrlcoming into you home and family. C

Home Sweet Home

I stayed with J and S at their home for about 6 months. They are amazing people who treated me better than family. The home was beautiful and very well kept. I had access to everything I needed in order to live comfortably during my contract. I always felt safe in their home which was important to both my husband and myself since I was working out of state away from him. I am going to miss them both and plan to keep in touch. They have been a huge blessing in my life. If I am ever working in the Columbia area again this would be the first place I would want to stay.

Lovely Stay

I was lucky enough that Mrs. Bales-Oswalt found me on furnished finders. Her and her husband opened their beautiful home to myself and another nurse. You can tell that they have been doing this for quite some time. They offer separate refrigerators for each nurse and pantry space. They make every effort to make the house comfortable for night shifters. They have room darkening curtains and are sure to keep noise to a minimum. I, unfortunately, had to work over the holiday but watching them decorate their home and receive a wonderful bag of treats was heartwarming. They provided a key for my room and one to the house so that I could come and go as I wanted. Although I did try to be respectful to them as well. I would HIGHLY recommend their home as a short term or long term stay.

Beat stay ever!

This is the best place Ive stayed in Columbia. I am a travel MRI tech and was in Columbia for 9 months. I found Susies house on my last 3 months which was a bummer because I enjoyed my stay and time with them. They are such a friendly couple who opened up their entire home to me. I had a spacious room with a beautiful attached bathroom. The kitchen is equipped with everything you need and more. I have food allergies and Susie cleared out a dedicated spot for me to put all my food and I had a separate refrigerator. To say they are accommodating is an understatement. When you stay here you get youre own washer and dryer and set of keys so you can come and go as you need. The property is located very close to downtown and the Harrison/Irmo area which has a nice Target and tons of restaurants. It took me about 15 minutes to get to work downtown with traffic. Overall, you cant find a better value or nicer people. Highly recommend this property to anyone looking in the Columbia area!

Great room in a shared house 15 mins from downtown

I have been a tenant of Mr. and Mrs. Bales Oswalt for almost three months now. They have provided a sage and comfortable living space for me as I complete a travel nursing contract here in Columbia. I have always felt safe in their home, and they have been more than welcoming and considerate of my schedule. I work from 7pm-7am and am often resting during the day, and they have accommodated my schedule with suck consideration. They are always available to talk with after a long shift or to just catch up after I had a day off. They are trustworthy, jovial couple. A place to call home being away.