I’ve decided that a less-than-one-year lease is non-negotiable. I just don’t want to lock myself into a lease until May or June next year. If all goes well, I will be traveling abroad come this time next year!
So while the rental market is still quite soft, the shorter lease requirement has eliminated a lot of prospective apartments. I am going to see a couple more apartments this / next weekend.
- $1,200 studio w/ 6 month lease. I’m going to try to negotiate them down to $1,100… seeing as they offered a $1,000 “special” for one-year leases.
- $1,150 1 bedroom (double deposit required for 6 month leases). It’d take me $3,500 just to move in!
- $850 studio w/ kitchenette with mini-fridge, street parking only. I really want a designated parking spot, so I’m not sure if this will be a deal-breaker for me. But the price is right…
- $1,045 studio w/ mini-fridge. 10-month lease.
- $1,100 1 bedroom. 9-month lease.
I really would prefer too keep my rent below $1,000. But I don’t know if I can do it – I might be pickier than I thought I’d be (not about the size, per se, but more about how new/renovated the unit is and the “feel” I get from the location).
And I’m loving Google Street View in my search – gives me a quick snapshot of what the immediate surroundings look like.
Related posts:
I hear you… I hate apartment-hunting.
Soo many crap places out there (or crap landlords). It’s exhausting. I’m looking at two places tomorrow and crossing my fingers that I’ll get lucky with one of them…
I agree–trying to line up price with amenities with adequate ‘feel’ with location, and lease length?? whew. it’s definitely a huge job.
do the mini fridges have adequate freezers, or is it just a dorm fridge with that little compartment that KEEPS NOTHING FROZEN? as someone who has recently lived with a dorm fridge for 4 months, i have to say IT SUCKS. and i don’t even really cook much. it was fine for college, when I had a meal plan, but in real life? annoying…
good luck! i hope you find something perfect!
p.s. oooh, where are you going when you go abroad? is this for a pre-biz school jaunt? did i forget or miss a post on this plan?
This awesome new site, Craigslist Apartment Rentals on a Map – SlickHunt is an awesome tool to find craigslist apartment rentals on a map. The site also provides much better user interface and tools to find the right place. Check out the amazing ‘Commute’ option when you see a listing on map, you can input your work address and see your commute with every listing
Wow, yeah Google Street View would be pretty sweet at doing that – good thinking! i always forget about that little gem online.
I think you could reasonably find something, ie: someone willing to negotiate, but getting the right feng shui of the place is much harder. I swear I looked at over 80 homes before I walked into the model of the home I bought. Some of these homes I almost left in tears! I know you will find something fabulous!
Good luck! I also hate apartment hunting…However, finding a place to buy was a lot easier…because I knew what I wanted and refused to sacrifice. With an apartment, I figure I can live any where for a few months…but when it’s going to be yours, you know what you want and what you don’t!
Good luck with your search!
Yeah it’s pretty hard to find anything under a grand in this city. I’m amazed that street parking doesn’t phase you, maybe because I’ve lived in areas that street parking is like the WWF. You’ve got to be ready to brawl (or walk 20 blocks) to find a spot. Do share where you are looking to travel.