you're not the boss of me!

Thursday, October 26, 2006

apartments

Although I love living at home, most days I find that it's probably time to leave. My parents are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but, well, I'm tired of being 16 and actually ready to get all my responsibilities back. So I've started to look for an apartment.

When I think of location I always go back to Hoboken, where I have lived for years. I like the city feel mixed with Jersey folk. I could do NYC but I love and need my car too much. Hoboken isn't always the best place to live alone; it's expensive, you can't go out by yourself, and it's expensive.

I decided to check out craigslist and find me a roommate to go with an apartment. I think I looked at about 5-6 apartments before deciding on one. Here are some things I have learned:
  • when you write all these randoms an email, try to incorporate something about the apartment (like address) in the email. this way, when they respond, you can actually remember which apartment they are talking about
  • no apartment is ever perfect. it's important to know what you want and what you don't want to compromise for
  • try to give them some information on you. although it may sound some what generic, at least they know something about you
  • follow you instinct. usually when you meet people you can know within the first 5 minutes whether you will be friends, if you like them, etc. although the apartment may be fabulous, do you really want to live with an anal, cat loving, clean-freak?
  • negotiate rent. if they are new to this subleting, renting thing, then they may not realize this is always negotiable, esp if the rooms are different sizes.
posted by Kripsie, 12:17 PM
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