You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Help an Urbnlivn Reader Find an Apartment

Help an Urbnlivn Reader Find an Apartment

January 31, 2011 By 16 Comments

The rental market must be heating up as this is the second request we’ve received in two weeks asking for help in locating a cool apartment. This request comes from a reader in Amsterdam:

Do you reckon we can find something under $2000 a month that actually has some character or are we being too optimistic here?

We want the feel of a loft (hardwood, light, brick, vintage details) but are lured away from that idea sometimes by places with 2 bedrooms, modern fixtures, backyards and storage. We basically know what we don’t want (the average stuff out there), but what we do want doesn’t seem to be out there in places like Capitol Hill, Queen Anne and whatever other neighborhoods close to downtown are called. To boot, Craigslist is sooo depressing. Do you have any tricks to share? Our time is ticking as my husband is in a downtown hotel now, and I’m coming over in about two weeks.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Views: 919
About Matt

Matt , Urbnlivn's publisher, has a love for lofts with industrial features and new construction condos that is only eclipsed by his passion for outdoor sports and urban living. Phrases such as “polished concrete” and “exposed brick” are music to his ears. You can also find Matt on Twitter or skiing.

  • Sophia Katt

    http://www.ten-o-five.com/

    I think there’s a 2 and a 1 bedroom opening up. But 1920s Anhalt, not lofty modern.

  • Anonymous

    Since you’re totally new to Seattle and aren’t sure which neighborhood you want, it could be worth using an apartment touring agent like seattleapartmentfinder.com. It’s $400 for a half day, but they take you around to see a number of places, they do the research and prep work to set up the tourings, and they’ll have advice on what each area is like.

  • Vivian

    Great tips Sophia and Agusus, will definitely check them out. Anybody else out there with the potentially magic lead?

    Thanks for for posting, Matt!

  • http://twitter.com/ChadDierickx Chad Dierickx

    Here’s a unit for rent at the Firehouse 25 Condos; I know these are an Urbnlivn favorite, but can’t glean much from this craigslist listing: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/apa/2189402770.html.

    I am the sucker who Matt helped out by posting on here a few weeks back. I’m signing a lease this week on a place that I found by driving around the neighborhood. I’ve heard of others finding their places that way, too.

  • http://twitter.com/mattgoyer mattgoyer

    I second the driving around strategy. That is how I found my apartment when I moved to Seattle. It is too bad that more landlords aren’t online!

  • Narinsp

    The lack of viable online listings (and empty, boring, no-fun commercial apartment companies advertising everywhere) means a tough time for new hires moving to the tech companies in the area. It is hiring season again, nothing special about the dry market :-)

  • Narinsp

    Just be careful, they have agendas and love the kickbacks.

  • Narinsp

    Just be careful, they have agendas and love the kickbacks.

  • http://twitter.com/mattgoyer mattgoyer

    A friend texted me to let me know that the Firehouse rental is a scam. Renter beware!

  • http://twitter.com/ChadDierickx Chad Dierickx

    OK, two things: 1. The link I sent turns out to be a scam (thanks for figuring this out, Corey). It was too good to be true. The guy wrote back some typical craigslist scam stuff about being out of town and needing 1st month’s rent and deposit up front, then did not reply when Corey requested a copy of a lease.

    I do, however, have a lead for you. The unit above the place I’m signing on this week is available for $1895 — 2-bedroom, 1,400 sq. ft., 4-plex on 18th and Harrison. Awesome wood floors, decent kitchen, new windows, radiators (heat included in rent).

  • Vanvriesland

    These people are not responding to phone calls or emails. We have been trying them for a while and gave up…

  • Vivian

    Thanks Chad, I will email you right away!

    Vivian

  • Jb loftlover

    I am also looking for a work/ live space in Seattle. It is extremely tough to find anything online that can be rented. I am relocating and would rather not live in a hotel. Please help with any loft or live work ideas or areas of town to drive by ( seems this is the best method from the comments below).

  • phil

    Live/work space is going to be hard to find right now. activspace.com has work spaces available in several locations around Seattle.

  • Steven

    I have a 700 sq ft streetfront live/work space I’m renting now. Its essentially a large studio with retail front. Full kitchen. 14′ Concrete Ceiling. Concrete floor. W/D. Not the biggest place, but definitely has character. Not your typical apartment apartment. Can be used for either living or for a small business. http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/apa/2202240608.html

  • Britta

    Make that a third request.