Finding the Right Apartment for You in Seattle

As a single woman of petite stature, I found it very disconcerting at times while looking for an apartment that I felt would be safe and accommodating. When I did find one that I liked, it seemed to be always out of my price range. My daunting task eventually led me to a beautiful one bedroom, 736 sq. ft. apartment in the heart of the city and close to everything, but first I had a lot to learn. So, if you are in a similar situation and need some advice on finding the right place to call home in Seattle, this article is for you.

Know Your Limitations
Sure, that beautiful three bedroom apartment on Capital Hill has everything you have ever wanted, but ask yourself this: Can you afford it? Not only do you have the monthly rent to consider, which most likely will be upwards of $1200.00/month, there is also gas, water, sewer, electricity, telephone, cable, internet service, etc. The balancing act is important to use in this situation. What do you feel comfortable compromising?

One option may be to get a smaller unit so that the costs involved are lower. This would allow you to be able to afford an apartment in Capital Hill, but you'd have to compromise space and amenities. So instead of the three bedroom immaculate apartment in Seattle, you may have to settle for a one bedroom apartment. This apartment option would allow you to stay in Seattle where you prefer to live and also make it affordable for your budget.

Another option is to look just outside of Seattle in an area that would allow you to make the rental payment each month as well as give you all the space and comfort you desire. Use this option if you are someone that prefers space over being centrally located. In most cases, there will be a bus line nearby that will make the commute easier for you if you do accept this option. There are a plethora of buses that pass through Downtown Seattle every 15-30 minutes and go as far out as Kent and White Center. Check Metro Online for bus schedules and locations.

Consider the Term of the Lease
Before signing a lease, make sure you are comfortable living in the area in which the apartment is located. This may require you to drive out to the apartment at night, sit in the car, and check out the activity. You may also want to drive and/or walk around the neighborhood surrounding the apartment so that you can get an accurate representation of all that it has to offer (such as grocery stores, bus lines, parking facilities, restaurants, etc). Each person is different and feels comfortable on different levels, but this will allow you to become familiar with what you are going to be living with for possibly a year or more.

In most cases, landlords are pretty flexible and allow you to sign either a six month or one year lease. In rare cases they may offer shorter terms, such as three months, or longer terms, such as two years. Before depositing your money to hold the apartment, make sure you are comfortable with the amount of time you are obligated to occupy the apartment. If for some reason you do not feel you can live with the space for the lease term offered, consider asking the landlord to revise the lease and allow you a shorter term. If this is not something the landlord can offer, it is quite possible that the particular apartment in question is not for you.

Always Ask Questions
Be informative and be smart when looking for an apartment in Seattle. The mountains are beautiful as you look out your potential front window and Lake Union is a breathtaking sight from your balcony, but does this apartment have everything you need? Some questions you should ask the landlord before you decide to move in are:

• Are any utilities included in the rental price? If so, which utilities?
• Is the apartment internet-ready?
• What cable/telephone company is used in that particular area of Seattle?
• Does the building allow pets? If so, is there a limitation on cats vs. dogs? Are there weight restrictions? Is there a pet deposit?
• Is there shared storage space anywhere in the building? If so, does it cost extra to use?
• Exactly what are the qualifications for living in the building? Are there income restrictions, credit checks, etc?
• Does the building have pest problems? If so, could they bomb my unit before I move in?
• Is there an emergency contact number I can use if something goes wrong in my unit and I need help after the business office closes?
• Is there a secure entrance to the building?
• Which bus lines are nearby?
• What are the shared amenities? Is there a pool, fitness room, hot tub, roof deck, etc? How often are the facilities cleaned?
• How much is needed to secure a deposit? Is any of it refundable?
• How long is the lease term? Is it negotiable?

Trust Your Gut
If your instinct is telling you that this apartment is not right for you, trust that feeling. Likewise, if you walk in and instantly feel like you've found your new home in Seattle, you're ready to make a commitment to your new apartment. Finding a new apartment is just as much emotional as it is mental. Even if every question above is answered to your liking and you still feel like something is missing or you'll be unhappy if you take the apartment, think long and hard before signing the paperwork. Apartment hunting, especially in a big city such as Seattle, is hard work! Approach it with an open mind and a list of wants vs. needs before diving in and regretting your decision. After all, there is no place like home.