Phillip and I went to go look at apartments yesterday. I know it’s kind of early, but we have a list the length of my arm of places we want to check out. Therefore, starting early to see all of them is a good idea. We had success with some and felt a little disappointed with others. But perhaps the most important result from yesterday is that we know exactly what we want and know what prices are good and bad. That in itself is a major benefit from yesterdays’ excursions. We have decided a few things:
I am moving into the apartment first. This will most likely happen after I get a job and when the best deal on our favorite place comes along. We’re looking at May, but are not opposed to April or even March if something comes along we can’t pass up. I will move in to get everything unpacked and settled before the wedding. That way, when Phillip and I get back from our honeymoon, we don’t have to worry about boxes – just enjoy finally living together. Plus, let’s face it, I am not the nicest person to be around when I’m unpacking. I’ve moved enough times to know that I will stop at nothing until every box is unpacked and every single little thing has its place. That would be no fun after a wedding and honeymoon.
We are getting a two bedroom or a one bedroom with a sunroom/study/den. Phillip needs a place for his computer and gaming stuff. We need a place to put his futon. I need a way to shut the door on all of the mess associated with the previously mentioned issues. We have found great two bedrooms in our price so unless there is a stunning apartment with a study or den, we’ll be going with a two bedroom. Number of bathrooms is currently undecided and will depend on my future salary and location.
Our top picks based solely on the ones viewed yesterday are two bedrooms and have excellent amenities. One is near Western Center and I35, has one bathroom, unique floor plan, double vanities, inexpensive detached garages, and a washer and dryer included in the unit. The other two are basically the same since they are owned by the same company. They boast two bathrooms, cable included, slightly larger living spaces, and are located in the HEB area. Pros and cons to both sets. They are priced pretty close to each other, so that’s not really a deciding factor. We also have two or three more places to check out. I’ll let you know how it goes and when we make the final decision.
All I really know for certain after all of this researching and looking is that I can’t wait to live with Phillip. All of the top contenders feel like a home and I can really see us in any of them. We have found that by cutting a few of the amenities we love (like hardwood floors throughout, cherry cabinets, and stainless steel appliances), we can still have a place that surpasses our expectations, but at a price we can afford more easily. Our two major requirements are space and cleanliness. The rest kind of falls into place. We are seeing what our money can get us and I’m liking the possibilities we are finding. Our many months of researching and looking are going to pay off in the form of a wonderfully perfect first apartment at a price that won’t send us into ravioli and ramen noodle land.
4 months, 26 days, 5 hours
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