Homies! I finally finished my taxes and can start the search for my new apartment! This being my first year as an entrepreneur, I didn't want to worry about two huge financial endeavors simultaneously, so I put off the move for a bit, but now it's time to #Say Yes To The Address.

I encourage every renter to make a clear list of what they're looking for before visiting apartments. That way, you'll have clarity on your wants and needs and won't get distracted by pretty moldings and sun exposure on three sides!

My wants are best put into three categories... Price, Amenities, and Location. These sections make up the 'Renters Trifecta,' a system that organizes every aspect of renting and makes it easier for you to decide on what's most important to you!

For example, if an apartment has a great price and excellent amenities, you'll likely be settled farther away from the city center. But if a building has a killer location and a great price, you probably won't have in-unit laundry or upgraded appliances. 

Finding the perfect apartment is a balance, and getting everything you want is only possible if you have buckets of money... Unfortunately, I’m not rolling in dough, so there will be sacrifices, but let’s dream out loud for a second and get into what I want in my new apartment!

Although, I love my current studio apartment, I need a two-bedroom (or a one-bedroom with den - I’m not picky). I’ll explain the full reasoning at the end of this post, but just know we’re going big for my next place.

Location

My current neighborhood is set back in a quiet part of town and I want to be closer to the action. The areas I'm considering are:

• Mt. Pleasent

• Dupont Circle/Logan Circle

• Adams Morgan

Most of my friends are in NW DC, and it's part of the city I'm most familiar with, but I'm open to branching out to new areas... Other things I'm looking for are: 

• Access to dog parks

• Proximity to good bars and restaurants

• Top floor unit with southern exposure, 

• I do a great job hiding it, but my current place is a basement unit, and I can't do the lack of light anymore. I need sunshine! ☀️

Amenities

Admittedly, amenities are the one area I'm willing to give up, but there are a few things I'm dying to have in my new place.

• Hardwood floors; carpet is disgusting

• Tall ceilings; at least 9 ft.

• A window in the bathroom

• Pet-friendly

• Ton’s of character

  • Y’all can keep those new construction monstrosities; I want my place to have weird quirks, moldings, and original hardwood floors.

• In-Unit Washer/Dryer; or W/D in the building

• Dishwasher 

• Doorman/package room

Price

Rent prices in DC are wild, but I’m hoping to get another rent-controlled building in the city! That said, I want:

• A two-bedroom under $2300 

• All-utilities included

• Rent-controlled

While doing my taxes this year, I realized I couldn't write off my current rent because I don't use it 'exclusively' for work. But, by upgrading to an apartment with a second bedroom, I can dedicate an entire room to filming, storing, and DIYing, and get a much bigger tax write-off.

Will I find this dream apartment? I don’t know, but I'll be sure to share the entire process with you!

xoxo,

Imani

Do you think I’ll find my dream apartment? Let me know in the comments!