The $800 Studio
Posted on October 8, 2007 in the Mike's Posts, Manifesting category
After my conference call last Monday night I had commuted myself to find the following:
- A studio apartment
- In Manhattan
- Below 141st St
- With a total broker fee/first months rent/security deposit of less than $2000
- With a monthly rent of $800 or less
If you are familiar with Manhattan, you can understand what a difficult process apartment hunting can be. And now because all of the student are already situated with their housing, there are not too many affordable options available.
Before committing myself to the $800 studio manifestation, I had been calling every ad on craigslist that was 'close enough' to what I was looking for. I was visiting brokers who used their cheap properties to lure people in and pull a bait and switch technique. One guy tried pushing a property for $200 more than my budget with $3400 needed after brokers fees and security deposits… and it was 60 blocks north of where I was looking.
After committing to only contacting apartment that fit my requirements, I had mixed feelings. It was easier and took less time out of my day but I felt lazy and ineffective for not being able to do as much searching and contacting as I would have liked. Also, it was depressing to look at the few options that fit my requirements because they were not the prettiest of places. Most of the places I inquired about were already taken the same day they were posted on craigslist.
Then on Wednesday I got a call from a place I called a few days before. It was an apartment that was not available when I called, but had a let minute backout. The only time the place could be shown was at 5:30pm. Because I am at work until at least 6 everyday, it was not going to be possible to make it there unless I found a way to get out of work early. I had faith that it would work out so I agreed to the time to meet the broker.
2 hours later, I got a call that the broker could not show the apartment until 7:00. Perfect.
The apartment is strange and unique. It is on 29th st in Manhattan and is a 15 commute to work. The drawbacks come from the fact that it is in a 'rooming house' instead of an apartment complex. The room is about 6'x11' and has a sink and closet… And no kitchen or bathroom. There are bathrooms and showers in the hallway.
I wasn't sure if I wanted this apartment or not. I have lived in hostels before and I always seem to end up in small rooms. Lacking a true bathroom and kitchen is a turnoff but having my own place and being in a great location was enough to counteract the cons. I went with my gut, took a leap if faith and put down my deposit before the 2 other interested renters had a chance to.
So how was it exactly what I manifested? Not exactly. The rent is actually $850/month, but there aren't any utiliies in the traditional sense, which saves at least $50/mo. I also had to get a total of $2500 to cover the broker fee, first month's rent, and security deposit, but I get to move into the apartment early.
So what did I learn from this? Plenty. First of all, there's the thought that I could have found the perfect apartment if I held off and let the universe cater to my needs. I also noticed how many details I didn't focus on, such as the layout of the place, utiliies, and move in date. While I didn't manifest the exact thing I wanted, I feel like I made a trade off to make things happen quicker. For my next manifestation I will be more specific and patient. When the universe gives me something that is good enough, but not quite what I wanted, I will acknowledge that and then specify my request. This has potential to be something positive instead of frustrating.
While I'd love to type more on my new apartment, I have some furniture manifesting to do. Wish me luck.
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