# Seattle Apartment Hunting Report

**Purpose:** Find new housing for Will and Roxanne  
**Move Date:** April 1, 2026  
**Report Generated:** February 17, 2026  
**Last Updated:** February 17, 2026

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## Search Criteria

| Requirement | Specification |
|-------------|----------------|
| **Location** | Seattle, WA |
| **Budget** | ~$1,200/month |
| **Size** | Studio or 1 bedroom |
| **Priority Amenities** | Parking, in-unit washer/dryer |

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## Sources Checked

| Platform | Status | Notes |
|----------|--------|-------|
| Zillow | ✅ Complete | Broad feed, good filtering |
| Apartments.com | ✅ Complete | Strong discovery list, amenity filters |
| Craigslist | ✅ Complete | Real inventory, higher scam risk |
| HotPads | ✅ Complete | Good for recent listings |
| Facebook Marketplace | ⏭️ Skipped | No reliable public data without login; high scam risk |

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## Strong Fits (Closest to Criteria)

| Listing | Rent | Size | Parking | Washer/Dryer | Location | Risk Level |
|---------|------|------|---------|--------------|----------|------------|
| [2215 Eastlake Ave E #102](https://hotpads.com/2215-eastlake-ave-e-seattle-wa-98102-skznaa/102/pad) | $1,200 | 500 sqft studio | Not listed | On-site laundry | Eastlake | Low-Med |
| [Del Roy Apartments, 25 W Roy St #104](https://hotpads.com/del-roy-apartments-seattle-wa-98119-skh9nc/pad) | $1,200 | 451 sqft studio | Street parking | On-site laundry | Lower Queen Anne | Low-Med |
| [Bode Westwood, 2222 SW Barton St](https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/apa/d/seattle-1200-for-ada-huge-studio-large/7908416003.html) | $1,200 | 314 sqft studio | Street | **In-unit** ✓ | Westwood | Med |
| [Zillow Search: Under $1,200](https://www.zillow.com/seattle-wa/apartments-under-1200/) | $699-$1,200+ | Studio/1BR mix | Varies | Varies | Seattle-wide | Low |
| [Apartments.com: Studios Under $1,200](https://www.apartments.com/seattle-wa/studios-under-1200/) | $826-$1,200+ | Studio/1BR mix | Varies | Varies | Seattle-wide | Low |

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## Secondary Options (Over Budget or Weaker Fit)

| Listing | Rent | Trade-offs |
|---------|------|------------|
| [Altaire at Jackson Park](https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/apa/d/seattle-exceptional-studio-living/7914073974.html) | $1,325 | +$125 over budget, but includes parking and newer building features |
| [Bode Uptown / Queen Anne](https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/apa/d/seattle-modern-loft-studio-in-queen/7892635363.html) | $1,425 | +$225 over budget, has in-unit W/D and central Queen Anne location |

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## Notes & Warnings

### Scam Awareness
- **Craigslist:** Real inventory but higher scam risk. Never pay before an in-person tour and lease verification.
- **Suspiciously low prices:** Flag any listings significantly below market rate.
- **Red flags:** Requests for payment/deposit before showing, poor listing details, landlords who won't meet in person.

### Budget Hard Cap Strategy
If $1,200 must be a hard cap:
1. Prioritize HotPads, Zillow, and Apartments.com
2. Apply filters:
   - Size: Studio / 1BR
   - Max rent: $1,250 (captures near-budget options)
   - Amenities: In-unit washer/dryer, parking (included or off-street)
3. Avoid Craigslist unless verifying through trusted management companies

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## Next Actions (Execution Checklist)

- [ ] **Contact 5 strongest listings** within 24 hours
  - 2 HotPads listings (Eastlake, Lower Queen Anne)
  - 3 from Zillow/Apartments.com filtered feed

- [ ] **Request full cost breakdown** from each:
  - Base rent
  - Utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer, trash)
  - Parking (if available)
  - Move-in specials or discounts
  - Security deposit, pet fees, application fees

- [ ] **Schedule 3 tours** this week
  - Prioritize listings with transparent fee sheets and verified management

- [ ] **Reject any listing** requesting application fee or payment before showing

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## Active Feeds (Refresh Regularly)

- [Zillow: Seattle under $1,200](https://www.zillow.com/seattle-wa/apartments-under-1200/)
- [Apartments.com: Studios under $1,200](https://www.apartments.com/seattle-wa/studios-under-1200/)
- [HotPads: Seattle studio search](https://hotpads.com/seattle-wa/studios-for-rent)

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*Report maintained in `/home/will/lab/flynn/.planning/apartment-hunting-report.md`*
