docs(planning): add Seattle apartment hunting report
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William Valentin
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# Seattle Apartment Hunting Report
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**Purpose:** Find new housing for Will and Roxanne
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**Move Date:** April 1, 2026
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**Report Generated:** February 17, 2026
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**Last Updated:** February 17, 2026
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---
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## Search Criteria
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| Requirement | Specification |
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|-------------|----------------|
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| **Location** | Seattle, WA |
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| **Budget** | ~$1,200/month |
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| **Size** | Studio or 1 bedroom |
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| **Priority Amenities** | Parking, in-unit washer/dryer |
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---
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## Sources Checked
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| Platform | Status | Notes |
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|----------|--------|-------|
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| Zillow | ✅ Complete | Broad feed, good filtering |
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| Apartments.com | ✅ Complete | Strong discovery list, amenity filters |
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| Craigslist | ✅ Complete | Real inventory, higher scam risk |
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| HotPads | ✅ Complete | Good for recent listings |
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| Facebook Marketplace | ⏭️ Skipped | No reliable public data without login; high scam risk |
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---
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## Strong Fits (Closest to Criteria)
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| Listing | Rent | Size | Parking | Washer/Dryer | Location | Risk Level |
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|---------|------|------|---------|--------------|----------|------------|
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| [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 |
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| [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 |
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| [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 |
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| [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 |
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| [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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---
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## Secondary Options (Over Budget or Weaker Fit)
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| Listing | Rent | Trade-offs |
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|---------|------|------------|
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| [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 |
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| [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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---
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## Notes & Warnings
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### Scam Awareness
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- **Craigslist:** Real inventory but higher scam risk. Never pay before an in-person tour and lease verification.
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- **Suspiciously low prices:** Flag any listings significantly below market rate.
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- **Red flags:** Requests for payment/deposit before showing, poor listing details, landlords who won't meet in person.
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### Budget Hard Cap Strategy
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If $1,200 must be a hard cap:
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1. Prioritize HotPads, Zillow, and Apartments.com
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2. Apply filters:
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- Size: Studio / 1BR
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- Max rent: $1,250 (captures near-budget options)
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- Amenities: In-unit washer/dryer, parking (included or off-street)
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3. Avoid Craigslist unless verifying through trusted management companies
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---
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## Next Actions (Execution Checklist)
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- [ ] **Contact 5 strongest listings** within 24 hours
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- 2 HotPads listings (Eastlake, Lower Queen Anne)
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- 3 from Zillow/Apartments.com filtered feed
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- [ ] **Request full cost breakdown** from each:
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- Base rent
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- Utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer, trash)
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- Parking (if available)
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- Move-in specials or discounts
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- Security deposit, pet fees, application fees
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- [ ] **Schedule 3 tours** this week
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- Prioritize listings with transparent fee sheets and verified management
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- [ ] **Reject any listing** requesting application fee or payment before showing
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---
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## Active Feeds (Refresh Regularly)
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- [Zillow: Seattle under $1,200](https://www.zillow.com/seattle-wa/apartments-under-1200/)
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- [Apartments.com: Studios under $1,200](https://www.apartments.com/seattle-wa/studios-under-1200/)
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- [HotPads: Seattle studio search](https://hotpads.com/seattle-wa/studios-for-rent)
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---
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*Report maintained in `/home/will/lab/flynn/.planning/apartment-hunting-report.md`*
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