
For the last few months, Craig’s List owned me. Every morning, every night and every free moment in between, I would refresh the Apt/Housing for Rent section for new listings.
“FREE PARKING!”
“ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED!”
“Pet friendly!” “Charming!” “Amazing deal!”
The subjects lured me in. Those that didn’t list a price in the subject drove me insane. Why torture me?
The people who listed homes in Germantown, MD in the Washington, DC section infuriated me. No, you are not in DC. You are a 90 minutes commute from DC. FLAGGED!
Once they lured me into their ad, it was time to read very carefully.
Look for pictures. If there were no pictures, I became very suspicious. Oh, that’s an ugly carpet.
Why isn’t there a full address? How can I google map this? I don’t want to live in Trinidad!
What’s the rent? What about the utilities? Parking?!
Why would you write your classified ad like a personal ad? I don’t want to date you. I want to live in your unit. Give me the important details! Is it close to the metro? Which metro? Is there parking? Who lives upstairs (if it’s a basement)? Are they loud? Quiet? Have animals and/or smokers lived in this house? How old are the amenities?
I emailed countless places asking these questions if they weren’t answered in the ad.
Finally, we found a place. It was right down the street from where I live now, first unit in a row house with hardwood floors. Plenty of light & space. Quaint kitchen and CLEAN bathroom. A small den that we could turn into a pantry since the kitchen was small. Off-street parking for the Boy. A small front porch. Incredible rent. All utilities included. Close to the metro.
The only catch?
There is no Washer/Dryer or Dishwasher in the unit. In my head, that wasn’t an issue but I discussed it with the Boy. I could live without a dishwasher because with two people, dishes don’t pile up. Could we live without a W/D? I was already imagining washing our clothes in the bathtub and drying them on a clothesline.
What?
I’m old school like that. I am by no means a 1950s housewife but I don’t mind washing clothes by hand. In fact, I prefer it. Same with dishes. Call me old-fashioned but there’s something satisfying about it.

We decided that the place was worth making the sacrifice. We sent in our application and within the week, we were approved.
We are making a home and yes, in that home, there will be certain luxuries missing.
I don’t mind.
Would you?
What are must-haves when you are looking to rent a place?
What was your first apartment like?
Could you survive without a dishwasher and/or W/D?
What is the most ridiculous experience you’ve had when looking for a place to live?