Apartment Search Update (Day 2)

At breakfast on day 2 of the great Paris apartment hunt, Jill and I discussed the houses we saw the day before.  We narrowed it down firmly to the two I discribed in the previous post, with the one on Lisbonne taking the #1 position.  However, both of us hoped we would see a place that blew the others away and would eliminate any decision.

It happened at the first one we saw.  This one is in the 16th Ard on Rue de Eugene Manuel, near Rue de Passey (a very chic and interesting neighborhood).  The viewing was ackward to say the least.  The agency had scheduled 2 apartment hunting couples to see the apartment at the same time with each of our individual consultants.  So there we are, 7 of us parading around the apartment, whispering our comments and questions - trying not to show our level of interest.  What we came to find out is the apartment hunting business is VERY competitive and timing is everything.  The process is totally out of our control once we make the decision.  Our consultant has to file an application with the agency.  The agency has to submit it to the landlord or housing manager for their review and decision.  The owner makes the decision based on availability to move in, security of income and timing of the submittal.  Learning this, we made our decision by noon and now it is in the hands of others as to where we will live.

I won't give you the details of the area until we secure the apartment.  Keep your fingers crossed and say your prayers because we did find the apartment of our dreams.