All the APARTMENT HUNTING TIPS you need.

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/carolinewinkler to get 20% off your Helix mattress, plus two free pillows. Offers subject to change. #helixsleep

[@theodoreroosevelt7224]

Please tell me you didn't just actually post your address on this?

[@Caroline_Winkler]

@@theodoreroosevelt7224 haha i have seen a lot of comments worried about this. No that is not my address! If you look at the map shown, that is a neighborhood in CHICAGO - not DC. There's a small disclaimer on screen that this is not my personal location, but I appreciate looking out!

[@alieshaiar546]

Im gonna scroll through your channel, but do you have any packing and/or decluttering advice? (ADHD friendly) I'm moving and this video was really helpful for figuring out where to go, but would love any advice in the moving process to get there. :)

[@Ryan-YoungBlood]

What in the actual is......TILLY?

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*When you say someone died in your bed, do you mean literally or performance-wise?* Though I'm not sure which one is worse.

[@barbaracale1015]

Useless fact for y'all: re: the parquet flooring pattern in a V pattern... if the ends of the wooden v's are cut at 90° it's herringbone. If the ends of the v's are cut at 45° then it's called chevron or french chevron. I am a severe geek.

[@i.p.8512]

Here in France we call the chevron pattern "point de hongrie" :)

[@idid138]

I like learning these little factoids.

[@seitanbeatsyourmeat666]

And we love it. Thanks!

[@vaderladyl]

That is not a useless fact, it is a very good description for someone learning about wood floor installation or to know what they are talking about in polite conversation.

[@nefertitimontoya]

Appreciated :)

[@MorganZamboni]

re: camera exposure, which I am only commenting on because you asked! Since you're in front of a window there's a lot more light on you than the back of the room, so the camera is (correctly) exposing to show you instead of blowing you out to show the background. Various solutions - you can force the camera to expose brighter or darker than it "thinks" it should by setting exposure compensation higher or lower (I'm not familiar with the layout of the M50 but it should be easily google-able). If you want to actually even out the scene you'd either decrease the light on you by closing the curtains/whatever (camera should boost exposure to compensate) or add light to the background somehow. OR sit closer to your background so the amount of light hitting you and whatever's behind you is similar. Light falloff is exponential so what looks like similar lighting to our eyes is actually very different on camera. For what it's worth I think the scene looks fine as is though, the darkness of the background brings more attention to you. It's all personal preference! Love your videos 💛

[@jenniferschmidt2010]

Came here to say this!

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Wow bless as hell

[@joepiekl]

Good tips. Also, it's worth mentioning that most professionals will light a scene so that the subject is a couple of stops brighter than the background to focus the viewer's attention.

[@KDavidMarple]

Came here to mention some of the same things as @morganzamboni2225...scene composition is much like interior decorating (at least from what I have learned from you over the year(s) since your first viral video on the subject (thank you). What do you want to be the focal point of a room, nook, wall etc to be vs what do we want our viewer to focus on in our picture/video? Lighting...draws the viewer's attention, which some believe is based on survival instincts (shiny equates to water); but I digress. As MG2225 mentioned the power of natural light 'looks' to us as the same amount of light as a room with an overhead light, but we've all noticed how much dust we see on a shelf when we open the curtain on a sunny day. Many of the pictures & videos we view are lit with 2 or even 3 lights. A light off to either the right/left at a 45 degree angle normally to the subject with a strong light & then a 'fill' light off on the opposite side. The Fill light is there to add shadows & depth while the main light is normally elevated & diffused. An inexpensive way to diffuse a light it to throw a pillowcase or other fabric over it & you can even use a house lamp with a good amount of lumens. You wont get great quality balanced lighting from a lot of today's consumer bulbs, but they will do just fine. You can also diffuse the natural light coming through your front window by closing the curtains you have or again...throwing a piece of fabric over the curtain rod...think bed sheet. You will still get a ton of light, but it won't be 'harsh.' Finally, in this long paragraph, you can light your background which will bring it more in (light) level with your foreground subject...you, in this case, because cameras adjust the exposure to bring out the details of what it 'thinks' you want to be the subject which is why when you are in frame it makes you look great & when you are out of frame it brings out the background in Automatic Mode. Automatic Mode...is what you are shooting in & there is nothing wrong with this setting, but it does take away some control from the user & for folks who are putting together lots of clips it saves hours & hours of work. For a photographer who is taking stills, even a few dozen before a scene change, there are (basically) only 3 settings to play with ISO, Shutter Speed & Aperture hence it makes more sense to learn how to operate your camera in Manual mode, if you are shooting pictures vs. video. BTW: ALL cameras use these three things, but when actual film was placed in a camera the user was locked into the ISO of the film in the camera...now we can adjust ISO electronically. Scene Composition or thirds...this isn't something you mentioned, but we're this deep into it, so we may as well touch on it. Much like how you arranged the furniture in your parent's basement(?), pictures on your wall & candles on your hearth humans like the subject we are viewing to fit into certain areas of the frame...thirds. You can access this by going into your camera's settings (this may vary slightly depending on your Firmware version) and then over to the wrench menu -> the 4th sub-menu -> Shooting menu -> Grid Display -> 3x3. This will put the grids on the LCD, but not your final product & will help people learn where to place their subject or horizon line. Your subject should be on one of the lines & ideally be at the intersection of two of them whereas a picture/video of a landscape should have the horizon line on the top or bottom 3rd line, but when you are the subject of the scene as you were here, dead on is great. Keeping the rule of 3rds in mind, look at some of the pictures in your books on the table & you will begin to see this right away....but keep in mind professionals break these rules as well, but they know when they can. Love your work & you have helped me both in how my house is set up as wall as making mental adjustments to how I approach success - Again, Thank you! EDIT: I mention the rule of 3rds, however once I walked away for a few minutes it dawned on me I should have also stated...you break this rule all the time...please for the love of gawd continue to do so. It is very much an overall part of your style. Camera on the ground in the hall as you walk into the kitchen...attaching it to your shower(?) and shooting down in your made over bathroom etc...It adds to you being honest with your community including out of focus shots, you staring off into space & sharing your personal struggles as well as observations about life.

[@jclahoot]

I have this problem all the time, but I didn't realize the light intensity was exponential! I have found that the iPhone does a really great job of capturing lights and darks at the same time, and more closely matches what our eyes do, but Final Cut just trashes that detail if you end up mixing HDR (iPhone) clips and DSLR ones in the same project🙃

[@dotsamantha]

I wanted to make a separate comment for a pro tip for NYC specifically. It might be true elsewhere ofc, but I'm speaking from my own experience here. There are A LOT of rentals you'll never know about if you stick to the known sources. If you have the time, walk around the neighborhoods in which you're looking and keep an eye out for signs indicating available units. A lot of older building owners don't bother listing units because we have such an aggressive rental market they get scooped up super fast. I have found multiple apartments that weren't listed anywhere by walking around and calling the number on the sign outside the main entrance.

[@MizJilly]

Yes! I find this to be true in a lot of places. They aren't tech savvy and/or they don't want a horde of random people applying.

[@aubreetippetts634]

Do I need to find a new place to live? No. Did I still watch this video in its entirety? Yes.

[@happy_hami3207]

Girl, I kept thinking you were saying "real tea" and not "realty" and I was invested....but it's all good! I learned a lot from this video! Your way of talking about hard things is so comforting.

[@Caroline_Winkler]

I kind of wish I was saying real tea now 😢

[@APPR.]

"HEY BABAY GURL" instantly knew this was the video for me ❤😂

[@Caroline_Winkler]

It just felt correct ❤

[@staceysugden]

This video was spot on. After nearly 2 decades of renting (so many places!), I bought a home with my partner last year and the process is a killer. Falling in love with a home and imagining your life there only to not win the bid OR you do win the bid and then the inspection discovers more red flags than you can accommodate... There were tears. There was grief. However, a realtor friend told us "Houses are like buses, there's always another one coming" and that gave me hope. The home we ended up in checks all the boxes and I'm so happy we hung in there to make it happen.

[@HannahFoll]

Thank you for talking about the trade off between things, and what we actually care about (people, community) because I don’t think enough people in the US realize this. And I’m tired of people not realizing this!! Having a huge home is not ‘making it’ and you probably don’t need all that space. You just think you do cause of social media. In fact owning a huge home is more time and energy.

[@Caroline_Winkler]

I’m so glad! Yeah it’s strange to see people making this choice soooo often and then so often being u happy when they’re isolated just in exchange for square footage. Obv a middle ground is needed. And it’s not a bad call to make, just know the price of it!

[@jels.7889]

a huge home to me just means way more cleaning!! sure, a mansion would be lovely, but would much rather live in a little place with my friends close by

[@alligoecke1817]

I really like how much you hype up other (unsponsored haha) people and brands on this channel :) The honesty and the unfettered support is so refreshing and lovely to see :)

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Aw that means so much. I loveee supporting the people who deserve it!

[@rocklobstah1876]

Sound advice. Keep in mind any rental space can be a dream home if you are moving with flexible, quality furnishings - when youre renting shit happens and sometimes you gotta go - ive had to move a lot due to landlord selling, job changes etc but it always feels like home to sleep in the same bed, use the same dishes and so on ❤

[@Orchid.in.toyland]

Also paying more rent for better appliances just means that you are renting them - and it's usually not the best financial decision. Rent usually should be avoided whenever it's financially viable. The kitchen in my rental had only fridge/freezer, a cooker and some utensils and plates. I had to buy a microwave, blender, electric kettle, pots and pans etc. But that just means I got the ones that work for me and that I'm taking them with me once I move. And if I hate them, I can get rid of them anytime. Unlike landlady's extra furniture that I'm only using to put my clothes on and would love to get rid of and free up some space, but I can't. Or her shi*y vacuum cleaner that gets its hose plugged up every damn time. If it was mine it would have been replaced on the spot. But it isn't and I don't want to store 2 vacuums.

[@dotsamantha]

Duuuude we're currently casually looking since our landlord has been raising our rent by offensive amounts lately. We've both been through apartment hunting torture multiple times so we're traumatized/experienced, but I'm always open to new advice and tips, impeccable timing as always 😘

[@DeborahBurnsArt]

So many good tips! Windows with light and trees are very important to me. Also one tip from me from when I was a renter (learned while growing up from my parents who rented for years), is to be a good tenant at every place you rent so that your previous landlords are happy to give you good references. Good references are a good negotiation point because private owners really want GOOD renters. Being nice, paying on time and being respectful of both the property and landlord goes a long way for a mutually beneficial relationships - of course there are horrible landlords out there too, so choose them wisely. Thank you Caroline for the helpful video!

[@leonore3349]

Lol I could immediately tell that was a Lisbon apartment, the one you said looked like a monastery. The floors are wood, but they look like they were varnished darker/redder. The wood trims and frames are pretty old school around here.

[@carob-cake]

Right? 😂

[@AlcalaFarms]

I have not rented since 1997 but any video with Pretty Caroline and her adorable brother Luke with a cameo by the sweet doggie "Koda" gets a thumbs up from me.

[@properconciete14]

Another great video! On the last and final point of the time crunch with pressure is very real! I work in property management and we do pressure to sell units, HOWEVER, that really is because the unit is hot and there are others that are interested in it as well. Plenty of times people think it's just a sales tactic will come again a week later or the next day to come back and realize someone else had swooped in and submitted their application first before them and were already approved to move in because they acted quicker. Only way to combat this fomo is if it isn't an immediate YES, it is a no. I love the abundance mindset, there will always be a different place that might even be so much better. No one is missing out, I promise🎉

[@leaharnt5325]

The gasp that escaped my body when I saw the How to be an Adult in Relationships book on your coffee table. So much great knowledge in that book!!

[@nefertitimontoya]

For the camera question, adding a fill light to the backdrop will help with the contrast created from the backdrop being unlit and the subject being key lit

[@MaryEllenRussell-je8jo]

The most sparkly gem in this video is your observation that we might encounter something wonderful we never dreamed of and thus, never thought to put on the list of wants/needs. As you said, this applies to dating as well as home searches. I'd go so far as to say this nugget can apply to all kinds of things in life! A good reminder to be open to delightful surprises. Thanks for another great video, Caroline. And yes, add me to the list of those who would love to see you work with Luke in his new apartment.

[@mariamirolyubova6921]

Much love from Ukraine, Caroline! Always delighted by your new videos. Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement. It's so great to see you with your brother: family photo with Coda was so sweet. Hugs.

[@pedroalamorim7153]

I love your apartment hunting video for the apartment you're in right now!! I had the SAME specificities in figuring out how to not feel depressed LOL! You're amazing :))

[@naviproductions]

Amazing video. I lived in a Bozzuto apartment in NE DC in 2022. I was so depressed, despite the amenities that made my life much more functional (and I was in a sad north facing studio!). I ended up lasting nine months before I broke my lease and found a job back in NYC. So glad you called out those buildings!

[@julielorenzo1118]

Thanks for being our big sister Caroline! For some reason every video you upload is coincidentally what I need in my life lol

[@dion789]

I can barely imagine having the luxury of making a list of favourite houses. Here in the Netherlands you're lucky if a shed becomes available under a thousand euros.

[@LorienCollins]

I do get depressed in a house with bad natural lighting and grey floors. I never really considered that before and was kind of settling in my search's with this.

[@lesanimaux4416]

I had to move simply because I needed a space to accomodate my degenerative neurological disorder. I'm almost 35 and I'll be in a wheelchair in about a decade if I'm lucky. I ended up in an assisted living facility. All my neighbors are elderly and friendly. I've been severely limited in my options because of what I need. I wanted an open space with stairs, but I can't walk stairs. I needed to compromise but somehow I ended up in a place I really like. It worked out. Edit to add that the chicken cage thing is probably to keep a cat safe.

[@cassieurban]

thank you for being so REAL in this! you are here doing gods workkkk with this advice 💛

[@batfinksdad]

I love the videos. Been getting some great tips from you . Your chat is top (always makes me laugh), and I love the wee silly voices/ faces you do, PLUUUUUS you’re totally cute too! 😊 sending you much love from Edinburgh !

[@סימוןשלומי]

Can’t wait to see you decorating Luke’s apt.

[@yurydmorales]

- 0:39🏠 Finding your dream home is common, but avoiding major rental traps is crucial. - 1:21💡 Tips for renters and owners: Consider the off-season for better deals, negotiate respectfully, and aim for longer leases. - 3:45🚫 Don't overlook evaluating your lifestyle needs when searching for a new home. - 5:40💰 Negotiating rent: Offer longer leases or services like painting to negotiate lower rent prices. - 8:00⚠ Beware of rent traps, like initial discounts that lead to higher rent later. - 9:31🔑 The biggest mistake people make: Not considering their own lifestyle needs when choosing a home. - 11:04😊 Prioritize lifestyle factors over material goods for long-term happiness. - 14:54🖼 Design pros and cons: Consider lifestyle fit over flashy design features. - 17:25🛋 Beware of apartments selling a lifestyle with amenities that may not be utilized. - 19:39🏡 Evaluating apartment options: Consider the practical aspects like floor type, window size, and kitchen space. - 21:22💡 Remain flexible in your apartment search: Don't limit yourself with a strict checklist; be open to unexpected finds. - 23:41🌟 Don't overlook unconventional features: Even if a space isn't your ideal style, unique aspects like open layouts or architectural details can make it worth considering. - 25:14🚪 Be mindful of surroundings: Factors like balcony views or neighboring buildings can impact your living experience. - 26:54💧 Support ethical businesses: Consider companies like American Water that prioritize sustainability and community involvement. - 28:57🔍 Avoid rushing decisions: Don't succumb to pressure tactics from landlords or agents; take your time to find the right place for you.

[@LeighSmithM]

Your skin right next to the window is brighter than the rest of your room, so the camera's auto exposure is exposing for your skin and darkening the rest of the room. You'll have to ad light to your room to balance the exposure. Try puting your camera on manual exposure so at least it wont change as you move in and out of frame.

[@GreeryGabor]

i'm in reston, va finessing a move to the city this coming winter this got me all excited thxsm

[@maile.s]

This video came at the most perfect time. Among your many abilities, you also mind read.

[@colleenbrown3366]

Top need...water pressure. Turn the showwer on to check.

[@celinaabrey6883]

Knew in a heartbeat when you were looking at a Portuguese house! The one with doors (like being in a ship), this apartment was incredibly typical with dark wood everywhere! Confirmed by the website you were using to view.

[@mirandabraham27]

This was so reassuring! My partner and I are looking to buy our first house and I get easily frustrated because we're keeping our search area very narrow. But I just have to keep reminding myself that if we looked at houses any farther away I would end up hating my commute to work and missing the lifestyle I have now. People are so quick to tell you "Oh you should just move to X neighbourhood there's lots of good places there." But you're helping me remember to stay strong and focused on what I want!!

[@leanneearle3652]

I love my place, but the location was the biggest selling feature. It's on a bike route (I'm a cyclist), across the street from a community centre, 2 blocks from a grocery store and surrounded by transit routes. Oh and its a 5 min commute to my work!

[@amac0190]

I was about to come after you for posting a map of where you are. Then I read the caption 😅 Carry on

[@laurenlovesstories]

That balcony with wiring on it is so weird, but it could be a nice garden space that you don't really spend a lot of time in besides caring for the plants. The rest of that apartment is amazingly beautiful I would just deal with it.

[@hawthorne811]

The south facing thing confuses me so much because I have a north facing apartment and it's so bright in here all day long

[@pipemma1893]

Had to stop the video briefly to say how much I enjoyed the ad for Helix😊

[@kellybonanno]

I am so happy you did this video! The timing is perfect for me. I am selling my beautiful home now that my youngest is graduating high school, that was part of the divorce agreement. Nerve-racking but I'm excited to have my own place. This is actually how I found you, you did an awesome video about apartment hunting in DC. You are so right about those 'amenity buildings' and the dating analogy about limiting your options!

[@canete_h]

Sadly I got the feeling that the advice doesn't really apply to a lot of us apartment seekers : tight timeline, tight budget, a professional situation that no owner or renting company wants to hear about, and a very pressured market. I'm far away from being able to choose what color of flooring my place could have... But that's allright and I love your videos anyways

[@nittyskitty9898]

Same. I live in Sydney, Australia which has massive housing crisis for apartments and this video made me feel even more frustrated with the situation here. Lines of 60+people at apartment viewings, rental increases every year, landlords refusing to maintain their property. Hell, we can't even hang anything on the wall without permission (and they often say no)

[@RaeJ8]

The way you talked about layering antique, curated items on a modern kutchen (around the 24:00 mark)...PLEASE do soelthing about how to mix styles luke this! I'm about to move into a house that has modern black, minimalism windows and my style leans more antique, heriloom, solid wood style. And im having a hard time figuring out if/how my style can fit in the space. I dont want my style to fight xith rhe bones of the house. Please help!!!

[@alyssawoj]

One of my favorite topics!!! I'm going on 11 years in my tennent - landlord relationship. I'm so lucky that my rent has been stable and my landlord's mom bakes extra brownies for me on the reg! It helps to be a manic Polish cleaning lady every one in a while. Even though the neighborhood has changed a lot in 10 years, I wouldn't risk abandoning this relationship for some other place. Thanks for covering this topic. Suck on my butt!!! ;p

[@marialala21]

OMG its the first time that i live at the ground floor and i was trying to explain to my bf the other day that i feel ''connected'' with the outside. on the contrary to all the other years of my life that i was leaving on the 3 or 4 floor and i felt detached from the outside world. He didnt understand it at all and now you are talking about that 🌳

[@juliangines6764]

Ha, your example map you used is my exact neighborhood where i live in Chicago.

[@hannahmoren4161]

i just started watching this channel. Why do i like her so much.

[@nefertitimontoya]

In my city, it seems access to transit is the top factor for most people

[@k-popbiased1058]

I am literally about to start apartment hunting in Boston and I’ve been thinking about nothing but your bay windows

[@dianeguy7452]

Having to move to a new rental within 4 months. Working our credit back Up almost 600 not great I kno. Any hints from anyone about this factor? Steady income and about 5 months of catching up on bills due to hubby finally collecting social security

[@victoriaadams2171]

Thanks. I just moved, and I did ok. 😊

[@andromedafield]

I feel like rental properties owned by a company where the property manager you’re dealing with has no power so there’s no point trying to negotiate far outweigh privately owned rentals, for most people/cities. My building has been owned by 2-3 different rental companies in my time living at it and you better believe there’s a new office manager every month who you can never get a hold of. The only thing I was surprised by was this last lease renewal they were basically like “we’re thanking you for living here for longer than most (8 years) so we’re actually lowering your rent.” They also offered to paint the walls or clean the carpets which is hilarious because I’m obviously not moving I just renewed the lease, where is my stuff going while you do that?

[@carol00210]

omg, you just make me laugh so much. thanks for your amazing videos. please never stop making them :D

[@V.Day24]

Why does the tile keep changing?

[@96llm]

Definitely agree for the most part about small landlords vs big companies BUT the big caveat is you really gotta make sure they're normal and trust your gut when you meet them. Sometimes a soulless big corporation can be better than a psycho small landlord who *does* care if you live or die... in that they want you to die lol

[@oscillations302]

Caroline, please help the encampments in GW University. Your influence can make a change

[@brendaw.9212]

I think the chicken cage balcony could be a great catio

[@taiwothere]

I needed this so bad!! Caroline, you always deliver!

[@bmoriarty999]

You have to light the apartment, and also lock your white balance on your camera ;)

[@lauramathews3151]

I would need so many rugs to cover those yellow floors haha At least the chevron parquet adds some texture in the second yellow one. But I liked the redwood chevron parquet much better.

[@dnwalkingoneggshells]

I am a private owner and if you are chill, then I might even lower your rent to get you to stay long term.

[@Caroline_Winkler]

listen up, people!!

[@michelle82583]

"He's invited me to Kuwait, if I'm ever passing through" 😂

[@kaalthoff]

lol to your Chicago maps... I was like wait that looks familiar.... This video was both affirming (the landlords don't care about you) and gave me anxiety (the landlords don't care about you). That one thing rang true the most out of anything for me. If anyone finds themselves in this situation, a tip from someone who knows it all too well: learn to pick your battles for your own mental health.

[@laurajones338]

Natural light is so important

[@carlie1257]

Where’d you get those earrings? Love them need them

[@LifeWithElyse]

This video came at a perfect time. Love your insightful tips, always ❤

[@TimberW073]

Gurl you eating enough? Look after yourself! Great vid as always ~

[@wannabecowgirl]

This is perfect cause I’m moving to SPAIN in September. 😇

[@desislavchi]

ooof ,that "hey, baby girl" got me all warm

[@brightgreenleaves]

Which sofa do you have from crate and barrel?? I’m shopping for sofas right now and the quality is just garbage everywhere. They look like they’re designed to disintegrate.

[@diosadeamore]

I dont need this video but I watched/listened anyway! 😅

[@laurenceapitz1678]

I loved this video, I actually prefer west windows than south, because of golden hour and not getting too much sun in the summer months. on the other hand, what you call "yellow floors" seems to be oak (we have it all over Paris and here, it's the tops). also, don't give out you location Caroline, it's dangerous.🤫

[@lauramitchell6725]

She said that it’s NOT her location.

[@laurenceapitz1678]

@@lauramitchell6725 well, that’s a relief, I didn’t hear it

[@HayaMALK]

Did you say Kuwait? I live there, please come 😍😍 in December it’s cool and sunny

[@SeanMacadelic]

Dude I LOVE your videos

[@kkeungi5955]

My private owner landlord was kind of a jerk, he made the porch out of house siding??? so of course it BROKE (unfortuntely when I had movers moving heavy shit, so one guy like literally broke his leg) and he tried to blame it on me. It was wild.

[@ajalae8754]

New caroline vid droppped 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@theboringkaren]

Still taking notes even though I can't afford to rent an apartment, let alone buy a home. Will I ever? Likely never, but I'll be prepared haha.

[@mrs.reysolo2601]

I wish you posted this a week ago, my new apartment lease just came through 😂

[@herekittykittykitty475]

I am worried that either the chicken cage balcony is to keep children from falling out or keep burglars from getting in. Either way - hmmm....I would love it for my pets though! Speaking of pets - I pay an extra $40.00 per month per pet (I have three) so keep that in mind when budgeting. Also, there was a per pet deposit that is non-refundable. I have lived here for 5 years.

[@donnapecoraro3126]

Thank you for giving mature advice. It seems every time I read about apartments it’s aimed at how to do something to the apartment that one shouldn’t be doing. Landlords are under siege. An apartment that hasn’t been rented isn’t overpriced or up for a rent reduction, an owner knows the worth, and knows that the better price they can get will somewhat assure they have people in it who can afford it. For owners, this is my home, owners often live in the home, it’s their biggest asset, have pity.

[@christineg6123]

Caroline where are these apartments with no dishwasher but a washing machine in the kitchen?

[@kkpenney444]

that's common in Europe- and the washing machines also dry.

[@pegm5937]

You changed the thumbnail pic!😂 Anyhoo, can confirm, as a private landlord, I always value great tenants, so routine rental increases don't happen. If you're a pain in the ass, though? Don't. Just don't be.

[@SS-wi4tm]

Open plan is so overrated esp if you live with other people. I don't want to hear pans clanging, or a TV, I want another place to go. I'm convinced teenagers go crazy in suburbs partly because of all the surveillance from open plan houses. There's nowhere for privacy besides your room.

[@elisenieuwe4649]

Lol. For me: earn enough money to rent something private instead of social rent would be my first step. That's not happening anytime soon. Not even anywhere these next 10 years due to student debt. Different social rent isn't happening either since I'm single now so I can only get a one bedroom appartment. The place I've got now is the best I'm going to get while being single. Luckily, it's a pretty good place. Only noisy. So in the future it could become pretty shitty if I get an annoying neighbour.

[@RebeccaHunt-wv8bc]

What is 'social' rent?

[@NicolewithouttheH]

Just curious, why only south facing buildings? Wouldn’t facing north be the same thing in terms of light?

[@northwoodfalls1403]

It’s maybe more the “quality” of the light. The angle of the sun (aka the tilt of the earth’s axis) means that facing south begets more direct sunlight throughout the day as the sun travels from east to west. Northern light is therefore more indirect. It’s more muted. It’s often coveted by artists because it gives more contrast whereas southern light blows details out. So, it really is what you prefer. When you live in an apartment you USUALLY only have windows facing one or two directions. If you have to pick between only having southern facing or northern facing, and you are someone who wants a lot of light all day, then south facing is the way to go. My house technically “faces” the south but there are large windows at the rear and around the perimeter of the house so I get light all day long in different parts of the house. If you live in a house with something built up behind you, it might matter more which direction the house faces. I hope that helps? 😊

[@NicolewithouttheH]

@@northwoodfalls1403Yes! TY 🩵

[@NitaJain]

Psyched to be part of the early crowd!! 🎉

[@MeloniousThunk]

Caroline, why?! I’m scared your hot tips are going to blow up rents for those of us who’ve been doing this for years / decades 😬 😭 Also, real talk, I’m scared for your safety with you posting maps of your walking routes / locations. Please be safe out there. Stalkers are a real danger. Be well, we love you ❤

[@lindsayv8313]

Yes! I had the exact same thought as soon as I saw those maps showing the location of her apartment 😮. Caroline -- please consider editing that part out somehow if you can.

[@barbarao147]

She mentioned that it is not her real address, just an example

[@MeloniousThunk]

@@barbarao147 well that’s a relief! Thanks

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Oh I’ve gotten so many comments worried about the map! Dont worry guys haha that is a map of CHICAGO. Not even my city. There is also text on the map that says “this is an example not where I live.” If you look at those streets, you’ll see they exist in Chicago, not DC. But love everyone for looking out ❤

[@kkpenney444]

@@Caroline_Winkler Yeah, I didn't see you trekking out to Wrigley Field 😉

[@graceromero9812]

“But someone died in my bed and I sleep in that every night” 👀👀👀 can we get some more context ?? 😂😂😂

[@FreakShowTae]

the balcony is likely netted temporarily for a cat, that shouldn't be a deal-breaker

[@MrPAULONEAL]

I wouldn't mind becoming an editor.

[@Ali-gb7mf]

I really enjoy your more serious episodes. Great advice. 🪑🛌🛋️

[@gaiafox4286]

for me place with "chicken cage" balkony would be the one to pick as. I have cats, it's a. safety thing I'd have to install myself if it was not there so: LIFESTYLE YES ;)

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Yes!! Love that as an example of the personal fit

[@channamasala1]

Yes!!!🎉 my first though on that balcony was that my cats would LOVE it

[@jemimarajesh5371]

The way I clicked with urgency😂😂❤

[@Kayprofessor]

Same

[@tasmiahtanjeen5548]

lol, same!!

[@slantdwave]

I'm calling the realtor in the morning!

[@Bodyconbeauty]

Same 😂

[@patriciafuchs5970]

For the first time in my entire 75 years I am moving into a space I chose by myself, for myself. The last house I lived in was chosen by my daughter who was adjusting to a new country, a non existent dad, a mother food banking, working 60+ hours a week. She also chose my next spot as I had emergency surgery and she was convinced that I needed assisted living but compromised by moving me to an independent living place that was filled with people in their 80’s and up. No diversity, lots of religion. I haven’t told her I’m moving to a 55+ building with a wonderful view of the Mississippi and city skyline. In United laundry, walk in tub, 2 bedrooms, loads of storage, side by side fridge with an ice maker, good dining area. 5 year lease. Library, music room, sauna, loads of shared public areas. Great neighborhood, garage. Loads of new windows, great all round space. Can wait till June 1!

[@DeborahBurnsArt]

Congratulations on your new HOME to be! :)

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Enjoy this new chapter and move in your life! ❤ My next move will be of my own choice to any town, any house and be so freeing. We always got a house in a town near my ex’s work (yes, even in one of the most remotest parts of the world too). Weather was in the 30s-40s C all year. My ex bought a block of land and waited a week to tell me and then in another move he would have bought a house that I and the kids hadn’t seen or heard of but it had already sold.

[@stephaniemaloney4324]

Congratulations! I was 53 when I picked out my 1st place without a command or a committee. SO restful, empowering, inspiring, cozy, safe, cheerful! Wishing you many years of JOY!

[@MadameSarah]

So happy for you! Congratulations 🥂

[@luv2dancesalsa465]

Congratulations! Good for you for getting a place for younger “old”people!!!

[@MsPea]

I rented from a private owner--an older lady that seemed really nice. I lived there about a month, and I was in the shower one day when she came walking into my bathroom! She had let herself in to "see if I was settled in." I screamed at her to get out, told her I was moving immediately and got a locksmith the next day to change the locks. Luckily, there was an apartment available in a building right across the street, so I moved there, and my friends helped me just carry my stuff across. Anyway, I'd rather rent from a rental company. Like Caroline said, they generally don't care about you. Private owners can be questionable, butt into your life and care too much.

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Oh my gosh that is kind of horrifying

[@Agoraphobication]

YUP. I was subletting a room in a shared house that happened to be empty during the period I was renting. The owner of the row house came and stayed with me in the house for several days. They "asked" me if it was okay to do, but really it was more like telling me it was going to happen. So uncomfortable and not what I signed up for at all.

[@vaderladyl]

Glad that my private owners lived out of state and had a property manager that never, ever showed up unannounced, and everything was done through appointments. They cared but were never intruding.

[@letizia4419]

I thought the same, where I live there's no rental company or stuff like that (we have only real estate agents) so you mostly rent from privates, but finding one mentally stable is a very hard. I myself had experiences with landlords coming into my house, but they did it when I was out so they could spy on me.

[@llleiea]

That’s why in Austria they have to give you every key to the apartment. You r paying the rent so the apartment is yours for that time.

[@amandaplease9403]

Omg I was so concerned when you showed the google maps screenshot, but then I saw your caption about it not being your real location. 😂

[@alexames3157]

I's recommend finding out what construction may be occuring near your apartment during the course of your lease. My apartment announced in August (I moved in in July) that they'd be building a seven-story building directly outside my window. I had told the folks touring me that I was moving to be able to look out at trees while south-facing and have more quiet, the two things my last apt. was lacking. Now, I look out onto cranes and listen to construction beeping 7AM-5PM most days while working from home :,) So, lesson learned!

[@Jana_Rea]

Bless you!

[@mechemik]

I had a similar issue except instead of construction, it was having an apartment that was one of the closest overlooking the community pool and people would be out there at 10am and I'd be rudely woken up by kids yelling their heads off (when we agreed to rent, we didn't realize it was on the side of the building facing the pool). As 1) I'm very sensitive to noise and 2) don't work until closer to the afternoon, it was bad, especially as I also worked from home. I made sure the next places I rented at were as quiet as a cemetery. Hell, I'd take having a cemetery outside my windows now that I think about it, at least they'd be quiet neighbors 🙃

[@crowcalls]

@@mechemikI’ve lived opposite a cemetery, really quite lovely if you’re not superstitious! It’s a nice place to walk and very quiet, and usually brings prices down too (only reason we could afford to live there)

[@sccello]

Haven't watched all of this yet, but wanted to stick this comment in - if the listing mentions something that should be REALLY basic, like that the place is clean or has no bugs, don't go there! Even saying it means that that topic has been an issue in the past, and might be an issue again in the future, vs something you can just take for granted. Keep your standards high, y'all!

[@diosadeamore]

But unless there are huge holes where bugs come in and it's not livable, cleanliness and pest control are the tenant's domain ...?

[@shannonceleste5557]

@diosadeamore There's always a line. Some places are just bug 'friendly' 😖 no matter how clean the tenant is

[@milkflys]

@@diosadeamoresomething like bed bugs for instance (can travel between apartments, difficult to reliably get rid of even with professional help) could be pretty much impossible to fix via individual tenant efforts

[@heatherr356]

Love this video!! So agree that the first month free is a trap. Do the math. Also, big apt. buildings w/ the fancy lobby, and not so great apt drive me nuts! I don't give a crap about a fancy lobby. I don't LIVE in the damn lobby! Also: ask about all the extra charges: parking fee, pet deposit and monthly pet rent, trash fee, "convenience" fees, admin fees, internet/cable fees if mandatory, cost of laundry machines, etc. They DO NOT put these things online, on purpose. Make a list of your must haves (non-negotiable) vs. wants. Good luck out there!

[@heatherr356]

Of course you covered this! Amenities Ashmitities!

[@Caroline_Winkler]

It’s such a trap! They’ll do anything to get u in