Earlier this week, I received this email from Lobos Management, my former landlord. I couldn’t believe it.
This email address is attached to an apt at 527 Monroe in Bellevue. The former tenant requested we contact him if 406 became available again.
It is now available for $839 plus utilities, and has kitchen & bath updates. If you’re interested please respond to this notice at your earliest convenience.
Shortly after I left there in Sept 2016 to move back to my hometown, I wound up regretting the decision and contacted my old landlord and made this request. That was 6 1/2 years ago!It may be just another apt to some (and more military bunker than charming), but you can’t live somewhere for 22 years and not form an attachment. Even after I returned to the city and found a new place, I was homesick for my old apartment for a long time.
Anyway, while I’m not exactly in love with my current place (no patio and the carpeting is pretty worn), it’s in a well managed building and roomy, with lots of windows. I’m not ready to move again anytime soon, let alone to a Lobos managed property.
Without going into a lot of detail, Lobos had a pretty shady reputation. They took weeks to respond to maintenace calls, and pulled some awful stunts over the years.
Still, I was really curious so I called and made an appointment to see my old place this past Wednesday.
I was met in front of the building by a young woman named Winona who couldn’t have been nicer. Walking upstairs to the 4th floor (we had no elevator) felt so routine. My former apartment still had the dark green welcome mat I bought when I first moved in, all those years ago.
Here’s the view when you walk in. I have to admit, it felt like I was home again after a long absence—even if it did seem smaller than I remembered. Those patio doors… the glass was really clouded with age. I complained about them for years, but nothing was ever done.
I thought the new cupboards looked great (new appliances too, I never had a dishwasher) but couldn’t believe they left that old brown wall panel. My sister was after me for years to paint that!
The bedroom hasn’t changed at all, but the bathroom has a new medicine cabinet & vanity.
And finally, my old balcony. I miss that giant pine tree, it was filled with birdsong every spring.
After I was done snooping looking around, I thanked Winona but admitted I probably wouldn’t be moving back. She asked where I was living now, I said the next neighborhood over, in Avalon.
Winona said “How much are you paying, if you don’t mind me asking?” I told her $840, and she said she could beat that. (Yeah, by one dollar!)
I laughed and said that’s true, but I just got my rent locked in for the next 2 years, plus the heat, water & trash is included in my rent. I added we also have an elevator, a gym & laundry on every floor.
She still gave me her business card in case I changed my mind. I won’t, I lived there long enough. But it was nice getting to see my old place again. For such a boxy little place, I sure made a lot of good memories there.
Moving into my old apt at the Monroe, Sept 1994
I'm glad you "got to go home again" for a bit. I could smell the hallway while reading this! That was a great little balcony. I remember you leaning over the rail to wave when I pulled into your parking spot, waiting for you to come unlock the door. Lots of memories :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Shawn! Yes, lots of good memories--I can still remember the time you brought Grandma up and she called it the Playboy's Den :^)
DeleteHow nice to be able to visit once again and see it with new eyes. I wouldn't move either.
ReplyDeleteThanks DJan--I feel guilty taking up Winona's time but they're the ones who reached out to me, so... :^) The place I have now has a lot more character, that's for sure. :^)
DeleteYes, that was nice that you could see your former home again. It sounds like your new building is better, especially not having to walk up four flights of stairs. You have good memories of it, and now can close that door. I am amazed that your doormat is still there, it must be a good one! Have a good weekend! Joyce
ReplyDeleteHaha--thanks Joyce, and YES I was super amazed seeing that doormat! I bought that Sept 1994 at the hardware store up the street, it had a nice rubber border. I guess since it's been inside all these years... but yes, a lot of good memories there. :^)
DeleteYour visit to the old apartment was a nice trip down memory lane. It seems you are where you are supposed to be in your current home. Plus moving is way to much work.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, I agree and couldn't have put it better myself. Including the moving part! :^)
DeleteThe deal breaker for me is no elevator. But having a balcony would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gigi--I have to admit, I miss that balcony! But it's too boxy & small, no character. I like character in my older years. :^)
DeleteI agree it's always nice to 'go back' (for a bit), but think you made the right choice in staying where you are. And walking up 4 flights of stairs may not be a problem now, but you never know. And to be honest, that 'shady reputation' about responding to needs would have been the 'no' for me. Cute pic!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rian! You're always good with logic and you're kind as well, thanks for the pic compliment too--hard to believe I moved in there 30 years ago... :^)
DeleteTim and I consider this to be the key to our successful marriage. Neither of us want to pack up and move out.
ReplyDeleteYou know, a school I went to back in the 60s was up for sale. We went to look at it. Partially because I wanted to see it again, but also because we had an idea for a small apartment building.
Unfortunately it was just too far gone. Flooded basement. Open access to critters who had turned it into a winter home. So much damage. But there was something very moving about walking up and down those stairs, and looking out the window that I'd rung the hand bell from to call everyone in from recess. (It was an honor that kids vied for). The balcony is sweet, but in the end, shady landlords should be avoided.
You know when Tim got sick, our tenants 'babysat' William, checked in regularly, delivered food. We need to have a big meal to celebrate them.
Debby, I did a blog here several years ago about an old high school back home they converted into apartments--well, they tried and gave up--I'm just glad I took pics before it was torn down. That would be weird and cool to live in your old school! Also, very nice to read about your tenants helping out...
DeleteMe, with my bad knees, I was thinking about what Rian said: as you get older you may not want to be climbing that many steps. Nice place, though, esp. the balcony.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom! I have to admit I missed that balcony (and the new carpeting in there was VERY plush) but you're exactly right about the climb. It would not be good for your knees, and I'm worried it'd only be a matter of time. I know when I moved in here, and La-Z-Boy delivered my new sofa, when I told them I had an elevator the one guy said "Oh buddy you just made our day!"
DeleteIt would have bugged you not to have seen it, but now that you have, you seem at peace. You're content where you are and none of us can go backwards. You have those memories with that apartment and now are making fresh ones in your current place. NO ELEVATOR=NO WAY!
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I know I've said this before but I always enjoy and appreciate your feedback--so well said, thank you! :^)
DeleteHi Doug, I can imagine the mix of feelings you must have been having seeing your old home. So many years to make memories there. I have never lived anywhere for 22 years!😆 As others have stated the no elevator would be a deal breaker. The big pine tree off the balcony is lovely. Did you ever hang a bird feeder? Or maybe that wouldn’t be allowed? You have such a nice apartment now with great amenities, I can’t imagine you would want to give that up.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the weekend!❤️
Hi Robin, thanks so much for this nice message. I don't know why I'm so surprised, I really thought people would be ribbing me about living in that bunker style apartment as long as I did! But you're exactly right my friend it was my home and I was very cozy there. A bird feeder would have been a great idea, but that photo was a little misleading; the pine tree was at least 10 ft from my balcony's railing. But I very much appreciate what you said about my current place it's a lot more traditional and has real character. And most importantly I feel more safe here. Hope you have a nice weekend too. 🙂♥️
DeleteDoug, I'm always impressed by the photos you have. Someone was a good documenter and sharer of the collection. That's how I relive so many memories - through the photos. Thanks for your fine writing and for sharing your stories. Kim in PA
ReplyDeleteKim, thank you so much! I always wonder if I'm sharing too many photos, as much as I enjoy rambling I mean writing, I just feel a blog has to be more than words. It meant a lot to me to read this thanks again. 🙂👍
DeleteI’m no use to you when it comes to advice on this. I bought my apartment about 35 years ago in one of the best suburbs of Melbourne (Elsternwick, for any Australians reading this who might be vaguely interested).
ReplyDeleteThis was about a year before prices started skyrocketing, which they’re still doing.
That means I’m not going anywhere. This probably doesn’t help you at all.
Boy, you look about 16 in the photo.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing Peter--I wish I had pursued owning vs renting when I was younger & still working. Those soaring prices are everywhere these days. Well, I'm settled in my current digs until 2025 at least--I just signed a 2 year lease. PS. Thanks for the photo compliment, I was 33 in that pic :^)
DeleteI'm getting out my map of Melbourne right now, have no idea where Elsternwick is.
DeleteEast of St Kilda, west of Caulfield, north of Brighton.
DeleteThat was a good scratch for your curiosity itch about your old apartment. I agree with Peter that you looked only about 16 in the photo. Maybe even 15. Your present teepee sounds like a much better deal! Also, your landlord has proven trustworthy and your neighbours are familiar(ish).
ReplyDeleteFlorence, thanks very much! Like I said above, I was 33 in that pic but I sure am digging the compliments :^) And I liked your terminology, that visit to the old place WAS the scratch I've needed for awhile. I won't deny I still like my other place a lot (esp that new carpeting that was very plush) but the current place makes a lot more sense. :^)
DeleteWhat fun to go back to your old apartment, to see what has and hasn't changed. A balcony would be nice, but as we age, an elevator is even better. However, had I been there, I would have asked the young lady, how much better she could do...a $1 wouldn't cut it. Not to truly consider it, but to see what how much of a discount she would offer. Since you have your rent locked in for two years, it seems a no brainer to stay where you are.
ReplyDeleteThank you Maebeme, that was my reason for going back to see what was different. But I was just telling my neighbor Opal, my last year there, a woman with 3 cats moved into the apt below mine and kept their separate litter boxes on her patio. I love cats but was not enjoying the smells from those boxes below. But you're right, I kinda wish I had tried bartering to see if they'd drop the price. I might've done so if I was going to move back. :^)
DeleteI was impressed they kept track of that email for six odd years. My virtual knees ached, moving in, accomplishing daily bits of life. But, oh, that balcony. And still my arms and shoulders ached, carrying loads up all those stairs. How nice those birds would be. You didn't even know about them the first time you moved in! A good decision, both times.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne, and I enjoyed your virtual parts here. I remember when I did live there, an elderly man down the hall from me moving to the 1st floor because of his knees. I do miss that tree, but I prefer an elevator now. :^)
DeleteWow! I too am surprised they kept track of your interest for so long. Most waiting lists around here "get lost" in 2 weeks. You look like you're 15 in that photo. I think you've been lying about your age all along. Do all the girls you dated come with that old apartment? Yep, you need an elevator. Get one of those potted Christmas trees and put that in your current apartment. Maybe you should have ask to remove or buy the old welcome mat. Your current one is good and a good deal. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteLinda thank you, you made me laugh out loud here! I was very surprised when Lobos contacted me too, it's a good thing I gave them my email as my phone has changed 3 times since then. You're very kind about me looking so young (I think it was just the lighting) and I did date 1-2 girls there I wouldn't mind seeing again ;^)
DeleteThat brown wall panel would have been painted the day after I moved in if I lived there. And if the painting of it was allowed, some landlords don't allow it.
ReplyDeleteI think you are better off in your current place with the better amenities. If I remember correctly your current place is less boxy?
River, you're very smart--Lobos would've billed me for sure if I had painted that wall. A young Russian woman lived across the hall from me, painted inside her place (a door) and got a hefty bill for it. And you're absolutely right, my new apt is a lot more traditional like a home, not boxy at all. :^)
DeleteHi Doug, I can sure see why you liked that apartment. I like the arrangement. I agree with you about the pine tree ... I would love that. I must say the rent sounds really good. Seattle rent is horrible. I like that picture of you moving in back in ’94 … wow, almost 30 years ago. It sounds like you are comfortable where you are now, and like you, I hate moving. By the way, you mentioned the carpet … yes, same here … it is getting pretty worn. The mention of the carpet reminded me of one of DJan’s posts a while back when she mentioned she taped a corner of a throw rug so it would stay down and be safe. She seemed a little hesitant to mention it, but golly, I’ve got a corner of carpet taped down in my kitchen. 😊 See you tomorrow at Eye on the Edge. Have a good night and a happy Sunday. John
ReplyDeleteHi John, thank you for the very thoughtful comment. This is interesting, you're the 4th person (blogger) I know from Washington state. And you're right, the rents in Pittsburgh are a lot more reasonable than Seatle, but you live in a much more scenic (and desired) location, that's for sure. I appreciate you remembering DJan's carpet fix-its, as I will be doing that (buying a rug to cover a part of my room). See you tomorrow at the Edge. :^)
DeleteI agree with Linda. I was thinking the same thing about you looking 15 in that photo. That apartment looks quite spacious, but you'd miss all your fun characters at Tiffany. Besides, Tiffany Apartments has a nice ring to it. And having the price locked in for 2 years is nice too. I hate to tell you what apartment costs are like in Hawaii. Shudder.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kay, you're very kind! To be honest, my old apartment was not that spacious. For example, my TV was only 4 ft from the couch; in my current place, the TV is about 10 ft from the couch. The Tiffany has a much more traditional floor plan, and 100% better management. I'm very sure an apartment like mine would deplete my retirement savings in a couple years if I moved to Hawaii! 🙄
DeleteGoing back puts things into perspective, doesn't it? I feel as if I could go back to the apartment I rented for 5 years, the one this [ ] close to the ocean. Gee, that place was gorgeous. But, maybe, looking around, the way you have, might make me change my mind. Or perhaps not.
ReplyDelete