Make Your Rental Feel Like A Home

Just because you live in a rental space doesn't mean that you have to feel like you are living in someone else's home. Adding a touch of "you" to the space will make it feel more special and like your own place. Before making changes be sure to talk with your landlord. Many landlords will be okay with certain changes if things are put back the way they were at the end of the lease or because those changes may make the space more desirable.
Sometimes you may have to negotiate certain changes such as painting walls. A new color on the walls could make the space feel more your style and the landlord may give the go ahead to paint in your choice of color as long as you repaint to the original color it was when you move out. You could also negotiate new appliances. If the landlord does not want to purchase new appliances, maybe if you offer to pay half the cost then they might be willing to do so.
Switching out light fixtures for more stylish ones such as hanging globes, chandeliers or sconces would be a great way to brighten the place up and add another touch of "you". Either changing the cupboard doors in the kitchen or removing them entirely is another way to update the place or make it feel more cozy. Something as simple as replacing door knobs is another way to add character. Be sure to keep the original doors and knobs or anything else you might change so that you can put everything back the way it was before moving out. Things such as removing metal blinds and replacing them with ones made of fabric or putting up curtains are something that could be negotiated with the next tenants. They may want to purchase them from you instead of using the metal blinds which usually make a space feel darker and like a rental.
Little touches here and there and new furniture from retailers or flea markets can make a big difference in making your rental feel like home. Remember that when looking for a rental, keep an open mind and see the potential.

Downtown Waterfront Rental: $3,000

This 2 bed 2 bath condo rental is the only condominium on the downtown waterfront, and is now available for rent! This fully furnished luxury condo overlooks the waterfront via floor to ceiling windows, with views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic mountain range. The master suite features 2 closets with a 5 piece bathroom including a relaxing jacuzzi tub. Features include granite counter tops, gas cooking pantry in the kitchen, gas fireplace, and laundry room with full size front load washer/dryer. There are two secured parking stalls, and the cost of rent includes water, sewer, garbage, cable and gas. For your convenience, there is 24 hour concierge service available. If you’re interested in this or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	2//2
Price:	$3,000

Washington Park Rental: $4,995

This beautiful 4 bed 3 bath Washington Park home is now available for rent on the highly sought after McGilvra Blvd E. This home has glorious views of the Cascades and Lake Washington, sitting high above the street, with a panoramic view, with a great neighborhood presence. Features include traditional detailing finish work, high ceilings, large rooms and natural light. The dining room and kitchen open out to the private terrace level lawn area, and the master bedroom is located upstairs with a view balcony.  The home is conveniently located near the Lake, parks, restaurants, and shops. If your interested in this  or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	4//3
Price:	$4,995

Leschi Hillside Rental: $4,500

This contemporary masterpiece is nestled against the forested foothills of Leschi, and features a spectacular rooftop terrace with panoramic views! This 4 bed 3 bath rental home is mere steps to the waterfront, parks, shopping and minutes to downtown Seattle. The home features hardwood flooring throughout, radiant heat, a commercial grade elevator, and security system. There is a gourmet kitchen with slab granite counters and top appliances. This home also includes a 5 piece master suite in marble. If you’re interested in this home, or other Seattle rentals please contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	4//3
Price:	$4,500

Tips to Receive Your Security Deposit Back

If you’ve rented before, you’re likely familiar with that awful feeling that even though you’ve hired a cleaner to clean the carpets, and mopped every inch of the rental, you’re not going to receive that security deposit back. You wait eagerly by the mailbox in hopes of receiving a check, and when it comes you’re shocked to find that you’ve only received $100 back – where did all of your money go? To prevent this from happening again, here are some tips from our friends over at Curbed Seattle, on how to receive as much of your deposit back as possible.
1) Read Your Entire Lease – Don’t just skim it, really dig deep for anything you should not be responsible for. Landlords cannot add anything in the lease claiming tenant responsibility to pay for any damages that are not your fault. If a non-refundable cleaning fee is to be paid, it must be stated in the lease.
2)Take photos when you move in – Be sure to capture any damages already in place before you move into your rental. Be sure you receive a checklist of all previous damages agreed upon by your landlord and you, and signed by both parties; also make sure your receive a copy of this document.
3) Give Your Landlord 14 Days to Deliver the Deposit – By WA Law, your landlord must deliver your deposit to you within 14 days after your move out date. If you do not receive the check within this time period, you have the right to sue for double the deposit amount. Be sure to give your landlord your current address, otherwise the fault may be deemed your own.

Tis the Season For Cold Damp Weather – How to Prevent Mold in Your Home

It’s that time of year again, and the cold, damp weather is in full swing. If you’re living in an older rental it is important you check for signs of mold and mildew early this year to avoid extensive build up. Smell a musty odor coming from the basement? Build up of mold spores can accumulate in various parts of the house, causing reactions such as runny nose, itchy or watering eyes, or wheezing. To avoid mass build up, here are some things you can do to prevent and control mold build up in the home.
See clutter? Organize! Keep things like wood furniture, clothing etc. from contacting the walls and window sills, and put what you can in plastic tubs with tight sealing lids.
Kill mold building up- Scrub the area thoroughly with soap and water to remove the dirt accumulating, and then follow up with a stronger mold/mildew killing solution. Allow the mold killing solution to sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to settle in and kill all the germs. Try to find a cleaner without bleach, as bleach will not reach the roots of the mold spores, and may not kill them entirely. Contact your landlord if plumbing leaks occur, or you notice excess moisture in the home that could cause mold. If you’re interested in more information about Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Washington Park Rental Home: $10,000

This beautiful Washington Park Rental Home is now available for rent, featuring large rooms, kitchen, family room, and oak floors. This 4 bed 3 bath home has a large second master bedroom, and fabulous views of Mt Rainier, close to Madison Park shops and restaurants. The perfect dwelling to meet all of your needs. For more information on this listing, or other Seattle rentals, contact your local Real Estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	4//3
Price:	$10,000