Urban Igloo: Rent Check
November 2009 (Vol. 2)
Tip of the Month
Neighborhood Spotlight
Featured Property
What Customers Are Saying
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Greetings!
 Rick Gersten
Last month, the nationwide apartment vacancy rate hit 7.8%, its highest level in 23 years.  DC has escaped the worst of this trend, but there remains a strong need to fill vacancies quickly.

Thanks in part to our clever advertising campaign - and to renter frustration with the prevailing options - Urban Igloo's business continues to grow. Each month, our website attracts thousands of renters eager to use our state-of-the-art property search tool and view a growing inventory of apartments and houses across the DC area.

This month's Rent Check brings valuable tips and information for both renters and landlords, including a neighborhood spotlight on Rosslyn, a tip of the month on rental incentives, and a look inside a beautiful property in Woodley Park.

And remember ... the next time you talk to someone looking for a renter or a rental, please tell them to visit our website or call 877.IGLOODC (445.6632).

- Rick Gersten, Founder and Managing Partner
Tip of the Month: Rental IncentivesFree
The soft apartment market has been good news for renters.  A growing number of landlords continue to offer incentives to make their properties more attractive.  Here are the most common incentives we see in the DC area:
  • Free month's rent (or even 2 or 3 months of free rent)
  • 13 months rent for the price of 12
  • Free or discounted parking
  • Move in and pet fees discounted or waived
  • Reduced rent
There are still plenty of landlords not offering incentives, so don't assume this will always be an option.  But as you're apartment searching, tell your Urban Igloo agent when you really like a place that's out of your price range.  Especially with condos, we can talk with the landlord and often facilitate a match.
Neighborhood Spotlight: RosslynRosslyn
Perched across the Potomac from northwest DC, with a wide range of apartment and condo buildings, Rosslyn is a popular spot with DC area renters.  Thinking about renting in Rosslyn?  Here are some of the top reasons people move (and stay) there:
  • Proximity to DC. It's easier to get to Georgetown from Rosslyn than from most parts of the District - a mere 10 minute walk over the Key Bridge.  You can take advantage of Georgetown's restaurants, nightlife, and shopping, without paying Georgetown's rents.
  • Great neighborhood restaurants. Given its bustling weekday lunch crowd from nearby office buildings, it's no surprise that Rosslyn has lots of fast food and fast casual chain options.  But Rosslyn is also home to some of DC's most popular indie cheap eats, including Pho 75 and Ray's Hell Burger (even more popular since Obama's visit).  And Cafe Asia is always packed with locals during happy hour and dinner.
  • Unique offerings such as the Rosslyn Jazz Festival, a weekly farmers market, public art displays, 2 theaters, and instant access to a multitude of bike paths and trails.
  • Iwo Jima Park with tremendous views of the DC skyline, and a coveted spot for 4th of July fireworks.
  • Easy access to northern VA. Rosslyn is bordered by Route 50 on its south side, I-66 and GW Parkway on its north side, and 110/I-395 on its east side.  This makes it a convenient spot for people who want to live near DC but work in Tyson's, the Dulles Corridor, or other parts of northern Virginia.  It also makes for an easy getaway on weekends.
  • Metro access to blue and orange lines. Major downtown work hubs like Farragut West and Dupont Circle are just a few stops away.  On weekends, you can be at the Smithsonian's many museums from a 10-minute metro ride.  And it's just a 5-stop direct shot to Reagan National Airport.
Urban Igloo has a number of apartments available in Rosslyn, including this 1 BR, this 1 BR w/den, and this 2 BR.  See all of our Rosslyn apartments by visiting our website.
Featured Property: Connecticut Ave. in Woodley ParkConnecticut Plaza apartments
Interested in living in DC's vibrant Woodley Park?  Located just 2 blocks north of the Metro and 2 blocks south of the Zoo, this beautifully landscaped property is home to one of the best addresses in the city.  It's also one of the few apartment buildings in DC that allows cats.  Other amenities and benefits include:
  • Access to downtown by Rock Creek Parkway or Connecticut Ave.
  • 24-hour fitness center
  • Roof decks with patio furniture
  • A fully-furnished guest suite available for visiting friends or relatives
  • Fully equipped Club room for events
  • On-site garage parking (spaces limited)
Learn more about the studios, 1 BRs, and 2BRs available at this property.
What Customers Are Saying
"When I relocated from the west coast this month, I had a great experience working with the Urban Igloo team. They took all the stress out of researching and visiting potential apartments. Rick, Alex, and Debbie were knowledgeable, respected my search criteria, drove me all around town, and even advised me during the decision process. I appreciated their follow-up and the company proved very valuable. If you're new to DC or just want to feel confident about your next move, you should contact Urban Igloo - a local rental market expert."

- M. Perry (Washington, D.C.)
Comments?  Suggestions for articles?  Email us at info@urbanigloo.com.
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Interested in working as a leasing agent for Urban Igloo?  Email us at hr@urbanigloo.com.
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