Flat viewing

Last night I couldn't sleep, so I ended up working close to midnight. I got up around 7AM, did Insanity, showered and ready to be picked up by my agent at 10AM. His name is Alex. He told me that we only had 7 flats to view because there were not a lot of pet friendly flats, plus HR didn't tell him what the budget was. I told him how much my monthly budget was, and after other expenses, we found out I could have up to £600 per week max. It's doable but I can't spend too much on eating out. I also told him that an agent emailed me two flats that are pet friendly in Marylebone. He made an appointment for one of the flats, and we were off to see the first one. When we were driving there, he gently schooled me on the flat market in London. Basically if I see something that I like, make a quick decision for an offer and don't be too picky. I'm in. My goal was to pick one by Friday, which was the next day.

The first one was very tiny, unfurnished, carpeted which I'm not too crazy about but it was clean, recently painted and it's right besides a park. Very convenient for Chloe. £410 per week. The location is 5 stars. Close to Marylebone High Street, Baker St. And Marylebone Stations. The other downside is a little dark, it has windows but it's on ground level. If there's nothing today, I will make an offer on this one. 

The next one is not too bad also, it's quite spacious, two bedrooms and furnished. The location is fine, by Oxford Circus station, this became my second option. £510 per week. The area is called Fitzoria, not so posh compared to Marylebone. By the way, the word 'posh' is so British. 

The next one was the one I found. It's actually 3 buildings away from the first one, so it's by Paddington Park, again, very posh area. The rent is £575, unfurnished. It's definitely bigger than the first one, recently refurbished, new appliances, wood floor, has more built in storage than the other one. I know it's expensive, but I will eat ramen noodles every lunch for this place. There it is. I made an offer for £525, hoping they will accept it at £550. Before the end of the day, I found out it was accepted. Woohoo! Now it's just the contract negation. The landlord wants 8 weeks deposit because of the dog. We'll see what UPS says. After the offer was accepted, now I'm nervous, can I afford it? I still have to rent furniture. That night I did my budget, I estimated the costs for food, utilities, transport, rent, wifi, etc. I'm happy to say I can afford the place. No ramen noodles every day. 

The red dot is the flat, 0.3 mile from Baker St. Tube station, which has two lines run from and to Waterloo station.

Talking about tubes and train, since I got the housing issue situated, I asked Rebecca if she wanted to meet for coffee on Friday. I suggested we meet at Woking, where my office is. It's a good practice before Tuesday, my first day of work. I was a bit nervous, this would be the first time I took a tube ride. Of course, I rode Metro in DC, subway in NYC and Marta in Atlanta but this is London, and I have to switch to a different platform for the train. I jumped on Bakerloo line from Marylebone station and got off at Waterloo. I went up and came up to a train terminal. Behind me was a giant board, like at the airport, that listed destination, time of departure and the platform number. 

I queued at the ticket counter to buy a seasoned ticket. According to the website, it would be £278 for one month seasoned ticket. It's much cheaper than 18 quibs per round trip if I buy a one time ticket. After I got the ticket, I went to the platform for Woking. The train to Woking leaves every 5 minutes. I'm sure it's less in the evening. The trip to Woking was around than 20 minutes. We only made one stop. Rebecca told me that she would be on the town side waiting for me. I looked for her but didn't see anybody. I called her and turned out I was not on the town side. Soon she showed up. Funny, she was not how I pictured her. We walked to the office, a 5 minute walk. I met everybody at the office and they were all nice. Quiet office. They had Bloomberg in the room that I will be in. I will miss watching CNBC. I also saw Aaron and Pat. Aaron just moved with his family. Pat is going to move soon. Both will live in Woking area. I had a good visit and a good practice taking the public transport.