I got into showing vacancies upstairs a few years ago because of a horrendous experience I had with a household of young-artist types living directly above me, whose late-night instrument practice, entertaining, and loud comings and goings at all hours had nearly driven me around the bend. When these kids moved, I told my landlord I wanted to be the one to screen the incoming tenants. He went with it, and he's called on me ever since.

The Parkway Theater, FYI, is a fabulous local indie movie-house. Albertson's is a chain supermarket out here.

I'm including the ad I wrote for the vacancy, chiefly for anthropological reasons, as kind of a snapshot or local slice-of-life. The rent is on the low side, relative to what it would have been a few years ago. This is because the local home purchase market is surging, but landlords are grumpy because there are far fewer tenants than there used to be. Probably, $850 is an average rent for a comparable unit, with similar assets, in any major American urban area. (OK, maybe not in New York.)

I am also including my ad for the benefit of any solvent, quiet, single, fully-employed professionals out there who'd like to find a place in Oakland.

$850 / 1br - Jewel of a One-Bedroom (oakland lake merritt / grand) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reply to: anon-70442203@craigslist.org Date: 2005-04-27, 9:26AM PDT

Spacious upstairs 1-bedroom in older stucco fourplex in historic Brooklyn district southeast of Lake Merritt. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and dramatic lake and hill views. Many period touches including built-in buffet and vanity. Quiet neighbors, great landlord (not me). A really special place for the money.

Convenient location near BART and major bus route. Easy walk to Parkway Theater, Albertson's, Walgreen's, lake, parks, and tennis courts. 10-minute bike ride to Grand Lake District, weekly farmer's market, or downtown.

Easy street parking. Good laundry 2 blocks away.

One month's rent (can be prorated) plus deposit amount equal to an additional month's rent pays your move-in. Asking year lease.

Unit will be shown Sunday, May 1, 1-5 PM. Knock at XXXX 1st Avenue. Email questions, or call anytime: XXXXXXXXX.
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