And, we have a winner. Three months of searching have finally paid off. This week, I was successful in finding a little “convertible” to call my own - at least for the next twelve months. It turns out, that, when it came to compromising, not much was needed after all - it truly is a renter’s market. Whew. All it took was a lot of patience and legwork (did I mention patience?).

Yes, my (hopefully) future place is small, but it is affordable and in a safe neighborhood. Since it is a convertible, I actually ended up with more space than expected. I feel like I just got a raise!

There was some give and take, of course. I figure I can handle paying for my own cable and not having a fitness center in the building, especially if it means extra space and a pool. Yes, that’s right - it has a pool and a sauna. Much more take than give on that one. Oh happy day… oh happy day (gospel chorus chime in at anytime).

There is only one problem. I know, your thinking, ‘What could possibly be wrong with this picture?’ OK, two problems - paperwork and rent.

I’ve done the research and the hunting and have found ‘the one.’ I’m supposed to be done. But, now, instead of decorating my future apartment , I have to focus on applications and fine print - ugh.

Not only does this tedious process have me completely dazed and confused, but also nerve-wracked. What if I don’t make it through the application process (after all, the woman wasn’t very friendly)? Have I put all my renting eggs in one apartment basket? Did I look at enough places? Why do they need to know all that information?

For the next week, I will be pulling out my hair as I complete my application and biting my nails as it is processed (do I even have a credit score?). That’s not the end of it - then, there’s the lease. And, all of this is supposed to get done in nine days?

Last comes the hardest part - handing over my hard-earned money. So much for that adorable couch that would have been perfect. Blow up furniture and well-worn futons are still in style, right?

Well, one thing is for sure as I head into the unknown - I’m very glad to have the WilliamPaid team in my corner, giving me advice and cheering me on. (For all of you renters out there, they are great listeners, have great ideas and would love to answer your questions, too.)

Wish me luck as I finish up this long, drawn-out process. Hopefully, next week, I will be writing as a proud (albeit broke) renter in the city.