Lessons Learned from Casa Hunting in BCN

Mission: find an apartment in 10 days.

Challenge: navigating the Spanish system as dumb Americans, a.k.a. ‘gringos’.

Lesson #1: Just because someone has a website and an email address (and the website says to email them if you’re interested), does not mean they will reply… or even read your email at all. It is always best to contact people over the phone or just show up in person.

Lesson #2: Avoid places described as ‘cozy’, ‘intimate’, or ‘great for students’. English translation - you’ll be living in a cozy, comfy, intimate CLOSET. We literally saw places that were the size of two cubicles.

Lesson #3: It should never be assumed that you will have windows or closets or an elevator for units on the 10^th plus floor. These are luxuries.

Lesson #4: Security deposit in Spain = 2-4 months, ouch. With a 1.5 exchange rate, OUCH.

Lesson #5: La luz (the lights) = electricity. We were told it was a great deal b/c we only had to pay for the lights. Only to find out later that means we pay for the electicity which means we pay for the Air, Heat, Stove, and yes, even the Lights. We still aren't sure why that’s a great deal.

Lesson #6: Photos really are worth 1,000 words. If someone only posts three photos and one is of the ceiling, don’t go. See example below:

And finally, Lesson #7: Pull the trigger fast! If you find a great place, then take it. It won’t be there tomorrow.

In the end all of the hard work was worth it. We found a place that we love… and with 3 days to spare! See photos below: