And another one...

Looked at another place today. It's a bit farther from the beach, near the Five Corners area of White Rock. Technically, I guess it is 2 blocks from the beach, but it is 2 very steep blocks down the hill. Good exercise?
The place is a big condo building. Two buildings, actually. There are many units available, all about 1100 sq ft, and all about $1400. Most of them are owned by the developer of the building, and are therefore for sale. The price is pretty high, and the lady that showed us says they aren't selling very well as a result. Moving into a place that is for sale seems kind of dumb, but moving from one unit to another, in maybe a year or two or more, or less, seems okay, if the place is nice.
First place was too small, and smelled bad from cigarette smoke. The second place was gorgeous, but it was a display unit, and only for sale, not for rent (too bad!). She showed us that one because it is the same as hers, which is available. Problem is, it is on the first floor, and on the north side, and barely has any balcony. So, what's the sense in living in White Rock if you can't at least SEE that beach? So we left, considering one of the units that are for sale. We like them, and they are big, and the price is okay, and we haven't heard from the one on the beach yet, so who knows what happens.
We have talked more about the one on the beach, and we think that after a year there we will either be deaf, or crazy. The noise on Marine Drive is actually quite bad. Not just partying, but Harleys. I have nothing against Harleys, or their drivers, but why do they have to be do damned loud? And why do they always travel in groups of 12 or more?
So, we went out for dinner and talked about it. When we got home, Jennifer, the lady from the condo, had called to say that there was yet another unit available due to someone backing out. This unit is, get this, it's a long-term rent, on the south side, on the second floor, and has a freaking huge deck! And a small one! Here's the catch - it is a couple hundred dollars higher in price. Now, we need to take into consideration that heat and gas are included in the rent, which saves a bit. We also need to take into consideration that it is very secure, as opposed to the back alley parking of the other one. It may not be right on the beach, and maybe that is a good thing, as it will be a little quieter. It is within walking distance to restaurants and coffee shops, but so is the other one. What to do?

I think the choice will be easy - Bill (the beach unit) hasn't returned my call, and hasn't let us know what is going on, and Jennifer (the condo lady) is ready to give us a key tonight (well, close - she is emailing an application as a formality). I phoned her tonight and told her she can call me anytime until 11PM. It's now 10:26PM. I don't think she is going to call tonight :o(

So, now we wait.