Guys, I need advice.

You may all remember that I’m moving to San Francisco to do fellowship. In about 5 weeks. 5 weeks. Back in March, when I was browsing for housing, I stumbled on options for on-campus housing that was right above the hospital. Beautiful apartment buildings overlooking the valley with free parking spaces. It sounded perfect for a transplant like me – I’m still sort of petrified at the idea of living in one of the “densest metropolis in the country”. I applied right away and thought that since I had applied early (the website recommended applying about 2 months early, this was almost 3.5), I thought my housing problems were solved. It’s been hectically busy and I haven’t had the time to browse for apartments nor the time to fly out there, etc. I know, I know, putting all of your eggs in a basket before they hatch – stupid. But honestly, as a person who does believe in prayer, this felt like an answer to prayer and that things would work out.

Sum up: this week, after many unanswered emails and unhelpful conversations with desk clerks, I finally got in contact with the housing supervisor who stated that “we have a very limited number of apartments in July and a lengthy waitlist” and that there was a “slim chance” that I would be offered an apartment. Cue the freakout. I’ve poured over craigslist postings and other websites, got on the church housing mailing list, and have been emailing like mad. I’ve heard back from 3 people: there’s a shoebox available, a 1 bedroom “in-law” apartment that is about the size of my living room now, or a room with a single mother and her 6 year old child or a room in a house with 3 other women (but I’d only have to share the bathroom with one other person) that’s a ways from the hospital.

I’m just… I’ve been constantly nauseated for the last 2 days. I didn’t sleep last night. I am truly worried about this. It’s not just finding an apartment, it’s finding an apartment long distance. Because if I thought I didn’t have time before, I definitely don’t have time now.

So my question: 1 – who lives in SF and is willing to go apartment shopping for me. I jest. Not really. 2 – who has done the long distance apartment hunt and how did you do it? 3 – Has anybody used a realtor/property manager before? Recommendations? I’m really starting to lean this way, because renting an apartment without seeing it sounds horrifying. I remember college and looking for apartments and some of the death traps that were billed as “charming.” But from what I’m seeing, using a realtor is expensive. 10-15% of the “yearly rent” and since the monthly rents are more than my mortgage here, that’s costly. I’ll pay it if I need to, but ouch. This moving thing is going to drain me of every penny in my savings.

I’ve contacted the program coordinator and hope to get some assistance from her. But any advice you all can offer would be great too.