The world can seem strange when looking for an apartment. Here are some common terms to guide you in searching for the place of your dreams:
4+1: A term that refers to an apartment building containing four stories of living space and usually one level for parking.
Brownstone: A two-to-three-story stone building that is (you guessed it) brown. Brownstone, a building material made of Triassic sandstone, was widely popular in the early 20th century and can be found throughoutChicago’s Northside.
Courtyard: Typically a three-story walk-up building in the shape of a “U”. Popular among families, courtyards provide privacy, a safe place for children to play and a sense of tranquility in a bustling city. The grouping of houses around a shared courtyard was common practice among the Incas as far back as the 13th century BC.
Greystone: A two to three-story stone building that is grey.
Gut Rehab: An apartment unit with new and updated kitchens, bathrooms and refinished floors.
High-rise: A tall building that typically includes an elevator (or you should hope so) and is considered to be between 75ft to 491ft in height. High-rises often include amentities such as a roof deck, pool, workout room and doorman.
L Shaped: A term used to refer to a place that comprises half of a courtyard building.
Six Flat: A three-story walk-up building with two units on each floor.
Three Flat: Three-story walk-up building containing one unit on each level.
Mid-rise: A building usually defined as ten stories or less which has an elevator. These building typically cater to studios and one bedroom apartment sizes.
New Construction: A brand new building built within the last few years.
Modern: A description for an apartment unit that contains kitchens and bathrooms that have been updated within the last ten years. Considered one level up from a “vintage” apartment.
Vintage: An older building with character, often times containing quality custom woodwork such as crown molding.
On-Line Abbreviations
Looking on-line for an apartment can be even more confusing. Here are some abbreviations you may run into when looking at apartment listings:
1+, 2+ – The unit will have one bedroom plus a den or two bedrooms plus a den.
BRM – Bedroom
CA – Central Air
EIK – Eat in kitchen
FDR – Formal dining room
GFA – Gas forced air
HWF – Hardwood floors
LR – Living room
WBFP – Wood burning fire place
Pay Blower – Electric blower for heat and air (you will not actually pay for the heat or air conditioning, just the electric to move the fan)