Looking for a new place to live? Craigslist is a great place to search! But instead of just looking through the housing ads, write one yourself and post it in the "Housing Wanted" section. Here's why:

1. You can save time by not combing through ads and sending out multiple inquiries.

2. You will attract the notice of landlords/roommates who are themselves proactive and are particular about getting a good "fit" for their offered accommodation.

3. There are a number of excellent living situations that may not be technically "legal", but are also safe, pleasant, and a good deal. Owners of basement apartments, in-law accommodations, etc, may not want to advertise for fear of attracting the attention of building inspectors. As such, they are looking to fill the space through word-of-mouth or, you guessed it, reading "housing wanted" ads. This sort of situation can be a real gem, particularly if you are looking for short-term or month-to-month leasing.

You need to create a strong, informative headline in order to get a good prospective landlord or roommate to read your housing wanted ad. Keep in mind that on Craigslist, ads are listed by date, with only the headline visible. It is only after a reader clicks on the headline that they will see your ad.

Landlords and roommates are going to be scanning those headlines for possible matches: The more specific you are in the headline, the easier it will be for a reader who has what you need to find you. In the headline, make sure that you indicate the following:

1. The maximum rent that you wish to pay each month. Typically this is listed first in the headline.

2. Whether it is single person, a couple, a family, or a parent with a child that is seeking accommodation.

3. If you have a strong preference for location, indicate it either by cross streets or a public transportation station/stop.

4. What sort of accommodation do you seek? An apartment? A studio? A room?

5. When do you need the accommodation?

6. If you are looking for a roommate, indicate your gender and age range (i.e. "mid-twenties" or "early thirties").

Informative headlines would read like these:

"$700 (incl utilities), Professional woman in her mid-30s, seeks own room near Central train station before 10/1"

"$450 + utilities, male student in his early twenties, needs own room near Jane Doe University campus for school year by 9/15"

"$800+ utilities, m/f couple needs sublet for June, July, August, near public transportation"

Remember, your housing wanted posting is advertising: You are trying to sell yourself as a renter, lodger, or roommate. Your ad should focus on the benefits of renting to/rooming with you, rather than just listing what you need/want in a living situation.

How to Sell Yourself in a Housing Wanted Ad:

• Landlords and roommates are primarily concerned with your ability to pay rent and to get along with people. Having a good work record is reassuring on both counts, particularly if you are willing to provide both proof of income and length of employment. In your ad, you could use language like this:

"I am employed, and have been with the same company for the past 5 years. My company's human resources department will be happy to confirm this."

• The fewer "deal breakers" you have, the better, so if you are very flexible about your situation, play that up. For example:

"I don't have any pets, but I am very pet-friendly. I don't smoke or drink, but don't mind you do. I am a vegetarian, but not militant about it, and have no problem living with meat-eaters."

• If you have any special skills or resources, list those. In fact, if you have a skill or resource that a roommate or landlord can make use of, you may even be able to get a break on the rent.

"I am an avid gardener and would love to find a place with a garden (or space for a garden."

"I've worked in landscaping and would consider exchanging landscaping work for a reduction in rent."

"I have my own vehicle and can help with transportation needs in exchange for a rent reduction."

• If your situation is a bit unusual (i.e. you are looking for a room to rent or a roommate and you are over the age of 35), you may want to consider including a short explanation in your ad, such as "I'm going through a divorce." or "I've just moved to the area and am saving up for a down payment on a place of my own." This might nip in the bud any questions about your stability.

After you have explained the benefits of having you as a housemate/renter, you should then explain what you need in a living space. In particular, you need to list your "deal breakers: Those things that will absolutely prevent you from being able to even consider living in a particular place.

Needs and deal breakers will vary from person to person, but here are some big ones:

Smoking: If you want to be able to smoke, or can't live with a smoker, say so.

If you are a night person, can you live with day people or vice-versa? If schedules collide, tensions can rise quickly.

If you don't drive, you need to be near public transportation and/or your school/job. Ideally you should indicate which neighborhoods you are interested in, while also stating your need for public transportation.

Dietary issues (i.e. vegetarianism or extreme food allergies), religious convictions, political positions, etc can all be high conflict issues in a living situation. If you have strong feelings about any of these, list them in your ad.

Do you need storage space? Do you need access to a kitchen and/or a living area besides your room? Do you need your own bathroom?

Do you have medical issues that may require special accommodations such as cold storage for medications, disposal/special handling of hypodermic needles, monitoring of your physical well-being such as looking out for insulin shock and/or seizures? Are you in a wheelchair and need an accessible space? Do you need access to a telephone land-line in case of emergencies?

Do you have pets? Do you like pets? Do you have allergies to pets?

Is the place furnished? If it is, and you have your own furniture, will the landlord move their furniture out?

How long will the place be available? In other words, will you be expected to sign a lease for a set period of time, or will you be renting month-to-month?

Do you have a significant other that will need to stay with you from time-to-time (particularly if they are long distance and need a place to stay when in town)? State this in your ad. Also, are you cool with significant other sleepovers? If not, state that in your ad as well.

Are you a musician who needs to practice or an artist with smelly, messy paints? Potential landlords and/or roomies should know about this.

Do you need Internet access? Cable television? Be specific about what you will need (wireless, land line, etc).

End your ad with a friendly, positive conclusion. Also, be sure to ask respondents to provide you with the best way to contact them (phone, email, etc) and best times for them to be reached. I wish you the best in your housing search!