Before you start apartment hunting, you’ll want to prepare your budget, checklist, and questions.
Finding the right place to live can be a little more difficult than people expect.
Your dream home is out there, you just have to do some work to find it.
Your first consideration will be where you want to live and what you can afford in that area. Be sure to also think about Type of apartment If you are looking for or want to live with roommates. There are a lot of decisions that can affect your search, so we’ve come up with some apartment hunting tips to guide you through the process.
1. Plan your expenses
The first thing you should do before you start apartment hunting is to budget what you will spend on your apartment. This includes your rent, all utilities, groceries and any move-in expenses you expect. Also remember any other payments you have, such as gas, parking, phone bills, internet, credit cards and any other debts or obligations. It is a common practice to keep your rent payments below 30 percent of your monthly income. This allows you to save and plan for your other monthly expenses.
It is important to note that there are features that can make an apartment more or less expensive. For example, living in the middle of an apartment building is usually cheaper because people will pay more to live on the upper or lower floors. Also, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms greatly affects the price, so consider how much living space you need and don’t go overboard.
If you’re having a hard time budgeting what you can spend, a great tool that can help is a Rent Affordability Calculator. This takes into account the type of apartment you want and tells you what you can afford based on your income.
2. Consider the season
Most people prefer to travel during the summer months as the weather is more pleasant. During these months, more units are available, but demand for apartments drives up prices. think about Moving during the winter That’s when rental prices are lower and you’re more likely to get a bargain.
3. Do self-monitoring
When you enter any apartment that you are looking at, you should make sure that there is nothing that the owner wants to hide. First, check inside cabinets and on top of shelves for animal droppings. Also, check that all sinks and showers run clean. Finally, make sure you bring a phone charger to make sure the outlets work. Many of these problems are often swept under the rug, so check thoroughly.
4. Bring a tape measure
You want to make sure that all of your favorite furniture fits in your new apartment. Bring a tape measure and be sure to measure the entrances and hallways of the building as well as the apartment.
5. Ask questions
Ask as many questions as any property shows during your walkthrough. Here are some questions you should ask your property manager:
- Is there a garage and is there a parking fee?
- How do I request a maintenance order?
- Are utilities included in the rent payment?
- Are there income requirements and if so, do I need a guarantor?
- Is there a laundry room in the building?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you should have a better idea of what the apartment and building includes. Next, you want to ask the most important question of all.
6. Ask about pets
Something that many people will definitely want to ask is if their pets are allowed. Pet policies Varies among different apartment complexes and most will not allow them without a fee.
7. Don’t rush
Be sure to take your time as you go through the complex and unit. When property managers show their units, they often have a lot on their minds about other tour groups, current tenant issues, and operations to take care of. They may try to see you as quickly as possible.
However, this is their job and you can take as long as you like to view the apartment. Take some of their time to make a connection by talking about yourself and asking questions so they remember you. This makes them more likely to choose your application over others.
8. Check cell reception
Often in homes and commercial buildings, there are places where the internet does not work. The signal can be disrupted in any room of the apartment for a number of reasons. Be sure to go through each room to check for service and find any dead zones in the unit.
9. Consider roommates
If you haven’t already, you should think about it Lives with roommates. Living with roommates will help you make the most of your time and money. Roommates can make life more fun and more affordable. Many people live with roommates for years after needing to so they can save money for future living expenses.
10. Make a checklist
Often people get overwhelmed while apartment hunting and forget to check the places and things they prioritized. try to make Organized list All your wants and needs in an apartment. You can check your list as you go through your travels and use that information to create pros and cons that will help you finalize your decision.
11. Read reviews
Some apartment complexes and real estate agencies are known for bad practices. Most people are very vocal online when they find something they really like or don’t like. Make sure you Google the company and read reviews to gather background information before your tour.
12. Find the best contact
Most lists will always give you a general place to reach if you’re interested. However, if you are serious about listing and want to move quickly, you should use any contact information listed. Often the person showing the apartment will also have a phone number that you can contact directly.
13. Negotiate within reason
If you feel there is room to do so, you should try to negotiate the rental price. A good time to negotiate prices is when the unit has a lot of problems that need to be fixed. You can also negotiate if the building or unit does not include the amenities you want. The property manager may be willing to sacrifice some rent if you sign a lease.
14. Know when to capitalize
You should also know when you have to capitalize on a listing before you lose it. If you’re looking to rent during the popular months, odds are you won’t be alone looking at the unit you want. It’s important to follow-up with the property manager frequently because apartments can be taken very quickly and you want them to be interested in you. If you see an opportunity that is too good to be true, it probably is and you should jump on it.
15. Consider what you’re willing to compromise
Finding the perfect home with all your desires can be difficult. There will most likely be some sacrifices and compromises. If you’re searching with friends or especially a partner, you may have different ideas about what you want in an apartment. In the end, it’s usually best to know when to compromise so you can sign the lease and make your spouse happy.
16. Fill the applications
If you find an apartment you’re confident about, see if there’s an application available before you go. Some apartments will post their application online, or you can ask the manager. That way if you like the apartment when you get there, you’ll already have your paperwork ready. It can even put you ahead of someone who didn’t fill out the paperwork before looking.
17. Get renters insurance
Renter’s Insurance It’s more important than people think and it’s much cheaper. This protects everything you own inside your apartment in the event of a fire or burglary. This can be done in one to two phone calls to a local insurance agent. Just make sure you estimate the total value of all your belongings inside the apartment before you call, as this is the only non-personal information you’ll usually have to provide.
18. Take pictures
You will need proof of what your apartment unit looked like when you moved in. Many times the owner will try to take a larger portion of the security deposit than they need. However, if you can provide pictures of what the apartment looked like when you moved in, they will usually back down.
19. Check the area
Make sure you drive around the neighborhood before you sign anything and make sure it’s a town you want to live in. Walk through the schools and local restaurants to really experience the lifestyle you’re living. Also, look to see what people are saying about the area online and check crime reports to make sure you’re moving into a safe neighborhood.
It can also be helpful to check the area at different times of the day or week. The neighborhood will look very different on a Wednesday afternoon compared to Friday rush hour. Will there be parking when you get home after work? Is the neighborhood noisy when the local school lets out? These factors are good to be aware of ahead of time.
20. Plan ahead
If you’re not in a rush to find a place to live, there’s no reason to rush the process. Give yourself plenty of time to decide what you want in an apartment, then go find it. Moving into a new home is a big deal, so you really want to make sure you’re prepared.
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Find your perfect apartment today
Finding a home can take a lot of time and travel, but when you find the right home, it’s worth it. People spend a lot of time dealing with housing shocks. Now that you know these apartment hunting tips, you should feel confident to start a new search apartment Without any hesitation.
Sources: Humane Society | Mortgage Reports
