Apartment Hunting Tips

You may be getting tired of that old apartment you’re renting or perhaps you just need something to better accommodate your changing needs. Well, before you pack up all your belongings and sign a new lease at the first apartment you see, make sure you check out all your options! To help you find the perfect, new place to call home, check out these tips to help your apartment hunting run smoothly.

Make A List. Before you start touring apartments, make a list of your must haves. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? This may be the first thing on your list because just those two answers can significantly narrow down your choices right off the bat.  What types of features or luxury amenities are on your list? Remember, you want a place that will suit all your needs and have all the conveniences you want. Once you have your list, let the tours begin!

Location. Are you looking for a luxury apartment in New Jersey? Florida? California? Depending on where you are planning to move, you need to figure out where you will be moving to. Perhaps you are staying in the local community where you grew up or you are moving to an area closer to work. While making a list is important, it’s also important to know where you want to move.

Parking. Many apartment complexes have certain regulations about parking and figuring out what they are before you sign the lease could make or break the deal. Some allow for only one or two spaces per apartment and others just provide first-come-first-serve street parking. Make sure you investigate the parking situation because it could become extremely problematic. Just think – where will your guests park? Is that slender-spaced parking lot going to fit your truck or SUV? Be aware of the parking situation at every apartment so you know how convenient or not convenient parking will be. 

Neighbors. Parking and location aren’t the only factors in choosing the best apartment. Are the neighbors in your age range? Do they have kids? Take a closer look at the people who you may be living next to and see if their demographics fit your lifestyle. You want to find a place where you feel like you belong and have some sort of compatibility with. You never know if you’ll really need to borrow that cup of sugar from next door.

Utilities. Is the apartment you are checking out include certain utilities in the rent or lease agreement? Sometimes you will find that complexes will pay for a portion of your water bill or garbage removal. Either way, a complex that offers that can save you money in the long haul and can be an added perk. Make sure you read the fine print before you sign so you know if you are getting the best deal!