Month: November 2019

|In: Apartment Homes|Last Updated:
How to Find a Rental You Can Afford – An Apartment Hunter’s Guide

There are many reasons why people rent apartments. Some people rent them because the average rents are lower than other housing options. Then there are those who like the idea of community living and the recreational opportunities an apartment complex may offer. And some people just rent them because they have no other options. Whatever your reasons might be, here are some useful tips to help you find the perfect apartment to meet your price and your needs.

Location – You probably want to find a place that is centrally located to your work, school, or favorite hang outs. What good would it do to find a good rental price if you end up spending the money you saved on fuel? Not only that, but the additional driving time would add to your costs.

Amenities – Make sure the apartments you are considering have all the extras you need. For example, if you must have a tennis court in your complex to ensure you stay fit, then you should only look for apartments that have them. On the other hand, if a complex has amenities you don’t need, you might want to look elsewhere to save money.

Living space and decor – Figure out exactly how much space you need and try to stick to it. Keep in mind that extra, wasted space will cost you extra, wasted money. The same thing goes for decor. Some apartments come with fancy designs and vaulted ceilings. If you don’t really have to have those, you will save money by finding a more simple design.

Use an online tool to help you search – There are websites to help you search for apartments using specific criteria. You can use the results of the search to narrow down your list of possible apartments. Once you have a list of possibilities, you can go to each apartment complex link and send a query requesting additional information. A good reason to do this is you’ll have documentation from each place you’re interested in. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

  • Is there a security gate?
  • Do you have security patrols and how often?
  • What is included in the rental amount?

Now that you have all your responses, you should be able to make a short list of places you are very interested in. For every complex on the short list, you need to pay a visit and do the following:

1. Check to see if the area and grounds are properly maintained.

2. Ask to see a sample unit (or the actual unit) of the type you are interested in.

3. Does the place feel safe to you? Sometimes your gut instinct can be absolutely correct.

4. If you get the opportunity, talk to some current residents about the place.

5. If you’re really interested in a particular apartment, don’t take it just yet. Since renting a place is a big decision and the sales staff can be very persuasive, you may want to …

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|In: Apartment Living|Last Updated:
10 Steps To Find An Apartment – Tips & Tricks

Follow these simple steps:

STEP 1: Invest time:

First thing first, you have to invest some time in thinking about everything you need to get the perfect apartment. You need time to think about what you really need. When you have a family to think about, there are specific things you must consider while choosing an apartment. So, just spend some time with your family members and discuss about all the things you require in your new apartment. Determine the priorities, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, how far you are willing to commute, and amenities like Gym, pools and laundry facilities.

STEP 2: Prepare a budget:

This is important. You need to prepare a budget. In your budget consider not only rent but how much do you likely to spend on things like utilities, cable, internet, telephone, gas, etc. If you want to live downtown, then you better be ready to open your pocket book up and pay the price. So think every aspect of your financial situation while preparing a budget.

STEP 3: Research Neighborhoods:

With priorities and a well-established budget you can now research different environments. When researching, find out the average rent in the area, find out if there are parks, find the types of shops, clubs, and restaurants in the vicinity; and whether traffic and parking are problems.

STEP 4: Decide on Broker:

Now carefully decide whether to use a broker. Brokers will save you a lot of time and possibly also get lower rent than you will get than when you negotiate on your own. But the downside is that in a big city it will cost you as much as 15% of your annual rent.

STEP 5: Check classifieds:

Check classified ads, both print and online, to see what is available and at what rate in a particular neighborhood. The most convenient and popular choice for many people is online apartment locators. Websites like ApartmentGuide, ApartmentSource, MyNewPlace and allow you to choose from a list of apartments based on the price you want to pay each month. Craigslist is also popular among cheap apartment hunters. Many newspapers have posted their classified advertisements online. Try national and local newspapers.

STEP 6 Contact landlord::

When you see a list of promising apartments, contact the owner or property manager immediately to make an appointment.

Step 7: Inspect the apartment:

Now you must inspect the apartment keenly, compare the apartment with your requirement. Does it suits your taste and your requirement of your whole family.

STEP 8: Submit Application:

If you are happy with the apartment and you think that it can become your perfect home then without any further delay submit an application to the landlord immediately. Because good apartment can go quickly.

Step 9: Sign the contract:

Make sure that you understand the term of the lease. If you agree with all the terms and conditions, then sign the lease contract.

STEP 10: Move-In:

After signing the contract, establish a move-in date, and arrange to pay …

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