Renting is an appealing choice for people who either can’t afford home purchase, or find homeownership a commitment they presently can’t handle.
While the perfect time to hunt for an apartment is when you can afford and need to move, there are various factors to bear in mind that might make a certain period preferable than another. After all, every season has its benefits and drawbacks.
If you possess the flexibility to make a tactical decision regarding when to search for an apartment, selecting the right month could save you some money and a few headaches. Like numerous businesses, rentals are seasonal.
If you’re hunting for a new apartment, it’s not only important to locate the place that meets your needs but also find the best time when listings are available. Otherwise, you may face a limited selection and might not find what you’re seeking.
Although the ideal time to find a rental differs according to various factors, here are some details to consider.
Winter
Winter can be an excellent time to hunt for an apartment. Although you’ll have fewer options, landlords may be more desperate. For this reason, you can negotiate for a lower rent.
Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about much competition, which can often result in impulse decisions and signing a lease agreement without careful consideration.
Without much pressure, you’ll have the chance to weigh the cons and pros of every listing before making a decision. Winter is also the best time to renegotiate your lease agreement.
The Start of the Year
Numerous people start new jobs at the start of the year. This could imply that they have to relocate from that area or that their budgets have changed. With people relocating, you ‘ll be able to access more listings.
The Start or End of the Month
It’s advisable you begin your hunt at the beginning of the month because most people’s leases expire at the end of the month. This means that apartments will be open from the 1st of the subsequent month. Consequently, you will have the first pick of the best listings.
Alternatively, you could wait for bargains at the end of the month. At the end of the month, landlords may be desperate to find tenants and would be willing to decrease the rent charges.
May-September
A large number of Americans relocate between May and September. This is because young people commence or graduate from college throughout this time.
Furthermore, the weather’s typically more accommodating to move from one location to the next. Consequently, this period of the year registers a higher turnover of rentals compared to other times. This implies that you may have a wider choice of rentals from which to choose.
The drawback however is that this time may also register a higher demand from renters competing for the same units throughout summer. For this reason, you may have to act fast in deciding in order to avoid losing the rental to another party.
Slower Months
From October-April, fewer Americans move into rentals. Therefore, you may not have as much variety throughout this period.
If you want to know more about the best time to find an apartment, contact Apartment Agents.
Image: Finding an Apartment
