Gone are the days when apartment hunting involved scanning the newspaper classifieds carefully to locate a place to live. Today, you can access countless listings easily through various rental search engines and digital databases.
However, it’s difficult to know the best tools to use because of the many options. Fortunately, this guide is a good starting point regardless of whether you’re new at apartment hunting or a veteran.
1. Craigslist
The rental website is necessary for all renters since you can strike some great deals because land lords and owners can post their listings directly at no cost. You can set a cost range, filter by fee, and indicate some amenities.
You can find some great selections on this site unlike others and it’s particularly great for things like condominiums and very small, independent complexes because they wish to avoid the hassle of signing up for other sites.
You must always be cautious of scammers though you can make them verify their identity by simply meeting up with them. If you find that they’re unwilling, they’re most likely scammers.
2. Zillow
Zillow is a flexible tool for those seeking to buy a new home as well as those looking for rentals. You’ll also discover it’s easy to use and a huge number of listed apartments are often updated.
The tool allows users to save searches, check out neighborhoods, and obtain comprehensive information regarding each rental. The tool has a list view and map, enabling you to see the kind of apartment that’s available in terms of price and size.
3. Hotpads
Hotpads is an incredibly dynamic and in-depth search engine that offers a list of rentals nationwide. Users can set the basics, for instance price as well as apartment type and size. However, you won’t find filters for amenities or neighborhoods.
Instead, users can search for keywords. You’ll discover the default view comprises a user-friendly map along with a list and overlays that reveal an apartment’s proximity to bike lanes and public transportation.
This tool further informs users of the duration of a property’s listing on the site as well as the degree of interest in the property.
The platforms is ideal if you’re cautious of listings without photos. In fact, the filter allows you to search for listings with numerous photos only. The tool also features map icons that reveal the type of rental you’re examining instantly.
The map-based interface also enables you to browse around in the neighborhood you wish to live. You simply need to click on the icons, so you can view contact details and quick stats.
4. Trulia
Trulia is an all-in-one property site that allows you to search for rentals or homes as well as properties to purchase.
The tool allows users to save places on a preferred list for future use, contact properties, and sort by category number. You can also establish the neighborhood’s crime levels on the map.
5. Rent.com
Rent.com helps you save money by providing moving quotes once you list the size of the home, its location, and where you’re headed. If you wish to obtain an insider’s look at a prospective home, the tool provides a virtual tour through several of the properties on its site.
Final Thoughts
Apartment hunting can be a time consuming and overwhelming process, especially if you don’t know where to start. Nevertheless, this guide provides insight into some of the tools that will facilitate your next search.
For information on apartment search tools, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.