Locating a good apartment is subjective. After all, what’s perfect for you in terms of location, size, and amenities might not be the same for somebody else. Since an apartment search is subjective, you must identify how to find the best fit.
Moving into a new space is thrilling but also nerve-wracking. After all, you want everything to be perfect, from the layout and location to the amenities and the overall cost. However, before locating your ideal rental and signing a contract, consider this checklist.
1. Establish a Budget
You can easily overlook the rental cost of an apartment once you see your dream rental with stunning views, a roomy living room, and a perfect location. That’s why you must establish a budget before starting your search.
Sit down and establish what you can afford monthly while considering other costs such as utilities, groceries, and social activities. With a budget in mind, you won’t find yourself considering a rental that’s beyond your financial capacity.
2. Layout and Size
It’s advisable to consider space before you begin your search. Consider the number of bedrooms you want and the square footage you require to accommodate all your belongings. You also want to consider any unique considerations your rental must meet.
If you telecommute, ensure you look at rentals where you can change a space into an office. If you like entertaining, you might want to restrict your search to areas with huge living rooms.
3. The Time of Year
The time of year that you conduct an apartment search can affect the amount of rental price you end up paying. While a range of rentals might be accessible throughout the summer, the costs will be higher because many people look for rentals during that period.
If time isn’t a priority in your search, it might be best to locate an apartment rental from October-December or February-March. Bear in mind that fewer people look for rentals during the cold season or when the holiday season approaches.
4. Transportation and Parking
This feature is a significant aspect of a good apartment. When examining listings, you should note whether on-site parking is available. If not, you might want to call and inquire how accessible and close street parking is next to the building.
An ideal rental doesn’t include a long walk from your parking space. If you lack a vehicle, you should establish how near to public transportation a prospective rental is. The listing might comprise this information or you could conduct a fast map check.
5. Narrow down the search
While an apartment visit is necessary, checking out all the rentals you view online can be a waste of time. The advantage of the Internet is that it allows you to do most of the rental search from the comfort of your home. Pick out 3-4 rentals that are worth the visit then arrange an in-person visit.
6. Amenities
List all the extras you desire in a rental. They can include a dryer and washer, a gym, and a pool. List them according to priority because you probably won’t find a place with all of them. Recognizing what you desire the most can help you examine whether a rental is an appropriate fit even if it doesn’t have all the amenities you seek.
Final Thoughts
Selecting a new rental isn’t a minor task. However, taking the extra time to factor all the nice-to-have and must-have features might help ensure you locate a place you’ll enjoy calling home. The ultimate objective is to locate a place that matches your lifestyle but you must go through various listings. Fortunately, this guide sheds light on what to do to locate the perfect apartment.
For more information on how to choose the perfect apartment, contact Apartment Agents or leave a comment.