How To Find The Right Apartment For You

How To Find The Right Apartment For You

Learn how to find the right apartment! With apartment living becoming more and more common, finding a suitable apartment can often be a challenge. Many prospects are in a time crunch and need to know the best and most effective ways to locate their new home. There are so many options, and narrowing down your search is necessary to discover the space that’s right for you.

Finding the right apartment for you can be a journey. Since apartments continue to become more popular, there are more and more options, which gives you more to evaluate. With each community varying widely, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. Not to mention, signing a lease is a commitment. It’s essential that you feel confident with your apartment selection.

If you’re looking to make the entire process more accessible, you will need the right toolset and resources. Not to mention, the world of searching for an apartment is always changing. With more virtual aspects, the steps in your search may be different now.

New apartment resources bring to light the apartments that are available within your area. Perhaps you are moving to a new city, and want to get paid to relocate. Make your search more manageable with the proper guidance. Making the final decision does not come easy, but with the tips below, you can feel sure about your decision.

In this blog, I’ll unveil the secrets behind effective apartment hunting strategies. By sharing my own experiences with virtual tours and in-person visits, I’ll help you make an informed decision.

Prepare For Your Apartment Search 

Determine your non-negotiables.

Starting with a clear idea of what you want will be essential to finding the right place to live. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, it will be tough to narrow down the options. Perhaps, there are features and amenities that you absolutely can’t live without. If you have a pet, this is something you will want to take note of. The more clear you get on what you want, the easier it will be to find it. It will also help you weed out any options that are irrelevant or that you do not want to spend time further exploring.

Each person has aspects of an apartment that they simply can’t live without. Before starting your search for the right apartment, you should make a list and decide on your non-negotiables. Review the list below to consider if these non-negotiables are on your list!

Apartment hunting becomes less overwhelming when you use filters for price, size, and amenities on search platforms. To start your search effectively, set up alerts on apartment search websites for new listings that match your criteria.

Safety:

• Secure locks on doors and windows
• Functional smoke detectors
• Adequate lighting in common areas and entrances

Cleanliness:

• No signs of pests or vermin
• Clean floors, walls, and appliances
• Proper waste disposal facilities

Utilities:

• Reliable electricity and water supply
• Adequate heating and cooling systems
• Functional plumbing and drainage
• First-time renters should request a mock-up of their utility bills from past tenants.

Location:

• Access to public transportation if needed
• Proximity to essential amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.
• Safe and well-maintained neighborhood

Space:

• Sufficient square footage for your needs
• Proper layout for living, dining, and sleeping areas
• Satisfactory storage space (closets, cabinets, etc.)

Lease Terms:

• Reasonable rent within your budget
• Clear lease agreement outlining rights and responsibilities
• Fair policies regarding maintenance, repairs, and lease termination

Pet Policy:

• Permitted to have pets if applicable
• Clear rules and fees associated with pet ownership

Noise Level:

• Quiet environment conducive to rest and work
• Soundproofing to minimize noise from neighbors or outside traffic

Parking:

• Designated parking space or access to nearby parking facilities

Amenities:

• Access to laundry facilities
• Gym, pool, or other amenities if desired

Internet and Connectivity:

• Access to high-speed internet services

Accessibility:

• Adequate accessibility features if required (e.g., elevator, ramps)

Your non-negotiables are features or qualities you have to have in a home. Getting clear on what you want beforehand will ensure that you move forward in the right direction. With apartment communities now having such a variety of features, it’s crucial to narrow down your essentials.

During your apartment search, you can be sure to ask about these items and qualities and see if they measure up to what you’re looking for. It will make comparing your options a lot easier, and you’ll end up in a place that has everything you need!

Budget Long Term 

While searching for the right apartment, it’s essential to remember that apartment expenses are not just a one-time occasion. Rent, utilities, pet fees, etc., are most likely on a monthly payment system. When reviewing the overall apartment costs, look at your budget long-term. Likely, what you can afford at the moment might not be the best option for every month. 

To uncover cheap apartments without compromising on quality, focus on lesser-known neighborhoods or consider a longer lease for a reduced rate, tactics seldom discussed but effective. Track out your projected expenses for the length of the lease, and see if the price is a good fit. Your credit score can also affect your apartment expenses, so be sure to review your current score to know where you stand.

Remember the possible expenses below that can occur and ensure they’re built into your long-term budget! 

• Security Deposit: Typically required by landlords to cover any damages beyond normal wear and tear.

• First Month’s Rent: Often due upon signing the lease agreement.

• Last Month’s Rent: Some landlords may require this upfront as well.

• Pet Deposit or Fee: If you have pets, there may be an additional deposit or monthly fee. When searching for pet-friendly apartments, verify the specifics of the pet policy, including breed restrictions and additional fees, to avoid unexpected costs

• Utility Deposits: Some utility companies may require a deposit for new accounts, especially if you have no prior credit history with them.

• Moving Truck Rental: Cost for renting a moving truck or hiring movers.

• Boxes and Packing Supplies: Expenses for purchasing boxes, bubble wrap, tape, etc.

• Insurance: Renter’s insurance is typically required by landlords and covers your belongings in case of theft, fire, or other incidents.

• Cleaning Supplies: To clean your old residence and potentially your new one.

• Apartment Application Fees: Some landlords or property management companies charge a fee for processing rental applications.

• Parking Permits or Fees: If you need to pay for parking at your new residence.

• Furniture and Decor: If you need to purchase new furniture or decor items for your new apartment.

• Internet and Cable Installation: Setup fees for new internet and cable services.

• Change of Address Fees: If you need to update your address with various institutions or services.

• Storage Unit Rental: If you need temporary storage for items that won’t fit in your new apartment.

• Meal Expenses: If you need to eat out during the moving process.

• Miscellaneous Expenses: Any other unexpected costs that may arise during the moving process, such as repairs or replacements.

How To Find Apartment Listings 

1. Use A Proper Apartment Search

Discover an apartment search page where you can find all of the apartments in your local area. These pages are helpful and can help guide you to the direct website. Apartment search pages can help you have a quick view of many options, which may be necessary if you need to find one quickly. Not all apartment search pages are created equal, so be sure to use one that is highly accurate and allows you to have a good experience searching.

Keep in mind that on very large ILS websites, apartments are often paid to appear at the top spot. It’s important to keep that in mind during your search as the property placement can directly influence the information you will be reviewing.

Leverage apartment finder services that offer virtual reality tours to gain a more immersive understanding of the space before visiting, a modern approach that saves time.

2. Check Out Social Media

Social media has become a full search engine within itself. It has the power to help you locate apartment options and discover what is waiting at your fingertips. On apps like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, you can search for apartments in your local area and see what other options are out there.

With the recent rise of social media, you can rely on more than one source of content to see what the potential community is all about. Taking a look at your future apartments’ social media will enable you to get a glimpse into daily life. Perhaps the property has posted resident events, policies, updates, and more that will help you to get more of a feel of what it looks like.

3. Ask Your Family & Friends

Few resources are better than the people you love! Ask your family and friends about their experience of apartments they have lived in. Perhaps, they have a glowing experience to share or can shed some light on a property that you should avoid. Either way, your friends and family can be an amazing resource when it comes to finding apartment listings. Plus, it could benefit you to know someone who also lives in your community! 

Learn More About Your Apartment Options 

Virtually Tour The Community

A virtual tour will give you a good amount of guidance into what your possible future apartment is. Here, you will be able to make a more concerted decision if you want to move forward or not. Virtual tours can give you a realistic idea of the space. It can show you clearly what it looks like as well as how the layout is set up.

Many properties will also have virtual tours of their community areas and amenities. Viewing a virtual tour beforehand will give you a good idea if you want to apply or tour the community in person. If you live nearby, you can schedule a tour to visit the property.

Experience The Location 

Location can truly make or break your living experience. If you’re living in a new area, it can be helpful to experience the location beforehand. Staying in the local area can help you determine exactly where you want to be. Perhaps, access to public transportation is really important for your living experience. Consider exploring the options nearby and seeing if they would be the right fit for you.

It can be easy to fall in love with a location on the internet, but it’s often a different story when you experience it in person. Unfortunately, many apartment websites can be inaccurate, and it’s important to quality-check the location information. If you have the resources to experience your new apartment location beforehand, it will help you feel more assured when deciding on your new space. The location will be a huge if not the largest determining factor in looking for the right apartment.

Quality Property Research 

Rushing an apartment decision can often lead to regret. Make sure that you’ve spent time looking into the features and amenities of your future home. Apartment websites often provide up close and personal looks into what their community is like. Experience virtual apartment tours, apartment photos, content, videos, and more. It’s also important to see what floor plans are available. Many apartment communities have limited availability. If you know for sure what floor plan you need, check the property availability before moving on to anything else. 

Discover Available Apartment Specials

Many apartments offer apartment specials that will make your move-in decision much more straightforward. Discounted savings or advantages for moving in can make a big difference. Moving is stressful, so having this portion of extra help can add a little ease and comfort to the process. A distinctive apartment special can be the leading factor in deciding where to move! Be sure to ask about the details of any apartment specials or concessions available.

How To Select The Right Apartment

Compare Your Options

The chances are that you have found more than one apartment that could be the right option for you. Find the time when you can directly compare the choices that are in front of you. Compare the apartment costs, the amenities, the location, and anything else that might influence your decision. This step will ensure that you make a decision that you’re confident in!

To find an apartment that truly meets your needs, consider attending open houses or scheduling private tours to get a feel for the space.

When you have your results, you can move forward with the best option for you. Make a thorough review of any of the apartments you’re considering to notice any red flags or reasons why you should not move in.

Contrary to popular belief, I’ve found that the highest-priced options aren’t always the best. By carefully comparing amenities and costs, I’ve often discovered more value in less obvious choices.

 Read Apartment Reviews 

Often, the best advice you can get when deciding which apartment is right for you is reading reviews. Reviews offer an honest and realistic approach to what it’s like to live in a community. You can take confidence in knowing that each review is coming from a resident who experienced the property. There is simply information and perspectives that you can get from reviews that you can’t get anywhere else.

If you need more confidence to move forward with a lease, look into the reviews on Google or third-party aggregator sites. Beyond general satisfaction, delve into apartment reviews focusing on maintenance response times and community engagement, which are indicative of a well-managed property.

Ask The Right Questions

The apartment search process is a serious endeavor and one that needs to be treated as the big decision that it is. Choosing where you will call home is not easy, and you deserve to have as much clarity as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at any stage of the process. You will feel more secure in your path if you understand everything about your community.

Many people do not ask the right questions throughout the leasing process, and end up in somewhere they wish they weren’t living. Once you decide what’s important to you, you will know all of the right things to ask.

The Final Step: Applying Online

Did you know that you can take care of the entire application process online? With the help of new additions, it’s become quite easy to go through each step online. Once you have selected the right property for you, you can apply and dive into the virtual leasing process. The property will contact you and discuss the next steps. You will also want to ensure that you are aware of your credit score before you apply.

Once your application is accepted, you will then be in a position to move forward with signing a lease. You will likely have to pay to apply, so it’s important to be confident in moving forward with your decision! You will now be one step closer to finding the right apartment.

Apartment Move-In Day Tips

Finding the right apartment can be incredibly stressful, so once you move in, you deserve to celebrate! We often don’t stop to recognize the things that we are doing for ourselves. Whether you moved to a new city or stayed in your hometown, get out and explore your new neighborhood.

Get accustomed to your new surroundings, and start a great adventure. Settle into your new place, and congratulate yourself on taking the next step in your life. Below are a few move-in tips to assist you with your big day. 

• Inspect the Apartment: Before moving in any of your belongings, thoroughly inspect the apartment for any damages or issues. Take photos or videos to document the condition.

• Clean Before Unpacking: Take the opportunity to clean the apartment before bringing in your belongings. It’s much easier to clean when the space is empty.

• Organize Your Belongings: Pack your belongings by category and label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier.

• Plan Your Furniture Layout: Have a rough idea of where you want to place your furniture before moving it in. This will save time and effort during the unpacking process.

• Measure Doorways and Hallways: Measure doorways, stairwells, and elevators to ensure your furniture will fit through them without any issues.

• Arrange for Utilities: Make sure to set up utilities such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable before moving in.

• Update Your Address: Notify relevant parties of your change of address, including the post office, banks, employers, and subscription services.

• Gather Moving Supplies: Stock up on moving supplies such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers well in advance.

• Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a box with essentials such as toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and important documents. Keep this box easily accessible during the move.

• Enlist Help: Recruit friends or family to help with the move, or consider hiring professional movers if needed.

• Protect Fragile Items: Use proper packing materials to protect fragile items during transit.

• Label Boxes Clearly: Label boxes with the room they belong to and a brief description of their contents to make unpacking easier.

• Take Breaks: Moving can be physically and mentally exhausting, so remember to take breaks and stay hydrated throughout the process.

• Secure Valuables: Keep valuable items such as jewelry, important documents, and electronics with you during the move to prevent loss or damage.

• Inspect Utilities and Appliances: Make sure all utilities and appliances are in working order before settling in.

• Introduce Yourself to Neighbors: Take the opportunity to introduce yourself to your new neighbors and familiarize yourself with the community.

• Celebrate Your New Home: Once everything is unpacked and settled, take some time to celebrate your new home and the exciting chapter ahead!

My journey through countless apartments has taught me the importance of thorough research, the power of asking the right questions, and the value of patience. Each apartment hunt is unique, but with the right approach, it can lead to a home you love. I hope my insights guide you to find an apartment that fits not just your needs but also your lifestyle.

Check out this video our team made about their apartment-hunting adventure.

Find the right apartment for you today!

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Categorised in: Apartment Living

This post was written by Isabella Housel

Isabella Housel is a passionate and versatile professional writer with a deep love for words and a commitment to crafting compelling content that engages, informs, and inspires. With many years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills across various genres, from creative storytelling to informative articles and technical documentation.