How hard is it to find a one bedroom apartment with ample street parking that’s also within walking distance of major local shopping centers? As it turns out, probably a lot harder than you think. As important as it is to want the ideal living situation, sometimes you just have to play the hand that’s dealt to you.
But that doesn’t mean it’s altogether impossible find a great living space that’s up to your standards. It just requires being as prepared as you possibly can be every step of the way, and that includes knowing which apartment hunting tips to remember during your search. Here, keep this simple apartment hunting checklist in mind while you start looking:
Get a sense of the neighborhood.
When you’re out looking for apartments, you’ll probably meet your real estate broker during the day at the building, and he or she will show you in from there. But after you look at the interior, take a walk around the block and notice the kind of neighborhood the place is situated in. Come back at night, even. If you don’t feel comfortable, it might be a sign that this isn’t the place you want to end up.
Stick to a realistic wishlist.
Sure, everyone would love a thousand square-foot apartment on the 32nd floor overlooking Central Park — but that’s probably not within your budget. Make a list of what kind of apartment you want (and what kind of apartment you can afford) right up front, then stick to it. If you don’t, you’re bound to make an emotional decision rather than a logical one, which can have a significant impact on your bank account. This is one of the most important apartment hunting tips anyone will ever offer you.
Inspect every inch of the place.
One of the most helpful apartment hunting tips to keep in mind is that the landlord is responsible for fixing any leaks, damages or other faulty area before you move in. In some cases, these expenses can actually come out of your security deposit when you move out, so check to see if the work can be completed even before you sign the lease. Then, upon moving in, go from room to room to ensure that everything is in tip-top shape — floors to ceilings and everything in between.
Expect the unexpected.
How to find an apartment often depends on being in the right place at the right time. Keeping your new place free from disaster works very much the same way. As a renter, though, you won’t have to worry about forking over extra cash for broken appliances and leaky faucets. That’s all in the landlord’s realm of responsibility. But, since you’re in a building with several other tenants, be prepared to face the unexpected — smoke alarms, loud music, barking dogs, etc.
Keep the future tenants in mind.
An apartment is different from a house because you don’t have to worry about the resale value once you move out. You, however, have to worry about leaving the place in good condition for its next tenants. This is something your landlord will insist you do, and often he or she will provide a proper checklist to keep in mind, too. Also, it’s just the polite thing to do. Refernce materials.