Apartment Hunting Tips & Tricks

Apartment hunting can feel like a huge task, but if you know what you’re looking for and have your ducks already in a row by the time you find your dream apartment, you’ll be surprised at how easily everything can come together. Follow these tips to cut down on time, save money, and avoid costly mistakes.

• Budget – Know your budget first and foremost. There’s no point in looking at places you can’t afford. This not only saves you time, but also prevents you from getting into a lease you really can’t afford in the long run.
• Be Prepared – Have all your paperwork and information to apply ready to go. That goes for pay stubs, references, old landlord contact information and your social security number. That way you’ll be ready to apply immediately when you find the apartment of your dreams.
• Ask for Referrals – Ask your friends if they know of any rentals. You may be surprised to find a great deal that’s not being advertised.
• Look Locally – The NextDoor app is also a great place to look if your searching for an apartment or rental in the neighborhood you’re already living in. You may find a gem!
• The Old Fashioned Driving Method – Most people look online for rentals, but another great way to find hidden gems is to drive around and look for rental signs. Don’t be afraid to call those numbers right away. Some apartment buildings and landlords don’t advertise on the typical rental sites.
• Pet Policy – If you have a pet one of the first things you need to ask is if they allow pets or what their pet policy is.
• Tour and Ask – When you go for the tour of a potential rental, come with questions already prepared so you can easily make a decision whether to apply or not.
• Check Your Cell Reception – Not getting cell reception in your own apartment is definitely a drag. Do yourself a favor and check while you’re on the tour that you get clear reception in every room.
• Check the Shower Head – Sometimes there’s nothing worse than a shower with really low water pressure or that doesn’t get hot water. This is a must!
• Ask About Parking – Most apartment buildings offer a parking space for each apartment, but if you have multiple cars or are working with an independent landlord, this is must-ask question.
• Measure your Furniture – Another tip to do while on your tour is to bring a tape measure to make sure your furniture will actually fit into your potential apartment.
• Move During the Winter – This is the best time of the year to save money on rentals. Not the ideal time to move, but you’ll be thanking yourself the rest of the year with all of your savings!
• Neighbors – Keep an eye out for potential neighbors and trust your gut. If something feels off about who you’ll be living next door to, it may not be worth it. Friendly neighbors or not so friendly neighbors can make or break your living situation.