Searching for an apartment can be an exciting yet overwhelming task.
It is not something you should take lightly. When choosing an apartment, there are several factors to consider. Follow this step-by-step guide to help you find your way through the selection process.
Step 1. Determine Your Budget. Figure out how much you can afford to pay for an apartment. In your budget, be sure to factor in utilities, groceries, cable/internet, and security deposits. If you have a pet, you’ll have to factor in an additional deposit for him, too. Determining your budget may require assessing opportunity costs. If you have a car but are moving into the city, you may not need a car if you can use public transportation. This could allow you to budget for a higher priced apartment.
Step 2. Determine the Location. Once you have established how much you can afford to pay for an apartment, then you need to decide on the right location. Consider ease of commute, proximity to important destinations such as work, school, and other points of interest. Keep safety in mind when determining a location. It’s probably a good idea to research the sex offender registry in your state to ensure there are none living nearby or inside apartment complexes within your search area.
Step 3. Amenities. Decide which amenities are important to you. Apartment complex amenities include things such as pet-friendly, access to public transportation, laundry services, high-speed internet, trash service, and gyms. During your search, look for apartment complexes that have the amenities that are most important to you or are nearby to places with such conveniences. While some will not have all of these amenities, many are strategically located nearby to places that offer such services or convenience.
Step 4. Visit the apartment complexes you’ve selected. Once you have determined your budget, location, and amenities, it’s time to start selecting apartment complexes. You can easily search for apartment complexes on the web. Most apartment website search engines, such as www.collegerentals.com, have advanced selection features that allow you to search within your location parameters and set a maximum price. After narrowing down your selections, make appointments to visit each apartment complex. When visiting, bring along a notepad to keep track of things that you like or don’t like about each one. Be sure to ask a lot of questions as well as assess the apartment for noise, safety, and other things you might be concerned about. Don’t put down a deposit until you are absolutely ready to commit!
Once you have narrowed down your search after following the steps listed above, it’s time to make your choice. Keep in mind, you may not find one that has all your criteria, but choose the one that best fits your budget and lifestyle.
About the author:
Rachel Savering is a marketing student at Strayer University and will be graduating this spring with her Bachelor’s Degree. In addition to being a student, she is also in sales as an assistant manager and enjoys helping others. Rachel is passionate about writing as well as an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and running.
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