Hunting for an apartment can be an overwhelming process, no matter how often you haven’t – done it before. But although you might be tempted to “get it over with,” finding the perfect place is definitely worth it.
The right approach makes all the difference, even if you’re working with a limited time frame. Whether searching for your first place or upgrading to a luxury residence, these apartment-hunting tips will be handy.
Determine Your Budget
Before considering your options, figure out how much rent you can afford monthly. Set a budget, and then stick to it.
Some key considerations for establishing your apartment budget include:
- Is parking and/or utilities included in the monthly rent? What about the internet, cable, and other essentials? If not, how much can you set aside for these expenses with your rent budget in mind?
- Do any of the communities you are considering charge hidden fees? It’s too common for new residents to be surprised by unexpected costs, so look for a community that provides complete, upfront transparency.
- Are you prepared to pay for higher seasonal expenses, such as air conditioning costs during the summer and heat during the winter? Ensure your budget allows enough “wiggle room” for these ups and downs.
- How much money are you available for a security deposit, the first month of rent, and other move-in costs?
Create a List of “Non-Negotiables”
Your non-negotiables are specific characteristics and features that you should not compromise. It’s important to know precisely what these are to easily confirm whether or not a potential property meets your requirements.
Your basic non-negotiables might include:
- Location
- Square footage
- A certain number of bedrooms/bathrooms
- Pets allowed
- Outdoor space
Additionally, you might have other, more specific requirements, such as:
- Upgraded kitchen appliances
- Washer and dryer in the home
- Storage space
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Natural light
- Designer finishes
Each person will have their own unique checklist of non-negotiables, so make yours as specific or general as you want.
Remember the Importance of Location
You might not have a specific area in mind, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the neighborhood carefully. You might find the perfect apartment, but your quality of life will suffer if you’re far away from your job, favorite restaurants, and other important places.
When you’re assessing the location of a rental community, look closely at aspects like:
- Commute time
- Safety
- Public transit (if needed)
- Traffic
- Nearby restaurants, stores, parks, and other amenities
Ideally, your new neighborhood will suit your preferred lifestyle. For example, search for apartments near your favorite hot spots if you enjoy late nights out on the town. Or, if you want a family-friendly location, look for communities in quieter, less busy areas.
Get Organized
Now that you have a precise idea of what you’re looking for, it’s not quite time to start touring properties. Get organized to set yourself up for a more straightforward and less stressful search.
We recommend having a central place, like a spreadsheet, where you can keep and compare all your options. That way, you won’t get lost in many website links and listings and can easily see the different properties side-by-side. This will also make it much simpler to rule out certain places and pinpoint your favorites.
Be Prepared With Questions
Once you start touring different apartments, learning as much as possible about each one is important. However, it’s often tricky to come up with crucial questions when put on the spot.
So, arm yourself with a list of questions that address all the necessary details (keeping a list on your phone makes it easy to access).
On your list, include questions about:
- Which utilities are/are not included in the lease/monthly rent
- The average cost of utilities
- Pet policies
- Parking
- Access to shared amenities and community spaces
- Types/lengths of leases available
- Consequences of breaking a lease
Take Photos (and Make Mental Notes) to Capture All the Details
After you’ve looked at a few apartments, they can blur together. But taking photos (or even written notes) can be hugely helpful. That way, you can be confident that you won’t forget important details.
Make sure you’re paying close attention to each apartment, and use your camera to document things such as:
- Potential issues or needed repairs
- What are your favorite aspects of an apartment
- Placement of lighting, windows, and other design elements
- Cabinet, countertop, and flooring colors
These details can help you make your decision and plan your move.
Read the Lease in Its Entirety
Not all lease agreements are created equally, so you should closely review yours before submitting an application or signing any kind of contract. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if there is anything you’re unsure about.
Keep in mind:
- How long is the lease term? (1 year, 2 years, etc.)
- What happens if you have to break your lease?
- What are the repercussions of late rent payment (and what is considered “late”)?
- What lease termination rights does the property owner/manager have?
Have Your Application Materials On Hand
Depending on the real estate market in your area, great apartments can often go exceptionally quickly. Knowing this, it’s wise to be prepared to apply on the spot if you find a home you love.
Create a folder that contains copies of necessary documents for an apartment application, including:
- Last year’s tax returns
- Documentation of rent paid (if applicable) for the past year
- Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license)
- Your three most recent pay stubs
- References—Bring this folder with you when you tour communities. Then, you’ll be ready to snag your dream apartment right away!
Explore Kentucky Rental Communities and Find Your New Home
Are you ready to start your search? There’s no better place to begin than with Anderson Communities, where you can find an excellent variety of rentals in Georgetown, Lexington, Louisville, and Versailles, KY.
We’re transforming the resident experience in every way possible, eliminating common frustrations like hidden fees and raising the bar regarding included amenities. Our residents enjoy conveniences such as free internet and cable, an in-home washer and dryer, and a security system, among others! That’s just in addition to our thoughtfully designed homes and beautiful communities!
Discover how Anderson Communities is setting a new standard for rental homes in Kentucky – and how we can help you make your apartment search a success. To see our current properties for rent, please explore our currently available listings. Please contact our team if you’d like to speak with us regarding any of them!
Image Source: Tinatin1 / Getty Images
