When you’re planning to move to a new apartment because of a career change or for other personal reasons, the experience may be frustrating but there’s nothing quite like packing up all your stuff and walking into a new home and starting over.

Before deciding to look for a new apartment, it’s good to have a clear idea of your preferences and how much are you willing to spend time and money on the whole process. If you have already read How To Find a Good Apartment, we have 5 more tips to help you be more prepared.

1. Determine What You Can Afford

As with any other expenses and future investments, deciding to move into a new home will cost you money. If you have already set a certain budget for a new apartment, it’s best to stick to it. Looking for an apartment that falls within your budget will prevent future financial problems such as overspending.

Looking at apartments outside of your budget is still okay, but to avoid disappointment [that you can’t afford] the apartment of your dreams, set a budget and look for an apartment within that range.

Moreover, according to ApartmentTherapy.com it’s easier to get an apartment if you have maintained a good credit score. Check any errors in your credit report and you’re one step ahead.

2. Use an Online Apartment Search Resource

Begin your apartment hunting a few months in advance by checking out an online apartment search resource such as Zumper. 

Zumper is a highly recommended online apartment search resource used by millions of renters to find houses, rooms, condos, or apartments for rent. There are quality listings available and their system is updated in real-time. You may also set an alert to get notifications when a new listing is posted. Let’s say you live in Houston, you may check the rental market trends in Houston, Texas using this online apartment search resource.

From their website, you may also filter by location, price range, bedroom count, pet-friendly, or amenity — all the information you will need is posted there. You may actually apply online by submitting digital rental applications and credit reports with Zumper’s screening service, powered by TransUnion™.

3. Consider the Location and the Neighborhood

One of the goals is to find a safe and secure neighborhood. Aside from how the apartment looks on the inside, you should also consider the characteristics of the neighborhood.

To get started, maybe you should try searching the internet for news about the area. There might be unwanted incidents such as burglary or accidents that occurred in the past. The info that you should be focusing on is how often these incidents happen and how responders normally handle the situation. 

Trust your gut when it comes to choosing a location. If something feels off or you already feel weird about the neighborhood, go consider a different location.

4. Evaluate the Layout and Space

When choosing an apartment, make sure that the layout and space will work with your lifestyle. Even in the same building complex, apartments may come in varied styles so check which one best suits your character.

Some people prefer open spaces so they can host parties regularly while others will choose to have reading nooks and separate office spaces, especially if they’re working from home.

5. Work with Professionals

If you’re not confident enough to do the apartment search on your own or you don’t have time to do everything by yourself, work with an apartment brokerage. They will guide you from start to finish, and for sure you’ll get what you pay for.

Published: 2021-07-26 01:45:12