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Apartment Hunting

© Wendy Waid

Whether you are searching for a home for the first time or the fourth time, each move brings new experiences and knowledge. Before you begin your search, you need to be aware of what you should expect. Read the article "Apartment Searches: Lose the Rose-Colored Glasses First" at http://realtytimes.com/rtnews/rtcpages/a... for some great first-time renter advice. http://backtalk.net/arr/BestDeal.htm is a great source to help you get the best deal while you search.

The first step, before you even begin searching, is deciding how much you can afford to pay on a monthly basis. Typically this is around 30%-40% of your monthly income if you have other monthly payments like car and insurance payments. Most complexes will do a credit and employment check to be sure you can afford to pay the rent. Be prepared to put down a security deposit (ranging from $100 to $300), a pet deposit, and two months worth of rent. As long as you leave your apartment in the original condition, you will get your security deposit back when your lease is up.

Now, you need to make a list of apartment features that you need or would like, in order of importance. Features include patios, poolside views, attached or detached garages, covered parking, extra storage, built-in bookshelves, wine racks, island counters, built-in desks, cable hookup, etc. Then make another list of apartment amenities you think are necessary, such as a pool, basketball or tennis court, carwash bays, concierge services, curbside trash pickup, community parties, playground, drive-through mail center, business center, monitored gates, etc. Circle the top five items you can?t live without on each list. These will help you narrow down the various choices of apartment complexes.

Look through booklets like Apartment Guide or Internet pages, such as http://www.allapartments.com , http://www.apartmentsplus.com , or http://www.rent.net for apartment listings, or even the newspaper. Narrow down your choices by price, distance from work, amenities, and apartment features. It shouldn?t be too difficult to narrow these down to at least five if you focus on the features, price and amenities.

Call each complex and ask about utility and water rates, cable hookups, trash services, security and pet deposits, parking, local employer discounts (if you work locally), and other amenities. And don?t forget to ask about any move-in specials or special rates on longer lease terms. If there are a lot of complexes in the neighborhood, the leasing agent will most likely try to offer some special rates or deals. But don?t sign the lease until you?ve finished checking the other complexes. Mention any nearby complexes that are offering the same amenities and apartments at lower rents.