Apartment Hunting on the Web

No matter which resource you use -- apartment search sites, online newspapers, or some other local media -- you'll want to take notes as you browse apartment listings. In addition to jotting down the apartment address and phone number, make a note of the management company. Some of the online apartment search sites you visit may include a link to the company's website. Take a few minutes to browse their site. Find out how many communities the company manages, how long it has been in business, its management philosophy, and the qualifications of its staff. You may also be able to get more details about the community that interest you.

Some company websites are fairly sophisticated and include many technological enhancements to entice renters to lease from them. For example, they may offer a virtual tour of their various apartment layouts, where you can "see" the apartment from a 360 degree angle. Or the site may have a special layout program where you can "fit" your furniture into any one of their virtual floor plans. Most importantly, the company website offers prospects the option of completing a lease application online.

With so many resources available for renters on the web, it's very easy to get distracted. So here's a few tips for keeping yourself organized and focused during your search.

Organizing Your Online Search

1) Consider your needs. Before turning on your computer, take time to think about your apartment needs. Where do you want to live? What amenities do you absolutely, positively must have, and which could you live without? How much are you willing and able to afford? Do a little visualization: what does your next apartment look like?

Next, on a piece of paper, make two lists: one for absolute must-haves in your next apartment or condo, and the second for nice-to-have but not necessary items.

2) Take good notes. It might be helpful to create a worksheet to use during your online search. In the left margin, list the amenities and services that are most important to you (from Step 1 above). At the top of the page, label each column heading, "Community A," "Community B," and so on. Write down the names, addresses and phone numbers of the communities that interest you in the column headings.

As you browse listings, mark the boxes that correspond to the amenity or service you desire. For example, if Community A offers

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