Whether you’re moving into a quaint suburban apartment community or a beautiful apartment in the city, there are many things to consider. Keep some of these things in mind when apartment hunting.
Location
Sometimes people get distracted with the flashy amenities of a new apartment complex, and they use these amenities as compensation for the inconvenient location. The distance from where a person lives to where their daily destinations are should play a big part in deciding on where to live. If you’re a student, living a close distance to school is vital. Some people also prefer to be fairly close to work. Plus, don’t forget about grocery stores and other necessities. If you’re an advocate of convenience, make sure most of these locations are close by to your new home.
Crime Reports
Even if your complex has an excellent security system, it’s always good to know what’s going on in that area that you’re moving also. Check crime reports online to get a better sense of what neighborhood you’re moving into. Unless, of course, you prefer to live on the dangerous side, then have that pepper spray handy!
Condition of Amenities
Sure, those hardwood floors feel nice, and the floor-to-ceiling windows let in just the right amount of light during the day, but don’t overlook the little things. You don’t want to move into an apartment that’s falling apart from the inside. Make sure the washer and dryer work if those are included, double-check outlets. Check the quality of the walls, plumbing, cabinetry and lighting fixtures.
Fluctuating Rent
Depending on some areas, rent prices may fluctuate depending on the market of the area. The price that you’re originally quoted is often not the price people end up paying. Many places don’t have fixed prices and tend to increase or decrease from month to month.
Management
Another factor that should go into deciding which apartment should be your new home is how it is being run. Management is vital part of your apartment-living experience. If you have anything that needs to be fixed, or if you have need a noise issue addressed, then you’ll want your apartment management team to be ready to assist. Read resident reviews to gauge a better idea of how the management team works before moving into your new apartment community.
Utility Cost
Some apartments with a lower rent cost have high utility costs. Be sure to get a quote from your electric and water company to budget along with the cost of rent. Some apartments include utilities in the rent while others do not. Doing research on the utility details along with rent will also help choose the right apartment community for you.
Extra Fees
It’d be nice to think that when you move into an apartment, all you have to worry about is rent and utilities. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for some apartment complexes. Some complexes charge you monthly, garbage fees, parking fees, pet deposits, and security. Along with these fees, don’t forget to account for the cost of moving trucks, or moving helpers to help get that huge bed frame up the stairs to your new apartment!
Did you run into any surprises when apartment hunting? Tell us in the comments below!
