Apartment Hunting Hacks: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success

While moving in general requires a lot of patience, effort, and stress, these days, finding an apartment that fits your needs can seem like a Herculean task. Whether it’s finding one with the right combination of being in the right school district and falls within your budget, or one that has a swimming pool and other amenities, apartment hunting is rarely fun.

If you’re relocating because you just landed that dream job or you’re simply looking for a new place to live, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help in the hunt. So, before you run to an apartment locator service, take a couple of minutes and find out how you can find the right apartment quickly and easily.

1. Make a List

The first thing to do is to make two lists: one of anything non-negotiable and one of things you’d like to have but aren’t necessarily deal-breakers. Do you have to have a tennis court? How far from work are you willing to live? Is living upstairs out of the question?

Whatever it is, in order to be truly happy with your new abode, before you start applying and paying for a rental background and credit check, you need to ensure that all of your requirements are laid out so nothing is overlooked.

2. Time to Research

Whether you’re moving two miles or 2,000, you’re going to have to do a little leg (finger) work before you move to the next steps. There are numerous websites and services where you can get actual reviews by current and former residents, helping you gauge everything from neighborhood safety to the reliability of utilities like electricity. Additionally, there are companies that will help you narrow down your search, making the process smoother and ensuring you find the best fit for your needs.

However, don’t just rely on paid services. Once you’ve determined the geographical location, do a simple Google search for “Apartments with swimming pools in Austin, TX” or “two-bedroom apartments near me.” When you find one that sounds good, look for reviews on the specific complex and even the property management company and current manager if you can. Reddit and OpenIgloo are two great places to check out for this.

They’re going to research your rental history and check whether you have built a good credit history, so you need to jump on the other end of the spectrum and find out everything you can about them.

3. Take Multiple Tours

Just because a listing sounds perfect doesn’t mean it is. Take the time to schedule tours of at least three apartments, and be sure to check out the property and surrounding locations as well. Remember, this is going to be your home for the foreseeable future. Be picky. Ask the property manager as many questions as it takes to determine if this is the right choice for you.

Additionally, don’t rush it. Unless you’re facing an impending deadline or eviction, give yourself plenty of time to research and tour multiple options. The last thing you want is to pay for that long-distance moving service only to get settled and find out the perfect apartment is just a mile away.

4. Read the Fine Print

Before you sign on the dotted line, you have to review the lease completely. Don’t just give it a quick once-over. Just like you’re diligent about the details of your retirement investments, you absolutely must take the time to read the fine print and make sure there aren’t any surprises down the road.

If you’re looking for a new apartment, start early and work through the steps above to help ensure that you find a home, not just simply an “apartment.” A place that meets your absolute must-haves and encompasses as many of your “wants” as possible will go a long way toward making it a place you love to live in.

For more, visit TimesInform.