When looking for a new apartment home, you’ll have a lot of factors to consider — much more than just the cost of rent. You’ll want to make sure to set your priorities early on to help you narrow your selection quickly to apartments that will meet your expectations. Here are some tips for setting those priorities in your search for your next apartment home.
Make a list
It helps to start setting priorities even before you visit your first apartment community. Sit down and make a list of things you need in your next apartment home. (There may also be a long list of things you want, as well, but for now, focus on needs.) Your priorities could include paying a rental amount that falls within your budget or finding a unit that is the right size for you. You might also have priorities for the apartment community, as well: you may need your apartment to be situated close to your workplace or to public transportation, for instance.
Weigh the pros and cons
Write down your list of needs, and refer to it as you start your online apartment home search. If you find yourself gravitating to apartments that don’t meet your needs — if, for example, they cost more than your budget allows — you may want to limit your search more carefully, or go back to your priorities list to reconsider some of your requirements.
Keep your priority list with you as you visit potential apartment homes, and take careful notes to help you remember which apartments suit you best. Share your requirements with the community manager who is showing you around, letting him or her know clearly what your priorities are. If a particular floor plan or location isn’t going to meet your needs, say so.
How much time do you have?
One more factor to consider when setting priorities is your move-out timeline. If you find an apartment community that you like, ensure that the community has a unit available that meets your needs by the time you are ready to move. If possible, get a written commitment from the community manager or landlord, or make sure that your preferred move-in date is specified in the lease.
The details to consider in an apartment home search can be many, but by focusing on your most important priorities, you can make the best decision available to you, and in a timely manner. Keep your expectations on track and realistic as you search online and in person to help yourself find the apartment you’ll enjoy living in for years to come.
