10 Tips for Apartment Hunting


We’ve put some tips together to help you find a great apartment that you can call home.
Budget
Prior to touring apartments, know what you can afford. According to Nerdwallet, keeping your rent payments under 30% of your gross income is a good rule of thumb. For example, if your total monthly income is $3,200 before taxes, you will want to stay below $960 in rent.When you prepare your budget, make sure you include utilities and any upfront move-in costs.
If you need help figuring out what you can afford, ApartmentGuide has a handy calculator you can use.
Consider the season
Most people choose to move in the warmer months so high demand can increase the price. If you’re willing to move during winter, you’re more likely to find deals.Tour and Inspect
Be sure to tour the property and see the apartment prior to signing a lease. Check inside cabinets. Check the power outlets. It’s always a good idea to check your cell coverage in each room. Depending on your phone and carrier, signals can be interrupted in certain areas. Be sure to ask the property staff if the unit you’re touring is the one you will move into or if it will be different.Measure
When you tour the apartment, be sure to measure each room to know if your furniture will fit the space. You can also ask the property staff for the dimensions of the rooms in the unit you will be moving into.Ask Questions
Be prepared with any questions you had during the research phase of apartment hunting. Also, be sure to ask any questions that come up during your time touring the property. Some good questions to ask include:- Is there covered parking?
- How do you submit maintenance requests?
- Are utilities included?
- Are there washer/dryer hook-ups or a laundry room?
- What are the income requirements, and will you need a guarantor?