Are you finally moving out of your parents’ house or college dorm? Are you now in a quest for a perfect apartment of your own? Well, we all know that looking for a living place can be exciting and thrilling at the same time. However, no need to worry because these tips will help you make the right choice you need.
Location Is Important
Knowing what you need is, of course, important. Do you wish your future apartment to be near to your office or university? Then focus on the site and consider the times that you must spend from your place to the spot you want to reach. Check also available public transportation nearby.
Location is perhaps the most important aspect to consider before committing to a property. If you want to be close to work, school, or your family, make sure the site you will soon be on is a short drive, within walking distance, or close to public transport.
Also consider the area’s potential traffic during peak hours. A place that is only 10 minutes away without traffic can actually be over an hour in the morning and at night.
If you finally find an available flat to rent, you should pay attention to the environment. Does the neighborhood safe enough? Or is it too noisy during the night? If there’s something that makes you hesitate, never doubt looking for some information whether you Google it or ask the landlord.
It is very important to determine whether the layout will suit your lifestyle or not.
What’s important to you? Washer and dryer at home? Shared gym, additional parking or storage area? Be sure to get information on pet fees, building fees (water, garbage, maintenance), utilities and internet and cable services as well.
When you do the apartment tour, bring a notebook with you. Write things that might need makeover and spots that highly required repairing. Once you’re done taking those important notes, calculate the cost you should spend for them. Can you afford it? Do they worth it?
During a tour of apartments and houses, bring a notebook or tablet to jot down property details.
Does the paint need freshening? Does the stove look like it was from the 1990s? Is there any visible damage? It is best to take photos of what you observe.
Some may include reading nooks and office spaces, while others forgo separate small areas for larger dining and bedrooms. It is very important to determine whether the layout will suit your lifestyle or not.
Come up with a checklist for your home inspection and other documents, such as repair invoices and receipts for any work performed by the owner, to make sure everything is done as agreed and that the house is ready to move.
Even if the apartment’s building is in the perfect location and the price is affordable, checking on the building’s safety is essential. Ask details about the smoke alarm, security cameras and/or security staff, and backup generators.
If you need a key, code, or bell to enter the building itself, that’s an added security measure. This will help the people who shouldn’t be there get out of the building. This will also give you more peace of mind. Building safety is important.
You can find a security system company to install in the apartment, and you will likely be able to find a company to work with if you need to move. Do your research to find a reputable company that will meet your needs in security systems.
Tenant insurance protects your belongings if something happens to them. If you fall victim to fire or theft, you want to make sure you are protected. You may be surprised to learn that your homeowner’s policy won’t cover your belongings, so talk to them to find out how the situation is with their policy.
Once you’ve done the calculating, neighborhood checking, and price dealing, it is vital to read the contract thoroughly before signing. If there’s a clause that you don’t understand, ask directly to the landlord. Make everything clear about any additional fees, utilities, decorating permission, etc.
While apartment rental contracts can legally be verbal, it is highly recommended that you get a written contract signed and notarized.
As you enter your life milestone, you will be faced with some important decisions to make. One of those is deciding your future apartment. To avoid any disappointment, make some checklist and look into closely. The five important keys above will help you find the right flat you’ve been dreaming of.
