You’ve landed the great job in the big city. Now, it’s time for you to land the great apartment. You prefer that it’s reasonably priced, has all the amenities you’re looking for, and isn’t too far from your new office. Where do you start? Check out our tips to find out!
Tip 1) Budget. The cost to live in big cities such as Boston and New York continues to rise. Create a spreadsheet indicating your take-home pay and how much you can afford to spend on rent, utilities, groceries, etc. Don’t forget to take college loans into account and prioritize funding a savings account.
Tip 2) Make a list of absolute essentials for the apartment. What is more important to you, size or location? How far are you willing to walk to do your laundry, or is it a must to have a washer and dryer in the apartment? Knowing the answers to these questions before you start touring apartments will make it much easier for you to narrow down your search.
Tip 3) Take advantage of different search outlets. Websites like Zillow and Apartments.com are good places to begin an apartment search. See if you have any friends already living in the area that could refer you to a realtor. Luckily, making connections in this space is fairly easy because of the amount of people searching for and leasing apartments in cities.
Tip 4) Grab the bull by the horns. Tour and apply for desirable apartments as soon as possible. As was previously stated, there is a high demand for apartments in cities, so properties do not stay on the market for long. In college you may have learned to take your time completing assignments, but you should not do the same for this assignment!
Tip 5) Ask questions. Signing a lease is a huge commitment, so it is critical that you know exactly what you are getting into. Don’t be afraid to ask questions should they arise at any time – whether that be while you are touring an apartment, getting ready to sign a lease, etc. Be wary of people who avoid your questions.
Tip 6) Purchase renters insurance. Should anything in your apartment be damaged or stolen, your landlord will not cover the losses. It is your responsibility to insure your belongings, and the investment is worthwhile. Renters insurance can be very affordable and can provide peace of mind.
You are about to enter an exciting new chapter of your life. If you keep these tips in mind while searching for an apartment, the new chapter is sure to be a success!
acorey