11% of all Americans moved during the pandemic. If you consider that the American population is about 328 million people, that is almost 40 million people that moved last year!
If you are also fed up with your current living arrangement, or just want a change in atmosphere you need to do some apartment shopping. Looking for apartments doesn't have to be a nightmare.
These tips for finding the right apartment will make your process a whole lot easier.
Choosing a Location
The first thing you should think about when choosing your apartment is its location. For this, you need to ask yourself why you are moving.
Are you pursuing a new job? If so, look for an apartment within a close commuting range of your job location. Perhaps your work is remote and choosing a location around your job doesn't apply to you.
If this is the case choosing the right location to meet your lifestyle needs is important as well. What kind of neighborhood do you want to be in? You should analyze factors such as safety, crime rates, and access to public services.
If you don't own a car, having an apartment close to public transit is a must. If you do, having an apartment in a location with on-sight parking could make your life a lot easier.
Apartment Shopping Based on Lifestyle
Think about the things in your life that you value most and pick a location around this. If you are a more low-key person you may want to consider choosing an apartment on the outskirts of town where it is a bit quieter.
If you enjoy having a social life an apartment situated in a neighborhood with vibrant nightlife may be appropriate.
If you enjoy the coast a beachfront apartment may be perfect for you. If you are a woodsy person, one in a small mountain community might be a better fit. No matter what your lifestyle, there is a perfect location for you.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some locations will be more expensive than others. For instance, a beachfront apartment will be much more expensive than one located more inland.
If you are on a budget, the price of various locations can make or break an apartment deal for you.
What to Look For in an Apartment
After you have selected the right location for your apartment, you can start looking at the various features each apartment has to offer. You might want to develop an apartment checklist of things you want in your new home.
You may not get all of them, but if one of the apartments you tour checks enough of your boxes it could be the best fit.
One thing you should look at right away is finding an apartment with off-street parking. Having to park in the street in many urban areas can be a nightmare. By having private parking you get peace of mind assuming you own an auto.
Another great feature is laundry facilities on-site. Nobody wants to have to spend time out of their busy day going to a laundromat. If your prospective apartments have laundry facilities this is a huge plus.
Perhaps you are in the market for a luxury apartment. If money is not a hindrance for you, this can be an excellent option for keeping your lifestyle high class.
The most important thing to look for in an apartment is the health and safety of your living space. Don't rent an apartment that is falling apart or has the presence of black mold.
These types of places can ruin your health and property if you are not careful. Know how to identify black mold and always get a mold inspection done before moving into an apartment, especially in coastal or humid areas.
Tips for Apartment Renters
One of the best tips for apartment renters is to talk to your landlord well in advance to see whether they will be providing furniture and appliances or not.
Some apartments come furnished or at least have a couple of basic appliances such as a fridge, stove, and dishwasher. Others do not and you may need to provide your own.
You should also see what rules and expectations a landlord has of you as a tenant before selecting an apartment. Some landlords are more easy-going than others.
The type of relationship you forge with your landlord could be a major game-changer for apartment rentals. Make sure to feel out your landlord before renting to see if this will be a factor in your selection process.
When you are ready to move into your apartment make sure to read through your lease agreement and bring up any questions you have. A landlord may want references or proof of income so be prepared to furnish these.
Some may also want a background check so if you have a criminal history this may influence your decision-making process on which apartment to choose.
Make sure to know what you can and can't do to your apartment as far as things like remodeling, painting, hanging things from the walls, and utilizing outdoor space.
An apartment complex with a homeowners association may be more strict about things such as these. Finally, get to know your neighbors.
Do your best to find out about their schedules so you don't bother them during quiet hours. Being a good neighbor can help net you a whole bunch of new friends that live next door!
Happy Hunting
Moving into a new apartment is an exciting part of life. If you are about to embark on your apartment hunting journey, the tips in this article can be a big help.
Apartment shopping is a great way to see what your options are and pick the best one. Use the tips in this article to find your dream apartment.
If you are interested in moving into a top-quality luxury apartment community, contact us today so we can help you make that happen.