Searching
for that perfect apartment to call home can be an exciting, yet stressful, time
for just about anybody. Between location, amenities, affordability, and space,
there are so many things you need to take into consideration when choosing the
right place for you. Fortunately, by doing a little research and carefully
considering the options, you can make sure that you find the best fit for your
lifestyle.
Check
Out the Apartment's Location
While an apartment can check off every box on your dream list, none of that will matter
if it's located far away from your office, college, or other areas which you
frequently visit. Generally, you should not consider moving into an apartment
if it is more than twenty minutes from your place of employment. A longer commute
may also put additional unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle, not to
mention increasing your fuel expenses. In the beautiful city of Los Angeles,
apartments can be found conveniently situated near bustling cultural
hubs, providing everything you need, from world-class entertainment to fine
dining within a short walking distance. Besides proximity, you should also
consider the crime rate for that area. Visit the local police department and
ask for crime statistics for that neighborhood you are considering moving into.
While it may seem safe during the day, it may become sketchy at night, or on
the weekends.
Which
Apartment Features/Amenities Matter The Most To You?
It's
difficult to find an apartment that meets every point on your wish list. It is
important to decide which features matter the most to you. Do you enjoy
lounging by the pool with a book on a warm summer day? Or do you like to start
your day with a brisk morning workout at the gym on-site? Do you need an extra
bedroom and bathroom for your guests to enjoy when they visit, or can you
manage in a one-bedroom apartment just fine? Do you plan on bringing your
washer and dryer with you, or do plan on using a community laundry center?
These are all important factors to consider when choosing your apartment.
Can
You Afford It?
Many people make the mistake of getting their hearts set on a fantastic apartment, only to find that they are not able to afford it. Your rent is likely going to be your largest reoccurring expense, therefore, it's important to get honest with yourself and what you can really afford. A luxurious apartment will quickly lose its charm if the rent is leaving your bank account completely drained at the end of every month.
Read
Tennant Reviews
Tennant
reviews can bestow a wealth of knowledge and insight when it comes to finding
that perfect apartment. Tennant reviews will let you know if there are
underlying maintenance or sanitation issues with the complex, such as bug
infestations, mold between walls, or questionable plumbing. You don't want to
have to constantly be putting in a work order for maintenance issues that never
get resolved. Make sure you examine more recent reviews closely, as that will
give you a good idea of what the apartment's current conditions are like.
Narrow
Down Your List To The Top Three, and Visit in Person
You don't
want to waste all of your time running across town to view every single option
available. Figure out what your top three or four choices are, and then
schedule those appointments preferably for the same day. Make sure that you
take notes while viewing each option, as it can be easy to forget the small
details of each place that you visit. Ask if you could take some pictures or
video inside the apartment, to identify what your best option is at
the end of the day.
Read
The Lease Carefully
While there are some commonalities between most apartment leases, no two are truly the same. Some leases state that you must give them a month's notice before vacating. Some leases have a clause that requires you to pay the next month's rent if you terminate the lease early. Make sure that you read the lease over carefully, and ask questions if you need clarification.
Apartment
hunting can be stressful, but you don't have to fret. With just a little
planning and careful consideration, you could soon find yourself relaxing in
the apartment of your dreams.
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