There comes a time in everyone’s life when it’s time to move on. Time to leave home, time to graduate from college, time to take a job somewhere different. No matter why you’re moving on, you’re going to need somewhere to live once the move’s been made. Now, if the idea of picking an apartment seems as daunting as pulling a jumbo jet with just your pinkie finger, never fear. As an experienced (and successful) apartment shopper, I’ve got the process boiled down into a few basic steps to make the process as easy as it can be.
1. Money, money, money. Before you even start shopping, figure out your budget. (Use this cute expense tracker to help with budgeting!) What can you afford? Remember, this isn’t just in rent, but in renter’s insurance, water, electric, cable, your car payment and insurance, what it’ll cost you to travel to work, to eat, savings, student loans, etc. Take that number on rent and housing bills and cement it in concrete in your mind. You can compromise on a lot of things, but don’t ever let your wallet be one of them.
2. What are you looking for? Once you’re sure about your price range, figure out your list of wants and needs. Here’s an example of what my list looked like.
|
Wants |
Needs |
|
Open floor plan |
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms |
|
2 sinks in master bathroom |
No more than 25 minutes from work |
|
Top floor of building |
Pool and fitness center on site |
|
Garage |
Lots of storage |
3. Do your homework. Before you seriously consider anywhere, do some causal shopping (if you can visit the area) and use the Internet (we used apartments.com) to get an idea of what’s available in your area and price range. Eliminate places that don’t match your “Needs” column and develop a list of the places you want to seriously consider. Then, build your Binder.
4. The Binder: Your apartment search Bible. Each place to be considered should have its own section. In the section for each one, put any materials collected in the casual shopping phase, like publications given to you at the leasing office, floor plans, etc. At the front of the binder was a notebook for taking notes during the formal shopping phase and a checklist of wants. The more checks a place got during our visit, the higher up on our list it went. (I absolutely love this binder with these fun dividers–too cute!)
5. Then, it’s time to shop, seriously. Devote at least two days to visiting different apartments and plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at each one. When you get there, take your license (they’ll need to hold it as collateral to show you places) and bring your binder with you. People will either be aghast or impressed, but either way, they’re more likely to take you seriously. Typically, the leasing agent will show you the facilities and take you to see a model or a vacant unit and talk with you about the complex. Take pictures on your phone and notes in your notebook. If you see something you like, request a quote based on your availability. Prices can fluctuate literally from day to day, but the quote they give you traditionally lasts 48 hours so you’ve got time to decide.
6. And the winner is…After a long and exhausting shopping trip, go get a nice dinner, have a glass of something you enjoy and consider your options. Consider the materials in each section, your checklist at the front of the Binder, your notes, your pictures and the gut feeling you had when standing in the apartment. Weigh each of these variables carefully, then make a choice. Pick the one that’s right for you, fill out the application (most are online) and get ready for a lot more paperwork. But, in the meantime, congratulations! You’ve found an apartment!
This may look like a lot to go through, but trust me, it’s worth it in the end. You’ll be so grateful for your Binder and that you took the time to work your way through the process. It’ll all turn out great in the end and before you know it, you’ll be saying, “Home sweet home” in your new digs.
Rachel Southmayd is a reporter for the Rock Hill Harold in South Carolina.
This is such great advice! I especially like the section about wants vs.needs!
Thanks for reading, Cristina! Yes, wants versus needs is important…but sometimes it feels like splitting hairs!
xo,
B
Thanks for the great advice! I have to move over the summer and I don’t even know where to start.
By the way, I nominated you for a Liebster Award! All the details are on my blog!
http://fondueyouloveme.blogspot.com/2013/04/liebster-award.html
Thanks for reading, Jen! Good luck apartment hunting this summer.
Thanks for the nomination! I really, really appreciate it!
xo,
B
thanx for sharing this type information really i have appreciate this
Glad I could help!
xo,
b
great post!!! where did you get that binder you have ?
I believe the binder is from Staples or office depot!
xo,
b
A little late to the game but I wanted to add to read the reviews for the apartment complexes you’re looking at. My husband and I chose what we thought was a wonderful apartment and it ended up having the worst possible management. It made living there awful. Only after we moved in did we look at reviews and they didn’t have a single positive review. Just a huge money saving tip!
Such an excellent tip! Thanks, Victoria!
xo,
b
Don’t forget about safety!!! You can go to the police department of the county you are apartment shopping in and pull up a 6 month report of incidents. Also, has the complex been puting money into their apartments? New appliances? New windows? This is VERY important and will give you an idea of how important you are to them.
Great point, Stephanie!
xo,
b
Nice little guide for first time apartment buyers! Distinguishing between wants and needs is very important for when apartment hunting!
Totally! Thanks for reading!
xo,
b
I’m going to college soon, and I was a little worried about finding an apartment that’s close and cheap. This really helps
So glad!
xo,
b
You forgot to say call ahead and schedule a showing. Most places are filled with current residents and law states we need 12 hours but we like to give at least 24 hours to notify them that we will be entering their home. Always go in with an open mind. The previous tenant may be messy or have a different decorating style than your own. Don’t let that hinder your search. Also budget for application fees and security deposits. Read and understand everything before you sign or initial anything.
Thanks for reading, Stephanie! I’ve never scheduled a showing. The first time I apartment hunted, I looked at probably 6 places. This last time (with my fiancé), we looked at 11. We didn’t schedule any showings but were able to see an apartment in each complex! I bet it depends on the part of the country you’re in! (There are probably places where space is tight so there isn’t a “show” apartment…in Texas, space is never an issue!) 😉 Thanks again for reading & commenting! And I definitely agree with budgeting for application fees and security deposits. 🙂
xo,
b
Thanks! I’ve tried to get better about putting more photos in each post, but thanks for the comment!
xo,
b
Hi Blair!
I am a recent college graduate and I am current living at home, but I have plans to rent my first apartment in the near future. I have somewhat began my apartment hunting process. I would like to create a binder like yours to take with me as I go on my apartment tours. Is there any way you could post more pics of your binder or possibly email me the information such as the tabs included in the, questions to ask the apartment manager, or anyother useful information.
Thanks!!
Hey Ashley! This was a guest post written by my roommate, Rachel, who now lives across the country from me! So sorry I couldn’t help out more! If you want more information from her, you can email her at rsouthmayd@elon.edu! 🙂
xo,
b