Searching for an apartment is stressful. This will be my third time searching and I can’t say it’s easier but I can say I’m more knowledgable.
Previously, I kept a Google Doc to keep track of apartments I was considering. This time, I made a Google Sheet and am keeping track of each place that way. It’s a good way to stay organized and compare each place.
When I visit an apartment, here’s what I take into consideration:
- Price of rent
- Availability
- Do they have units available in your time frame?
- Square Feet
- Application process
- What paperwork? What fees? Application fee? Deposit?
- Sometimes the application fees can be outrageous.
- Income verification
- Do you need to show them paystubs?
- Carpet
- I perfer carpet to hardwood so it’s important that it has nice carpet.
- Parking
- Is it free? Is it available?
- Bathtub
- Gas or Electric
- I’ve learned I perfer electric. I’ve lived in “gas” apartments and it’s just one more bill to pay.
- Bills covered
- Sometimes they will pay some bills for you or it’ll be included in your rent.
- Wifi or cable
- Is this included? Probably not.
- Fitness
- Is there a walking path? A fitness center in the leasing office?
- Windows
- Nice blinds?
- Kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Washer/ Dryer
- Appliances
- Are they stainless steel?
- Closet
- Is it big?
- Pantry
- I never thought to ask about this so I showed up and realized my unit didn’t have a pantry. A pantry is nicer than shelves.
- Pool
- Location
- Close to highway
- Close to grocery
- Reviews on Apartmentratings.com
- This website offers reviews that are written by angry hot-headed people as well as level headed previous residents. Read the reviews carefully.
- My Comments
- What’s your impression?
- How does the community look?
Debbie Gillum Wakefield 