Apartment Searching Tips

Finding your next apartment home doesn't have to be stressful. Here's just a few tips to help get you started in your search. 

Set A Budget And Stick To It
Make sure you can afford the rent at the places you are looking. Management companies usually like to see their prospects making 2-3 times the amount in rent, which is usually a good starting point for prospects when looking at price. It is easy to get wrapped up in the amenities and other great things about an apartment community and what they have to offer. Sticking to a budget and looking at apartments that fit within that budget is a great way to save money and not get distracted. It’ll make your wallet happy too.

Find Out About Amenities
A lot of apartment communities have amenities such as a fitness center, community room, pools, tennis courts, etc. This is great for residents! The convenience of having things around is important. Think of what amenities you are looking for in a community, for example, dog owners may want a dog park in their apartment community, or a walking path around their building to ensure the health of their dog. List the amenities you are looking for; how important they are to you and how they fit into your budget. If you find an apartment building that has all of your listed amenities but is out of your price range, don’t fret. Maybe there is a different apartment community that has some of your amenities but has other options within the area. A community that has a pool and playground with a tennis court down the street will be comparable to the community that has all three amenities. Keep in mind your options and how they can work for you.

Clarify Parking
Parking can be a hassle. Make sure you ask your future apartment community about their parking guidelines. Some require a parking pass, some have designated guest parking and some apartment communities do not have any parking guidelines.

Community Rules
Community rules are important. No one likes getting in trouble over a misunderstanding. Ask your future management company for a copy of the lease before you sign it and a resident handbook if applicable. While reading through the community rules, ask yourself if you are able to follow these rules realistically. For example, some apartment buildings have rules such as “Laundry Room Hours 8:00am-10:00pm” make sure these times fit within your schedule or if you need to find a laundromat around the area.

Location
Make sure the location of your new home is where you want to be. Check the travel time to your most frequent visited places such as your favorite place to eat, work, favorite biking trails, etc.

Utilities
No one likes unwanted surprises, especially when talking about bills. Make sure you know what is included in rent and what needs to be payed separately. Make sure these separate bills still fit within your budget. Feel free to ask your future management company if cable and internet are included and if not what companies provide service in that area. Do some research and find out what deals those companies can provide and make sure their price fits within your budget.

MetroPlains Management's team is here to help you during your search. 

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