With interest rates and inflation through the roof, many would-be home buyers are getting priced out of the market. Navigating the world of apartment hunting doesn’t need to be as stressful. If you’re overwhelmed with where to begin online apartment hunting, you’ve come to the right place.
From setting a budget to checking reviews, we’ve rounded up everything you need to find your perfect new apartment or home to rent. Read on for our easy-to-follow apartment-hunting strategy.
Create a Budget
One of the most important apartment-hunting steps is to set your budget. Before you choose a number, you’ll need to write out all your current income and expenses. You’ll want to see what is going in and out each month.
Start by writing out your monthly take-home pay. If you earn any additional income, include this as well. Next, write out all the expenses you have going out. This will include car payments, student loan payments, and any memberships you have.
As you start the budgeting process, you may be surprised to find you’re paying for extra expenses you don’t use. This could include two different music streaming services or a yoga class you haven’t gone to in years. This is a great time to trim those extra costs out of your budget.
Once you have a clear picture of what’s left after expenses, you’ll be able to set your new apartment budget. This will also need to include utilities and other living expenses. The more detailed you are here the more confident you can be with your budget.
Comparing Apartment Costs
Apartments will always range significantly in price by size, location, and amenities. While for some people, luxury finishes and amenities are important, for others, it’s the size or location. When you’re setting your budget, you’ll want to factor in these wishes.
In addition to your rent, some apartments also include pet rental and parking fees. Larger complexes also often come with free amenities or even some utilities included. You may receive free cable, access to a gym, and a dog run, for example.
Before you set your budget, think about if you’ll need parking, have pets, or will have to cover all the utilities. Single-family homes for rent are great options if you aren’t looking to pay extra for complex amenities and parking. Single-family homes are also great for families with children who will enjoy plenty of space to run and play outdoors.
Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment or home with roommates or a large family do your homework when it comes to cost. Weighing pros and cons will help make sure your rent and other costs fit comfortably into your monthly budget.
Choose Your Must-have Common Apartment Amenities
Wish lists will vary from person to person. Some renters need multiple rooms for a large family or roommates. Other renters need a pet-friendly apartment with outdoor space. Before you start apartment hunting write out your basic needs.
Basic needs can include a certain number of bedrooms, parking, or a specific location. Also, jot down your wish list for nice-to-have amenities. This could include a free gym or living in a particular school district.
Once you have your list ready, this will make filtering through apartments easier. You can narrow down your search by what’s most important to you. You can also filter your search by an apartment complex, townhome, or single-family home.
Choosing Location Options for Apartments
The location of your home is always important. For some renters, being close to work, family, or transportation is critical. For others, privacy, seclusion, or access to outdoor space is more important.
Narrow down a few of your favorite cities or neighborhoods and start there. Take a look at restaurants, nightlife, career opportunities, dog parks, or whatever is most important to you. Draw a radius on your favorite places or areas and start your search there.
Give some thought to the areas you’d like to live in before you start looking for apartments. Whether you want to walk to work, be close to family, or live near your favorite restaurants, this will help narrow down your search.
Reading Online Reviews
Reading online reviews is always helpful when apartment hunting. Reading other renters’ feedback is great for getting a sense of what a home, community, or building is like. You’ll get experiences from real people who have lived in the area you’re looking at.
Reviews are also great for getting feedback on what the landlord is like and how fast issues are handled. When you see a lot of positive feedback, you’ll know your requests will be handled in a timely manner.
Before you book an appointment to tour an apartment, check out what current and past residents have to say. Take a look at responses to problems, staff, and more. Doing a little research before can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Start Online Apartment Hunting Today
You’ve done your research, set your budget, and made your wish list. It’s time to start online apartment hunting. From the number of bedrooms to the size of the home, finding the right apartment for you doesn’t have to be stressful.
If you’re ready to start looking for your new apartment, you’ve come to the right place. Click here for more information on great spaces to fit all budget and size needs. Happy hunting.
