There are so many things to consider while navigating the ins and outs of apartment hunting. You may experience a mix of excitement and overwhelm—eager to get settled in a new space but overwhelmed with where to start. Whether you’re moving for work, school or just need a change, the process usually begins with figuring out what matters to you most in an apartment home. Here are some tips and an apartment hunting checklist to help you get started.
Establish Your Must-Haves
While apartment hunting requires some level of flexibility, there are certain things that you may determine as non-negotiable based on your lifestyle and individual needs. For example, number of bedrooms, assigned parking or pet-friendly policies. Establish your must-have list first and use this as the basis of your search.
Factor In Your Nice-To-Haves
Having a secondary list of “nice-to-have” features is a helpful way to narrow down your list of potential apartment communities further. Do you enjoy spending much of your time outdoors? You may want to consider the available outdoor space and pool areas at each community. Or perhaps you value having an on-site fitness center and proximity to walking trails. How important is it to you to have a maintenance team on-site?
Work and Commute Considerations
Commute time is often a top consideration for renters looking for a new apartment. Be sure to check the commute time from each potential apartment community to your workplace (and be sure to look at the average travel time and traffic during peak commute hours). Will you be working from home some or all of the time? If so, pay close attention to each apartment’s layout, available internet providers and USB outlets. Other factors that may affect your workday include natural light, on-site coworking spaces and available outdoor WiFi.
Researching and Touring
Most renters begin their search online within a specific zip code or area. After comparing different communities’ websites, schedule tours at the locations that best meet your criteria. During the research and touring process, use our apartment hunting checklist to record details about each home and see what “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” are checked off. Then you can easily compare apartments and make a decision.
It’s important to ask the right questions while apartment hunting, especially if you’re a first-time renter. Download our helpful apartment hunting checklist to help you get organized as you search for your perfect home.
