Tag Archives: How to Look for an Apartment

If you have had to apartment hunt in the past, you already know how big of a chore it is. This becomes even more hectic for anyone that must live off a budget! However, you just might be someone who can benefit from the tips below.

If you have ever rented an apartment in the past, you know how difficult it can be to locate an affordable unit. Having a limited budget only increases the difficulty. However, it’s never been easier to find an apartment, thanks to the internet.

Below are 8 helpful tips for locating an affordable apartment:

1. Share Your Apartment

Sharing the expenses helps to make renting an apartment more affordable. Being able to divide the bills up with at least one other renter is going to put you in a better position to afford the kind of place that you really want.

For instance, if an apartment building were renting two bedrooms out for $1200 a month, but if you had a one-bedroom apartment, it would cost you $800 a month and you would be paying this by yourself. However, if you had a roommate who was paying half of the rent, it would mean your cost is going to be $200 a month less, and that is an extra $200 a month you could pocket.

Not to mention the utility bills can also be split-up, among all the other things you and your roommate decide on splitting down the middle.  Wow, now that pocket money is beginning to accumulate.

For many, it is difficult to find someone to roommate with, since it is only natural you would want to make certain they are going to be compatible with your needs. You might find these tips useful for finding a roommate as well.

2. Work Around the Most Popular Moving Season’s

The rent on apartments usually is raised by landlords during the season when moving in and out are most expected (most popular). Having some knowledge of how the rental market can be impacted by the different seasons and time periods would be useful. For instance, the seasons cover periods of time when college students would be coming and going, particularly during the summer, the end of the school year, graduation time, etc.

Consider the areas you are interested in looking for a place to live in. Will the Universities be close by? Housing near universities and colleges will have the highest turnover for renters. You should take into consideration if the weather in the area is the same all year round or if it changes seasonally. Most moves take place either in the summer months or during the season with the most reliable weather. In order to keep their apartments filled, landlords will generally offer renters better deals on the rent. In fact, when timed just right, you can negotiate with landlords on the rent.

3. Have Questions For The Prospective Landlord

On this list, you should have such things as:

• Is parking included?
• Do they charge extra for pets?
• How much is the monthly pet fees?
• How much is the deposit for having a pet? (Which could be as high as $500)
• Are there additional pet fees? (Could be another $15 to $20 per month)

Another thing to have on your list are questions regarding parking. The more expensive charges for parking can range from $100 and up monthly in big cities like Seattle. Keeping in mind that covered parking will be less expensive than garage parking when asking questions.

Other important things to ask include:

• Would it be wise to carry renter’s insurance?
• Are the utilities included with the rent? If so, which ones?
• Will you be required to pay the utilities yourself?

Be prepared by always having your list of questions with you when apartment hunting.

4. New Apartment Buildings Can Be Affordable

Those new apartment buildings look far too expensive… Stop right there! This does not mean that you do not have a chance to get into one. Many of the newer apartment buildings will start out by offering the first month of rent for free and other good deals such as parking. Some also have gyms that tenants can use.

By canceling the gym membership costing you an extra $50 each month, along with refusing the many other additional offers, could end up with the rent being affordable.

5. Ask About the Floors Between The Lowest and the Highest Levels

The rent is often a little higher for the lowest and the highest floors due to renter’s preferring them more. A person who is open to having a less quality view and those willing to walk rather than take an elevator put themselves in a position to afford an apartment in one of those nice new buildings, and save some money at the same time.

Something else you should add to the list is, does the apartment have a lease agreement?

6. Don’t Wait To Fill Out Apartment Applications

Should you come across an apartment that you fall in love with from the get-go and the cost is within your budget, grab it quickly! Otherwise, it could be gone. In a case such as this, you need to tell the landlord or leasing agent right away and fill out the application immediately. Not many people know that the cost of rent can change from day-to-day.

Do not hesitate when you come across the right one. If someone else does not get it first, the rent can still go up.

7. Negotiate On Fixer Upper Apartments

A cheaper way to get an apartment is to negotiate with the landlord on a fixer-upper. Is It just needing something as simple as a layer of paint or a new faucet? You could discuss the option of lower rent in return for making these minor repairs.

You could end up with a great rent rate from the start by doing this.

8. Choose to Live Without the Amenities

Consider the things most people take for granted, such as on-site laundry or in-unit laundry. Is the apartment being renovated? Also, not many people know that each amenity offered comes with an additional cost attached to it. Landlords or leasing agents of apartments that have these additional amenities can also increase the rent at any time.

Searching for an apartment without all those amenities may not be as much fun, but the lower rent cost will make up for that in the long run.

Listings for Cheaper Apartments

Are you in need of an apartment you can afford?  This is no longer an issue. Just check out the website for a listing of cheaper apartments located in the area you are interested in. Simply provide us with your preferred needs, amenities, rent range, and the distance you are willing to travel. We will use these to filter through and find something that fits your needs.