ʚ Apartment Hunting ɞ

It's inevitable, we have to do some adulting someday. I mentioned before that I finally moved out of the dorms this summer and will be moving to an apartment with friends. It has been stressful, and yet easy at the same time.

Step 1: make a list

As a girl who has a list of lists, a list is a must. What is your budget? Will you be living with roommates? How many roommates? Those are just a few of the questions you have to ask yourself. Here are some other things you might want to consider:

Security. Is it a gated community? At least a passcode locked door?

Utilities. Is it included with the rent? 

Appliances. Is it included with the unit? 

Location.  Is it near the market? Near your university/work? How long will the commute be? 

Pets. Is it pet friendly? Or are you okay with just a pet fish?

Size. If you're going to live with roommates, is it actually big enough for all of you?

Is there a laundromat in the complex? Is it coin operated or card? 

Parking. How many parking spaces come with your unit? Is it gated? Street parking available if needed?

Cell service. Do you get cell service in the area? Make sure your provider has service.

I probably forgot a lot of other things, so comment them if you think of any.

Step 2: actually hunt

There are several resources you can use to find the apartment within your budget and has the things you need. You already know someone living off campus so go ahead and ask them about their previous apartment or the apartment they're currently living in. Craigslist will also be your new bestfriend. Do a drive-by. My roommates and I set a few days after our schedules to walk around the neighborhoods around our campus. We walked door to door to apartments that had availability signs outsides. 

Step 3: set an appointment

Most places have open houses, or office at the very least, weekdays BUT if you can't make it on weekdays call them and set an appointment for the weekend. I personally just dropped by the same day I saw the availability sign. ALWAYS GO WITH SOMEONE! Please don't just go by yourself it can be very dangerous, better safe than sorry. 

Most of us are doing this for the first time, at least for me. Here are some red flags:

- Not showing up when they said they would.

- When they tell you "it's a good first apartment" it's probably a crappy place or has crappy management. If it has a huge turnover, people leaving after a year lease, there's a reason for it.

- When they're condescending because "you're young/inexperienced".

- When they don't response within a day (unless it's a weekend). You need to know they're liable as a landlord/manager in case of emergency, damages, etc.

- When they don't give you an exact amount for rent. They DO NOT need to run numbers, rent should be similar to every tenant (if same unit type).

I'm sure the process is different for everyone but I'll list down what my experience has been.

My roommates checked out the open house, in our case every unit in this complex has the same layout. We then sent an email to the manager saying we are interested and asked if there's an availability during the time we need the apartment by (we already knew the price but if you don't then definitely ask). We then had to turn in applications (and our cosigners information) with the application fee so they can run our background/credit check. Once approved, we paid the security deposit and apartment agreement (or was it the lease? not so sure.. i forgot). We are now currently waiting for the walk through where the manager will explain things for the second time around (I guess more thoroughly this time but the last time was thorough enough?). 

xx Maine