How to choose an apartment?

Choosing an apartment can be a difficult task. You have to spend a lot of time calling apartment owners to ask them. But if you follow a few simple steps and understand the process, you can make this an enjoyable time. Whether you want to rent an apartment or buy one, here’s what you need to know.

1) Know what you want

First of all, it’s easy to buy anything if you know what you want. Therefore, it is important to identify and list your needs. How many rooms do you need? What should be the size of the apartment? Is it necessary to have an office? Do you prefer an open kitchen style or do you want the dining room to be separate from the kitchen? Do you want a balcony with views of the city? How much rent/price can you afford? By putting your priorities on paper, you make it clear what you want and you can instantly identify what’s missing from an apartment at inspection time.

2) Search

Now that you know what you want, you can start looking for an apartment. You can do this in a number of ways and one of the most popular is to search for ads. You can always find apartment advertisements in newspapers, and today the Internet is another convenient place to look. One advantage of the Internet is that most websites will provide you with photos of apartments, which is quite helpful. You can also check with friends or look for for-rent/for-sale signs in front of apartment complexes.

3) Inspect

Once you’ve listed a few apartments that match your criteria, set up an appointment for inspections. Be sure to meet with the owners or their representative during the inspection so they can answer any questions you have.

During the inspection, be sure to do the following:

• Inspect the location

The most important point when choosing an apartment is the location. Is it close to your place of work? Is it a good and peaceful neighborhood or is it a problem area?

• Inspect the apartment complex

Does the apartment complex look nice and tidy from the outside? Take a look at the entrance and the surroundings of the complex. Is it kept clean? Do the apartments have adequate security? Does the lobby smell clean? Are the elevators well maintained? Does it have adequate parking?

• Inspect the apartment

As you look around, look for any maintenance issues, such as leaking pipes or burned out lights. Do all light switches work properly? For furnished apartments, check to see if all appliances, such as the stove or refrigerator, are in good working order. The apartment must be clean and free of mice, cockroaches and other insects. Security should be of the utmost importance, so check for secure locks. Are balcony railings sturdy? Elevators, hallways, and steps should not be too narrow to move furniture. Make sure the builder has fire safety measures in place.

Apartment Locator

If you’re too busy or need to move quickly, you can always get the services of an apartment locator. A good locator would be familiar with many apartment complexes and areas of the city. Make sure you are well informed about your requirements. Although an apartment locator can help you find possible future homes for you, remember that yours has the last word. Therefore, you should find some time to at least do a quick inspection before making a decision.