If you’re about to move into your first apartment, congratulations! Leasing your first place is a big deal. Although this chapter in your life is bound to be exciting, it can also be stressful. Often, finding and moving into an apartment is not as easy as purchasing a home with the help of a realtor who uses services like haines.com. If you’re feeling stressed about finding your first place, here are 3 helpful tips for first-time apartment renters.
1. Save Money
Renting your first apartment can come with a great deal of financial anxiety. To ensure that there are no big surprises and that you’re all set on money when it comes to signing a lease, be sure to begin saving money as far as possible in advance. Keep in mind that leasing an apartment will likely require you to pay your first and last month’s rent in advance, in addition to any extra fees. Try to save up to 3x rent before signing a lease, to ensure that finding an apartment does not take a major, negative toll on your finances.
2. Don’t Look Until You’re Ready to Move
Often, apartments are listed online when they are available, meaning that it is useful to hold off on searching for apartments until you are ready to move. If you find your dream apartment 3 months before your current lease is up, you will likely have to miss out on the new place as many landlords require you to start paying rent in order to secure an available apartment. Experts advise beginning to search for apartments roughly 3-6 weeks before you are looking to move, to ensure that the timeline for finding a place is right.
3. Use the Right Apps
Searching for apartments online can be difficult, but luckily there are many apps available on the market that can simplify the process. Apps like Zillow and Apartment List allow users to filter their search results by location, price, amenities, and more, making it easier than ever to find a place that fits all your needs. Plus, these apps allow you to contact landlords or schedule tours directly, making it simple for you to visit and make a decision about a particular unit right away. If you are looking to move quickly, using an apartment locator app is one of the best things you can do to make the process as quick and easy as possible.
