VWB Blog If you don’t currently own property, then we’ve got some bad news: the American housing shortage will continue for years to come.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be impossible to find housing. And that doesn’t mean you should settle for subpar either.
Wondering what to look for when apartment hunting? Here are 4 things you should know!
1. Come Up With a Wishlist
One of the first things you should do before you set out is to come up with an apartment hunting wishlist. While yes, there’s a housing shortage, that doesn’t mean you should just take whatever you can get.
Take a moment to think of what’s important to you and write it down. For instance, if you cook a lot, then you’ll want a place that has a decent kitchen.
With a list of apartment hunting must-haves, this can help you cross potential places off quickly and focus on properties that suit you better.
2. Be Prepared With Questions
Apartment hunting questions are a must. Some properties might look good, but actually have tons of problems behind the pretty facade. And there might be hidden fees you aren’t aware of until after you sign the lease, which isn’t a nice surprise.
Prepare a list of questions to ask, such as:
- Are utilities included?
- How do you handle emergency repairs?
- Is parking included?
- Are pets allowed? (if relevant)
- Can I paint and/or decorate my apartment?
- What fees are required when I move in? (many landlords require first and last month’s rent, as well as a security deposit)
Asking the right questions can help you dig deeper and determine whether or not a place/landlord is right for you.
3. Check Out the Amenities
Not all apartment complexes are created equally. Some will have barebones amenities while others are quite lavish. So when you’re looking at rent prices, consider what amenities are included.
For example, one apartment might be more expensive than another you’re looking at, so you’re naturally leaning toward the cheaper one. However, the more expensive one has a clubhouse, gym, and pool on-site! That means you can cancel your gym membership, which makes renting at the first place actually cheaper than at the second.
4. Look for Off-Campus Housing
Are you a university student? Then you might’ve tried hard to get on-campus housing for better prices and convenience.
However, as you probably already know, these accommodations are highly coveted and not every student gets a spot. For that reason, you should turn to off-campus housing.
It might be slightly more expafito.com/off-campus-housing/mississippi-state-universityensive and further away from campus, but if you’re lucky, you just might get a good price on an apartment that’s just minutes away from college.
Know What to Look for When Apartment Hunting
When you know what to look for when apartment hunting, it’ll be a much easier process. You’ll recognize bad deals instantly and you’ll save time by not chasing dead-ends.
With the current housing shortage, it’ll be worth it to put in some time and thought before you commit to a place, as you’ll probably want to stay there for a good deal of time! So take our advice and use it to find a great place to stay.
For more apartment hunting tips, read our other blog posts now!