Do You Know Your Budget?

When you're looking for a new apartment, the first thing you need to do is set your budget. How much can you afford to spend each month on rent and utilities? If you're not sure, ask yourself some questions about your lifestyle and monthly expenses. Will you need to consider other monthly costs like utilities, parking, and pet fees (if applicable)? How about seasonal costs for heating and cooling? Can you afford higher seasonal costs for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer? How much will the actual move cost you? How much cash-in-hand do you need to go towards a security deposit, first month’s rent, and pet deposit?

Once you have a good idea of your maximum rent cost, you will have a more realistic view of how much you can afford and understand the importance of asking about the expenses beyond the rent.

Needs and Wants: Overall Requirements

Now that you know your budget, think about what you absolutely need in your apartment. Make a list of your must-haves so you can easily narrow down your search. Here is a list of items to consider including on your list:  

• A certain square footage

• A minimum number of rooms or bedrooms

• Pets allowed

• Access to outdoor space

• Natural light

• Wood or tiles floors

• Closet space

Bathroom

• Full-size tub

• Storage space

Kitchen

• Energy efficient appliances

• Cabinet space

Amenities

• Pool

• Laundry in the unit or onsite

• Fitness center

• Parking

Search and Visit the Apartment Communities

Now it's time to start looking at apartments and getting to know the neighborhood! Begin by searching online listings, driving around the communities that interest you, or working with a real estate agent. Fairfield Property Management has a wide variety of apartment homes to choose from.

Consider what the surrounding area offers:

• Entertainment

• Nearby parks, restaurants, community attractions

• Distance from your work / traffic

Once you've found a few places that looks promising, it's time to schedule some tours.

Schedule A Tour

When touring an apartment, be sure to ask lots of questions! Find out about the building itself, the surrounding neighborhood, and the landlord or property management company. Be sure to get a tour of the entire unit, including any common areas like laundry facilities or parking garages.

Here are some helpful questions to ask during your tour:

• What are the average cost of utilities?

• What is the pet policy and deposit?

• What type of lease terms are available?

• Does the apartment come furnished?

Before You Sign

Now that you've found your perfect apartment, it's time to sign the lease! But before you do, be sure to read through the lease carefully. Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions, including the length of the lease, pet policy, and any restrictions on guests or noise levels. 

Apartment hunting doesn't have to be stressful if you know what to do (and what to look for). By following this checklist, you can be sure that you're getting into the right place for you.

 If you need assistance with finding your next home, please call 318-227-8693 and one of our friendly team members will speak with you to learn more about your needs and answer your questions you have to help you find the apartment of your dreams.

Happy apartment hunting!