A New Home Search
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A New Home Search

After several years of diligently saving money, I’m nearly ready to purchase my first home. Because I’ve been thinking about buying a home for so long, I know exactly what I want my house to look like. I desire a place that has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. I also need a quiet space to set up my home office in. I want a massive, walk-in closet in my master bedroom. My master bathroom needs to have double vanities, a tiled, walk-in shower, and a Jacuzzi tub. On this blog, I hope you will discover how to set priorities during your new home search. Enjoy!

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A New Home Search

6 Tips For Finding Your First Apartment

Elli Jokela

You may be moving out of your parent's home for the first time, or downsizing from a home to an apartment, etc. No matter why, finding the perfect apartment is the first step. Below are six tips you should find helpful when you start looking.

Finding the Apartment

It can be difficult to find a good apartment. You may want to consider calling a real estate agent in your area. Even though you are not purchasing, they may be able to give you some tips on apartments in your area.

Scope It Out

When you visit an apartment during the day it may be quiet and uncrowded. This can change overnight, however. Drive to the apartment once the sun goes down and check it out. Visit on the weekend, as this is the busiest time.

Take Pictures

You should take pictures when the property owner is walking you through the apartment. If you see many apartments during your search, you can forget what each one looks like.  This is also helpful with damage to the apartment. For example, if you notice chipped paint on the walls, small damage to the carpet, etc., take a picture of these, and show it to the rent manager. This can prove that you did not do this damage, and you will not have to pay for it.

Find the Power Outlets

The amount of power outlets is also important. You want to make sure there are enough for all of the electronic equipment you have, and the outlets are located where you need them.

Look at the Lease

One of the most important things is the lease.  You need to know what is covered in it.  Look at things like your security deposit, and if it will be returned to you. Understand the repair and maintenance in your apartment when your lease is up so you can know if you can extend it, and more.  You may want to consider having an attorney look over the lease before you sign it.

Check Your Credit

Most apartment managers will check your credit when you apply to rent an apartment. You do not want to find that your credit score is not high enough, and you will be turned down.  You can check the report on your own without a charge. If you find your credit score is too low, ask a parent or someone else if they will co-sign for you.

When you move out of your apartment, make sure you ask for a receipt. The property owner may not remember that you returned the key, which would result in charging you for extra months.


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