Questions are the best way to help you find the right apartment. The first step is to find information on what properties you are interested in. Once you have found a few you are interested in, it is time to interrogate your potential neighbors. Keep in mind, it is in human nature to talk about all the things you like about the place and not mention all the things you don’t like. One way to solve this problem is to ask direct problems. Here are some examples:
- What are three things you dislike about the apartment?
- What are three things you love about living here?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the management and owners of the apartment complex?
- Is there a sense of community at the apartment complex?
- Is there ample parking or any distractions?
- Why do you love living at this apartment complex?
- What is the average cost you pay for utilities each month?
- Is the apartment space big enough to meet your needs?
- How close is/are the schools, banks, shopping centers, the interstate, and restaurants?
When you are checking out an apartment, several things should stand out to you. Some of these things are layout, the feel of the apartment, natural and man made lights, amenities, storage space and location. These things will affect your decision the most.
The layout of an apartment is important to consider because of the effect it will have on your comfort level and style. If you like plenty of floor space, you will not want to be in a small, cramped apartment. If you have more than two people living in the apartment, you will want to plan accordingly with the amount each person will take up. Try to get an apartment with at least three closets. Check the apartment’s electrical outlets and smoke detectors to see if they are working. Also make sure the fire extinguishers are up to code.
Natural and man made light are essential ingredients to creating a space where you are happy and can enjoy natural beauty or have an abundance of man made light. The wonderful thing about a well-lit room is that it adds a feeling of having more space. If the apartment is darkened because of colored walls and limited windows, the consequences of that style are rooms that look and feel smaller. For different people, this could be considered a blessing or a hindrance; it can be a negative or a bonus, depending on what you prefer. Most people like added light in their home.
The amenities of an apartment could include a dishwasher, microwave, extra storage, Internet hookups, a community pool, a weight room or access to a clubhouse. These things could either help you by giving you luxuries or make your rent bill higher because of the extras that you may not even use. Decide what amenities you can live without and what you definitely want. Storage space is also important to consider if you or your roommates have many things.
The location of the apartment can often be a help of a hindrance as well. If you live at the top, you tend to get better views and no noise above you from neighbors. On the downside, you may have many stairs to climb, making moving a hassle and carrying purchases up the stairs rather difficult. If you live at the bottom of the apartment complex, you will have noise all around and, instead of trees for a view, a parking lot. The advantage is easy access in and out of the apartment.
These are the basics to get you started. Hopefully you can brainstorm other questions or concerns you might have for your personal situation that will make or break your happiness with a particular apartment.
By Emily Thomas