3 Steps To Make Your Apartment Search Incredibly Simple
Moving can be a hassle.
Packing and lugging heavy boxes is no one's definition of fun.
But one part of relocating that doesn't have to be a drag is the actual apartment search.
Regardless of why you're moving, either making a move because of work, relocating because of foreclosure or moving out on your own for school, there are some extremely easy ways to find apartments perfect for your needs.
1.
Organize Your Documents Before you even start your search, know what's on your credit report.
Everyone is entitled to a free copy of their report every year and cleaning up outstanding debts if possible and correcting mistakes that may lower your score is important.
Other important documents you should have on hand include: - Proof of income - Proof of citizenship - Character references and referrals - Letters of reference from recent landlords and credit references (if available) If you're competing for an apartment in a tight market, having your paper work ready for a landlord to see may make the difference in getting that great apartment when you find it.
2.
Surf the Web You are already doing it anyway! Use the Internet to find out which areas of town attract more families or singles, where the dog parks are or where the nightlife hotspots are located.
While you are searching, consider what factors are important for your lifestyle.
As examples, do you need to be close to work or to public transportation, is access to the airport more important or is making it to professional sporting events the key? By identifying your needs first, you won't waste time trying to find apartments in neighborhoods where you really don't want to live anyway.
3.
Talk to People Sure, you can search the classifieds, pay a real estate broker or join a referral service, all great ideas.
But one of the best and easiest ways to simplify your apartment search is to talk to people - especially people in your target neighborhood.
Visit the restaurants, grocery stores, post office and retail stores in the neighborhood where you'd like to live, and tell folks you meet that you are looking for an apartment in the area.
No one knows what's going on in a neighborhood better than the people who live and work there.
An added benefit is talking to the folks may lead to some acquaintances and maybe a few friendships (which is handy when it comes time to carry those boxes).
As noted above, moving can be a hassle, but the search for where to move can be made less intimidating using these three simple tips.
Packing and lugging heavy boxes is no one's definition of fun.
But one part of relocating that doesn't have to be a drag is the actual apartment search.
Regardless of why you're moving, either making a move because of work, relocating because of foreclosure or moving out on your own for school, there are some extremely easy ways to find apartments perfect for your needs.
1.
Organize Your Documents Before you even start your search, know what's on your credit report.
Everyone is entitled to a free copy of their report every year and cleaning up outstanding debts if possible and correcting mistakes that may lower your score is important.
Other important documents you should have on hand include: - Proof of income - Proof of citizenship - Character references and referrals - Letters of reference from recent landlords and credit references (if available) If you're competing for an apartment in a tight market, having your paper work ready for a landlord to see may make the difference in getting that great apartment when you find it.
2.
Surf the Web You are already doing it anyway! Use the Internet to find out which areas of town attract more families or singles, where the dog parks are or where the nightlife hotspots are located.
While you are searching, consider what factors are important for your lifestyle.
As examples, do you need to be close to work or to public transportation, is access to the airport more important or is making it to professional sporting events the key? By identifying your needs first, you won't waste time trying to find apartments in neighborhoods where you really don't want to live anyway.
3.
Talk to People Sure, you can search the classifieds, pay a real estate broker or join a referral service, all great ideas.
But one of the best and easiest ways to simplify your apartment search is to talk to people - especially people in your target neighborhood.
Visit the restaurants, grocery stores, post office and retail stores in the neighborhood where you'd like to live, and tell folks you meet that you are looking for an apartment in the area.
No one knows what's going on in a neighborhood better than the people who live and work there.
An added benefit is talking to the folks may lead to some acquaintances and maybe a few friendships (which is handy when it comes time to carry those boxes).
As noted above, moving can be a hassle, but the search for where to move can be made less intimidating using these three simple tips.