Finding an apartment can be a time consuming, stress inducing process that makes you dread even thinking about moving. While finding apartments online is, in theory, easier than ever thanks to the abundance of helpful apps and sites like Zillow, Apartment List, and Trulia, the truth is that finding and trying to secure apartments online feels a lot more difficult than meeting with a realtor in person to discuss a few limited options. Googling apartments for rent in your area and finding results is not as easy as Googling weight loss injections near you and being matched with RCMC Medical Center. If you are in the process of apartment hunting, here are a few simple tips to finding the apartment of your dreams online.
- Get Yourself Organized
First thing’s first: you need to determine where you want to move before you can begin browsing apartments. Make a list of neighborhoods or areas in your city you would be interested in living and rank them in order of preference. Think about the amount of space you will need; how many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you need any special amenities, like in unit laundry or extra parking? Then, find out the average cost of an apartment of this size in each area – this can be done with a quick Google search. Once you’ve done this, it’s time to set your budget. Figure out the maximum amount of money that you and any potential roommates would be willing to spend on rent each month, and only browse apartments in this range to avoid falling in love with an apartment that you can’t actually afford.
- Accept Help, But Do Your Own Digging
Sites like Zillow and apartments.com have made it easier than ever before to find apartments, however these sites can sometimes limit your searches or leave you competing with other users in a way that makes it more difficult to get in touch directly with a property manager. In addition to using these sites, be sure to visit property company’s websites directly, and to reach out to local real estate agents and property managers on your own to ensure that you are actually connecting with people who can help you in your apartment search.
3. Read Reviews
Once you have narrowed down your search to a few apartments you really like, it’s time to start scheduling visits and speaking with property managers about any questions you may have to determine if a place is right for you. In addition to this, it is helpful to read reviews from previous tenants on sites like Apartment Ratings or even Google to get a feel for what life would really be like while living in a particular property, straight from someone who has actually done it.
Hunting for apartments online can be challenging, but it does not have to be impossible. Use these 3 tips to help you in your search, and you’ll be leaving in your dream apartment in no time!