How To | July 31, 2014
The apartment rental business has been quite busy the past few years. Occupancy rates are very high as a result of significant demand. If you are looking for an apartment, it is important to have a game plan in mind for your search. There are many important factors that have to be determined before you can even start your apartment hunt. The first is to start searching for your new apartment 30 to 60 days before you actually need to move in. If you are now renting and need to be out of your current apartment, then you will really need to stick to the 60 day timeline to give you time to see many options for your new home. Also consider the following questions as you start your apartment hunt:
After you have answered these questions, set your budget and decided what you really want in an apartment, then you’re ready to start your apartment hunting. In most cases, you should be able to do the search on your own without a help of a realtor. You can also look at many online sites that will help you find apartment listings in your city such as Craigslist or consult a realtor if you are having a hard time with your search. Narrow your apartment hunting to your favorite neighborhoods or areas. If you are new to the city, then walk around the neighborhood that you want to live in before you start looking at apartments. You might actually come across more rentals walking or driving around the area instead of online. When you are looking at the neighborhood, establish that the apartment building is near schools, shopping or public transportation. Make checklists of likes and dislikes of the various places that you have seen so you can compare them when you have to narrow down your favorite places.
As you look at different apartments, be prepared to ask the landlord or leasing agent questions about the rental agreement, additional costs, amenities, garbage or recyclable materials removal, decorating changes to the apartment, and parking, just to name a few. Make sure to get the answer to your questions in writing to use for future reference. It is okay to look in closets, drawers and cabinets to check for hidden issues. At this point, rely on your senses by noticing any odors or looking for flaws such as cracks in the walls, windows and floors. Also, mentally take note of the size of the rooms to make sure that your furniture will actually fit. If you really like a place, ask to apply for it right away. Be prepared to fill out applications, have references (if needed) and make a deposit for the apartment.
Baltimore is a diverse city with many wonderful neighborhoods from historical areas such as Fell’s Point to suburban areas such as Glen Burnie. It is home to great universities such as John Hopkins University and UMBC. With college students starting back to school next month, empty apartments that are in the neighborhood of these schools will be filling up fast. There are many apartment rental sites for Baltimore that can assist you in your search including: www.baltimore.ForRent.com , www.baltimore.apartmenthomeliving.com , and www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Maryland/Baltimore/ . If you don’t find an apartment for rent in Baltimore that you like via these sites, then it might be a good idea to consult a realtor to help you in your search. If you are downsizing from a house to an apartment, then you will be in need of a place to put items that you no longer have room for. Self storage is a great solution to store larger home items that will not fit in a smaller apartment. ezStorage has 15 Baltimore storage unit locations to help with all of your storage needs from packing supplies to storage units. Good Luck with your apartment hunt!
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