After thoroughly scouring the depths of the internet in your apartment hunting journey, it’s time to reach out to your preferred properties and schedule appointments for tours. Even if the online photos are exceptional, visiting the properties in person is crucial to gaining an accurate sense of your potential living environment. Tours can be arranged through various channels, including online platforms, phone calls, and sometimes even social media.
Pro tip: Optimize your time by scheduling tours at multiple properties on the same day, preferably on weekends. This way, each place will be fresh in your mind and easier to compare.
The Touring Experience
Finally, the day has come to physically explore your prospective home. During the tour, meticulously inspect every detail and don’t hesitate to ask questions about the unit, property, leasing staff, and the surrounding area. Avoid unpleasant surprises on moving day!
Pay close attention to the following aspects while touring:
Presence of mold
Broken or damaged items (e.g., tiles, windows, washer & dryer)
Signs of water damage
Wall holes
Condition of the floors
Cell reception quality
Water pressure
Available storage space, especially in the kitchen and pantry
Security measures and property access
Green areas for pets
Parking arrangements, including visitor parking
Commute time with and without traffic
Surrounding environment
Pro tip: Take note of your current furniture measurements and bring a measuring tape to accurately assess what will fit in the apartment. Capture photos during the tour to aid in property comparison later on.
Asking Pertinent Questions
To ensure your comfort and safety in your chosen apartment, take the opportunity during the tour to ask leasing agents any questions you may have.
Consider inquiring about:
Characteristics of the neighborhood: Is it quiet or lively?
Recent incidents of home or car break-ins in the area
Pet policies and weight limits
Inclusion of utilities in the rent (often water and trash).
Application fees versus move-in fees.
Refundable amounts if you decide to cancel.
Finally, parking arrangements.