How do you choose the perfect apartment? Finding an apartment community to call home is a big decision, and it’s not one you want to take lightly. With so many options, amenities, and floor plans to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you?
As you start hunting for that perfect apartment community, keep the following suggestions in mind:
- Know your priorities. Before you start your search, understand what features are most important to you. Make a list of “must-haves” that you can’t live without, and “nice-to-haves” that would make life comfortable, but aren’t necessarily a deal breaker. This will help you make a practical decision.
- Affordability. It doesn’t matter how much you love the community if you can’t make your rent payments, or you’re strapped for cash every month. Set a budget, and know what you can comfortably afford before you start looking. Only visit the communities whose rent falls within your range, and as you tour, evaluate if the amenities or apartment size are worth the monthly rent.
- Location. Is it important to you to be close to work, school or the nightlife? Or would you prefer a quiet suburb, with trees, grass and nature all around you? Drive through the area before you schedule a visit to make sure it has what you’re looking for, such as restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, walking trails, or a bike path. Also research the area for safety. Is it in an area you would feel safe living in?
- Understand the lease. Read the lease thoroughly to make sure you understand what you are agreeing to, what’s included, and what you are allowed to do. For example, is it okay to sublet your apartment? Paint the walls? Install window treatments? Are utilities included?
- Pets. If you have a pet, seek out communities that allow them, and also have a place for them to run and play. Be prepared that some breeds may be restricted, and that you may need to make a larger security deposit for damage a pet may cause. If you don’t own a pet and prefer a pet-free community, make your choice accordingly.
- Evaluate the amenities. Many communities offer garages, washers and dryers, swimming pools, exercise rooms, green houses, and a whole host of other amenities. Know your priorities, and evaluate how much you want or will use the amenities offered at each community.
- Social events. Some communities offer open gathering rooms, theater rooms, or even their own private clubs for your entertainment and enjoyment. Others host happy hours, sand volleyball tournaments or euchre nights. If you are new to the area or are interested in meeting new people, social event offerings from the community may be important to you.
- Emergency support. It’s always best to plan ahead for the unexpected. Ask what each community offers in terms of 24-hour maintenance, and understand what they define as an emergency. If your pipe bursts in the middle of the night, who can you call? If something less urgent arises, like a dishwasher repair or leaky faucet, what kind of response time can you expect?
- Take online reviews with a grain of salt. Keep an open mind when reading apartment community reviews online. Most reviewers take to the Internet when they’re angry, not when they are happy and satisfied. A better approach would be to talk with someone who lives in the community, or make note of the camaraderie between the members and the leasing consultants when you are touring.
Edwards Communities understands what a big decision renting an apartment is, which is why we offer something for everyone. We have urban communities, suburban living, and options that fall in between. Our upscale apartments feature plenty of amenities, social events, and even our own private clubs in some markets. We have both pet-friendly and pet-free communities, and our commitment to your satisfaction should a situation arise — emergency or non-emergency — is unmatched.
If you’d like to learn more about Edwards Communities or how to find the apartment that’s right for you, contact us at info@edwardscommunities.com, or visit our website at http://edwardscommunities.com.