Finding the perfect apartment for rent online is not an easy task. In fact, most people who don’t own their homes dread the task of finding an apartment that they will be happy with. The Internet is sometimes full of lies and half-truths, which is why it’s important that you find out more about your potential rental.
Compile A List
Start the apartment for rent search by compiling a list of furnished apartment that you would be interested in renting. The Internet offers a wealth of search engines for this arduous task, and it is important you don’t leave out any possibilities. Some of the best rentals are actually listed by private landlords or small management companies. Make use of lesser-known websites to dig up those diamonds in the rough.
Read The Proper Reviews
After compiling a long list, it’s time to cut down on the contenders. The best way to do this is to read reviews of your potential apartment for rent. Use several websites to read reviews from. It is important that you get a good idea of what to expect from a certain management company. Keep in mind, not all rentals will have reviews about them online, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the place is good.
Take all reviews with a grain of salt. Everyone is different, and what may have been a nightmare for someone’s expectations, may not be for you. After reading several reviews, consider what are common problems they have all discussed. For example, many reviews mention that local residents smoke in the alley; it is safe to say most residents are smokers.
Get To Know The Neighborhood
It is crucial that you rent an apartment that is in a neighborhood that fits your needs. If you need work or you like the nightlife, choose an area with restaurants, clubs and shopping centers nearby. It helps to use Google Earth to get a feel for the place, but once again don’t base your entire opinion of a place on online screenshots. Places often look different from what you see online.
Crime And Traffic
Make sure you check out the crime rate in your potential area. There are some crimes that are annoying, but if you choose an area with a high crime rate, it can become a life threatening problem. Most counties and cities publish their crime rate reports online for free public viewing.
Traffic is something else that you need to be aware of. It isn’t enough to just visit the apartment in person. Even if it’s located next to a freeway, it doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be constant traffic jams. Use Google Maps to view the traffic real-time or at a certain time.
