3 Easy steps to choosing your rental home

Posted on: Jan 16, 2012

 

Moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life.  There are so many options when choosing where to live.  I often meet people who are overwhelmed when deciding where to move, especially if they are moving for the first time.  Follow these simple steps to an easier way to choose your home:

1. Set your budget.  Everyone has a budget.  Determine how much you can afford to spend on rent and how much you are willing to spend.  Remember, advertised rents often do not include utility costs.  Utilities will be a separate expense.  Begin your search within your budget.

2. Next, make a list of what features you would like within your new home.  List according to importance to you.  Think about room sizes, appliances, parking, location, etc.  Here is my list:

  • minimum of 2 bedrooms
  • washer/dryer or washer/dryer hook up
  • storage/closet space
  • hardwood floors
  • location
  • large kitchen
  • linen closet in bathroom
  • dishwasher

When choosing your home, keep in mind that it is unlikely to have everything on your list.  Remember what the most important features are to you.  My new home does not have everything on my list but it does have the most important features, and I love my new place!

3. After narrowing your choices according to your budget and features, contact the management company to find out about their application criteria.  If there is something on the criteria that you will not meet (for example, passing a criminal background check) mark that location off your list.  Application criteria are final and it is against the law for landlords to change or overlook criteria to allow someone to move in.
By now your list of possible homes should be narrowed to a few choices.
Schedule a tour and pick your favorite! Good luck!