What should be on my apartment hunting checklist? Whatever is important to you should be on your apartment hunting checklist. Finding an apartment can be overwhelming, so creating an apartment hunting checklist...
Finding an apartment can be overwhelming, so creating an apartment hunting checklist for yourself is a great idea. There are certain factors that should go on that checklist based on your "wants" and "needs". Our apartment locating expert, Jerry Yelvington is a real estate agent for Avery Windsor Properties, trained and licensed in real estate and in the insurance business, says an apartment hunting checklist will make you a better renter.
"It's so visual. Most people just know what they like and what they don't like. A big factor is the location proximity to the work place. If the property is well maintained, both the physical building as well as the landscaping, that's a good sign. Make sure the atmosphere is professional and you are treated in a professional manner. Make sure the apartment office is not chaotic," Yelvington says.
Another item you should have on your apartment checklist has to do with the outside portion of the apartment.
"A good place to always look, especially in the summertime, is the condition that the swimming pool is in. Is it green or is it clean? In a lot of places the swimming pool pretty much will tell you everything you need to know. It will tell you if management is taking care of the whole place," Yelvington says.
Here are some items that you should check the condition of on your apartment checklist:
Gas and electricity, check electrical sockets (do they work?), Are the outlets grounded?
Are there light fixtures in each room? Is there proper wiring for a computer? Is there an adequate supply of electrical sockets and are they properly located? Does the heating system work properly? (Turn the heat on and wait for a few minutes to determine if the system is working). Does the refrigerator work? Does the stove work? Does the washing machine work? Does the clothes dryer work? Call the local utility company to have the gas and electricity meters read on the date that you take over responsibility for the property.
Now for the plumbing area of your rental property, check out these areas:
Taps, toilets, tub, shower, is there hot water? Is the water pressure good?
Is there an exhaust fan in the bathroom? Are utilities included in the rent?
Also, make sure to check out the bedrooms, closets, windows, insurance coverage, what services the owner will be providing for you, if any? Is there a 24-hour call-in service? How long before repairs will be done? What repairs will you be responsible for? Does any major repair work need to be done?
Yelvington says the more prepared you are before you go out apartment hunting the more satisfied you will be with the place you choose to live. Remember you will have to sign a lease for at least six months to a year, so you want to find a place where everything is working properly. Yelvington says, taking the time out to do your homework will save you from having future headaches.
