When you think about apartment hunting, you probably think about the practical details: What neighborhood do you want to live in? What’s the availability of parking and public transportation? Will the landlord accept your pet?
But beyond the practicalities, what you’re looking for may be different from other people. A good place to start is figuring out what you want from an apartment.
Do you want to live in a quiet, secluded neighborhood? Do you want to be around lots of diverse people? Are you looking for a party school? If you have specific requirements, like a specific layout or a specific price range, you can narrow down your search.
Here’s a guide to help you decide what type of apartment you want.
This might seem like a silly question, but it’s a big part of finding the right apartment for you. Since apartments are so customizable, you can choose a layout that fits your life perfectly. For example, do you want a studio apartment or a two-bedroom?
Determine what you want in an apartment, and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration.
When you know exactly what you want, you can focus on finding it.
There are tons of different types of apartments, so knowing what you’re looking for will help you narrow down your search.
When you’re done with step two, you’ll know exactly what type of apartment you want.
Here are some types of apartments you might be interested in:
Apartment complex: If you’re okay with sharing a community with other people, a complex is for you. Some complexes have their own management company, while others are managed by a property management company.
Apartment community: These collectives are more like apartments than condo complexes. They generally have strict rules and guidelines, but they often offer lower maintenance fees and have good property managers.
Studio apartment: Depending on the city you live in, you may have a dearth of one-bedroom apartments. Studios are smaller than a one-bedroom, but they’re still more spacious than a one-bedroom in an apartment. Depending on where you live, studios may also be more affordable than a one-bedroom.
One-bedroom apartment: A one-bedroom is the most popular type of rental unit, and for good reason. One bedroom can comfortably fit a couple with a child or two, and two bedrooms are great for groups.
Two-bedroom apartment: If you can afford it, a two-bedroom is the best type of rental unit. Two bedrooms are good for groups of friends or roommates, and they’re often cheaper than a three-bedroom.
Three-bedroom apartment: Three bedrooms are the norm in most cities. They’re great if you’re in a large group, like a family of five, or if you have friends or extended family who will be visiting often.
When you want to advertise your apartment for rent, you have to be aware of the laws in your city.
It’s not allowed in most cities to post just your own apartment for rent. You have to post an advertisement for the unit you want to rent, too.
If you have a one-bedroom or two-bedroom, you should probably post two ads for each unit. This way, you have more options if someone else wants to take over your lease.
Don’t just post one ad and forget about it. Keep returning to Craigslist and posting new ads. If you don’t, other people will snatch up your listing before you’re ready.
It’s easy to get discouraged when you look for apartments.
Even if you found the perfect place and you’re ready to sign a lease, you may have to wait a few months before your landlord accepts applications.
If you’re serious about finding an apartment, you need to commit to consistent effort.
Start building a list of contacts and friends who live in apartments. If you know anyone who works in real estate or property management, ask them for referrals. You can also email rental listings, search for open houses, and attend apartment tours.
Finding apartments online is a great way to save time during your apartment hunt.
There are tons of apartment websites and apps for rent, and most of them are free.
Search for buildings near you and get recommendations from your friends. Look for apartments close to public transportation and parks.
When you’re looking at different apartments, click on each listing to be taken to the listing on the website or app.
Take notes on each site’s layout and features.
The apartment market is changing quickly.
New laws and rent control changes may make it even harder for renters to find apartments.
To stay on top of the market, you need to communicate with landlords, property managers, and brokers.
Keep an eye out for new listings. Reply to listings that are too low or too high, and send thank-you notes to people who refer you to an agent.
When you’re looking at different apartments, call the broker directly and set up a time to see a listing.
Finding your next home is a long, complicated process, but it can be exciting, too.
Finding your next apartment is a lot like dating. You have to take your time, be patient, and be willing to go on lots of dates.
Start looking for apartments slowly. Look at one building at a time and take your time with each one.
It may take a while before you find the perfect place, but the wait is worth it.
Apartment hunting can be frustrating, exhausting, and tedious. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, read on. This article will help you get unstuck and find your next apartment.
