When apartment shopping, it’s important to compare apples to apples (or in the case of our stock image; pineapple to pineapple)! Ensure that you are pricing out ALL the costs associated with apartment living to determine which rental property better suits your budget. For example, a property with a sticker tag of $1000 may seem reasonable for what you’re looking for, but if it doesn’t include some services or amenities, you’re actually better off at the property with an $1200 sticker tag that includes heat, water and parking.
When viewing an apartment, be sure you ask the agent showing you the property what is included and take notes so you can sit down and compare pricing with all costs later. Services like water, heat, electricity, parking, WIFI and even basic cable are amenities to ask about in case they are or aren’t included. Not a driver? Keep placement in mind. Again, a property on the edge of town with a lower rental rate may seem great, but if you’re spending an arm and leg for a taxi fare or extended bus routes, it might be best to consider something closer to your usual stops even if it means committing to an apartment with a slightly higher rental rate.
At the end of the day, our message is the same as previous blog posts: ask questions, take notes and ensure that you are confident in your choice for your next rental!
