There are those expected and unexpected things that show up when it comes to apartment shopping. Sometimes we are blind-sided by challenges and other times we are thinking, "I knew this was going to be the best place for my family and I!" So what might be some ugly things that might turn up while shopping for an apartment?
One. Relationship Issues
Believe it or not, shopping for an apartment can bring out the ugly in a relationship already riddled with problems, so be sure that you are on the same page BEFORE apartment shopping. I talk more about this elsewhere in my blog. You can make your apartment shopping experience unpleasant with all involved when you and the person or people you are living with just aren't getting along. Besides, the staff will be watching you and members of your party and this will also play a part in whether management will rent to you. Just think, they don't want your problems becoming their problems.
Two. False Advertising
You didn't expect the place to look so bad when you showed up, because in the rental book they made the building and the suites look so nice. When this sort of thing happens, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, report your findings online, and notify the advertising company.
Three. Lack of Funds
What you thought you could afford, turns out you couldn't afford. If the suite is simply too costly, you can always ask about discounts, specials, etc. and also whether they can hold the apartment until you have enough money to secure it.
Five. Impolite Managers, Staff and Maintenance
You are cheery and polite when you first meet apartment management, yet you find they aren't so much. No real time to chat, answer questions, unresponsive to your needs, and often interrupting, apartment staff can be their own worse enemies! But don't let them get you down, especially if you really like the community and they have shown that they take good care of it.
Six. Location
"Where is this place?" you might say. If you didn't track it well on-line, didn't print out instructions, and the GPS is just not working or worse not in the car, you are going to feel frustrated and most likely wont get much accomplished on your apartment shopping day. Throw in traffic, tardiness and whiny children, and what could have been a positive shopping experience becomes a total bust--even worse you took a personal day from work! Do plan in advance.
While planning your apartment shopping experience, do your homework, plan your day, and be prepared for anything that might happen. Also, give the apartment leasing consultants a call when you can't make it, they will appreciate it.
Read more by Nicholl McGuire at Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate and check out her blog on home organizing.