Monday

Looking for an apartment today?

For years, this blog has been active when it comes to apartment shopping, advice, and assistance with rental housing.  Take a moment to scroll around and you will find rental information you may not have thought of when it comes to apartment and housing rentals.

A thought comes to mind when I think of first time apartment and home renters.  One thing is for sure, if a landlord, community manager, or leasing consultant knows that you have money in hand and desperate to rent a residence, he or she is most likely going to be more pushy about getting you to put up some money and even sign a lease then a person who isn't prepared to rent.  It is always best to keep what you have or don't have to yourself.  Avoid saying things like:

1.  I just got my tax refund so I am looking to sign a lease today if the price is right.
2.  My dad and mom will help me with the money, I just need to find a place right now.
3.  I don't have much money, but this place is sure nice.
4.  My husband has a good job so money isn't a problem.
5.  I need a place like yesterday, what do you have?
6.  I don't really know what I want...I mean I've been to a lot of places...yours seems okay.
7.  I just got out of a bad relationship, my kids are complaining about the place we are in...I'm broke.

A professional might talk you into getting a loan, borrowing money from a relative, tell you how the rentals are going fast, get you to put some money down on a place even when you need money right now for other things, persuade you into getting a suite that you don't really like because it is cheaper, and he or she might even offer an incentive just so that you will feel obligated to lease.

Take your time when shopping for rental housing.  Always say, "Thank you, but I have some other things to do, I will think about it.  I don't like to make any hasty decisions."  Of course, the professional will follow with something clever to your rebuttal, but keep walking out the door.

Sometimes an application might not be given when requested, this is so that you will come back.  The manager might request money to hold the place.  You might even be talked into bringing the person back you plan on borrowing money from.  Don't cause family conflict by saying, "Yes" to anything that parents, a partner or roommate might not agree with you about.

Apartment shopping is like window shopping, you aren't buying anything.  You are just taking the time to discover what is out there, learn more about the unit, the community and surrounding neighborhood.

Visit the area more than once.  Stop by the community on days when people aren't working.  Listen and watch for signs that the apartment suite is indeed quiet, comfortable and to your liking.  Hard to rent apartments and other housing will feel like they are being pushed on you by staff.  When visiting the place, attention will be taken away from the noise of neighbors, the worn out fixtures, unsightly ceiling and flooring, what is hiding in cabinets, etc.  Trust your eyeballs, your nose, and all other senses when you apartment shop today.

To your success,

Nicholl McGuire

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