On Apartment Shopping - How Do You Know You Will Hate the Place in the Future?

There are those signs that one will simply not like a seemingly appealing apartment, town home, rental house, or some other dwelling in the near future.  The property, the leasing consultant, and the interior of the unit draws you in--it makes you feel like you are at home.  However, if you aren't discerning you will overlook signs that what looks beautiful will be an ugly nightmare for you in the future.  So what to look out for?

1)  Perform a sniff test.  The scented fragrances that one smells while on tour mask things like mold and mildew.

2)  Observe the walls, flooring and ceiling.  As you walk notice, how the flooring feels under your feet.  Are there soft patches, bumps, and other things that just might end up being quite annoying for you in the future?  What about holes, mildew and markings on walls?  Run your hand over the wall and feel for soft spots.  Check for past or present signs of water damage on walls and ceilings too.  These things are typically covered up--that is until you move in and experience a major rain fall.  Don't forget to check for dead insects (or alive ones) in each room.  If you notice a pattern, chances are the apartment has a history of insect and/or rodent problems.  Look out for feces.

3)  Open up cabinets, doors, and other things and notice imperfections.  Once again perform a sniff test.  Sometimes broken doors, hinges, and other things are carefully placed back without being fixed.  If you don't test them, you just might find out when you move in when a cabinet door handle ends up in your hand.

4)  If electricity is on, turn light switches on and off and listen for any sounds that might indicate an electrical problem.  Notice lighting flickering not just in one room but throughout the unit.  You don't want to discover that when you plug in your computer and other devices that outlets no longer work or frequently go out and fuses need to be replaced more than necessary.

5)  Visit the rental on a weekend when everyone is home.  Listen for noisy neighbors and notice where they park, how close are the community areas from your windows, and other things that might be problematic for you especially if you value your peace and quiet.

6)  Pay attention when residents approach the leasing consultant or visit the office.  Listen to what they say and watch their demeanor.  Are they happy being there?

The more you can find out about the dwelling BEFORE papers are signed the better.  You don't want to end up hating the place simply because you didn't perform your due diligence.  Talk with residents after speaking with the leasing agent.  What is snow and garbage removal like?  Are things like the security gate working properly and is it well-lit at night?  What is it that people don't like about staying there and what is it that they do enjoy?  Stop by unannounced through the week after business hours, observe the community and the people.  By doing this, you will get a good idea whether or not the place really is what it appears to be.

Nicholl McGuire is the owner and manager of this blog.
When you notice unsightly things don't agree to move in until repairs have been made otherwise you just might be stuck with them for the duration of your lease term.

8 Things I Regret Buying for My First Apartment

Nothing Like Your Own Place...

You know it's time to say goodbye to roommates when...

1.  You are having a tough time collecting rent from them or vice versa.

2.  You are tired of reminding, warning and fighting about your stuff.

3.  You no longer like sharing a space.

4.  You have a strong desire to be in the nude whenever you feel like it.

5.  You resent when your roommates bring guests over including parents.

6.  You seriously can't stand to smell someone else's food, body odor, scented fragrance, etc.

7.  You have frequent visions of a future that doesn't include your roommates.

10 Things You Can Do When You Have a Limited Budget to Furnish Apt.

So you're having trouble furnishing and decorating your place due to limited finances?  Well you are not alone.  Many people on the streets and elsewhere appear like they have their lives together, but try going home with them.  You will see their practically empty dwellings while driving around in very expensive automobiles.  So what to do when you are short on cash but really need furniture? Well you won't be encouraged to go into debt here, rather look for practical ways to obtain needed items until you are better able to accommodate your desires.

1) Share need with family, friends, local church, etc.
2) Start visiting flea markets, yard and garage sales.
3) Post an ad requesting your specific need.
4) Start up a crowd-source campaign and share with online friends include pictures of your empty space and ask for donations (or set up a party and ask loved ones and friends to come over with house-warming gifts).
5) Check out discount stores like thrift shops and budget friendly department stores.
6) Drive around neighborhood on garbage day to see any items that you can bring to life with a little paint and some nails.
7) Take a look at items you already have and recreate them into more useful pieces of furniture. For instance, if you need decor, consider what eye-catching items are not being used possibly still tucked away in a box and hang up or sit on shelf.
8) Join social networking group for inspiration.
9) Trade items that you are no longer using with someone who might be able to use them in exchange for needed furniture.
10) Sort items you don't need and sell online or offline. Use money toward your savings plan for future furniture.

Now that you have a list to consider, start working on your plan to get your items today for your apartment.

To your success with furnishing your place! 

Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?

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