Wednesday 22 June 2011

Guide To Finding The Perfect Apartment

Searching for an apartment can be an exciting, educating and also a daunting process. Coming into the experience prepared, knowledgeable, and confident can make a world of difference and ensure that instead of being a stressful time, you can spend your time and energy efficiently finding your new apartment.

The Basics – What can you afford?

Perhaps the first and most important question to ask when looking at an apartment is what is the cost. Making certain that the apartment fits into your budget is a key factor to consider. Along with knowing the rent it is also important to determine if you have to pay any additional fees on top of the rent. These additional fees could include utilities or recreational fees.
The Details – Things you should consider
If the apartment is on a second or higher floor you may want to double check to make sure there is an elevator. While this seems like something that would always be included it could be an issue with some older buildings. Another feature is apartment security. This typically is something you’ll find in the building itself and may include security codes on the main lobby doors.

Location, Location, Location

It is advisable to determine how well the apartment is located for your work and lifestyle. For example, do you need to be close to public transportation? Do you need to be close to shopping and places to eat or do you prefer a more quiet suburban location. Likewise, you should also look into how close the apartment is to your place of work, as well as what the options are available for public transportation. If you own a car, make sure to ask about parking and if there are any additional fees for your car. It is not uncommon for apartments to also have a limit on the number of vehicles allocated towards each apartment. So make sure to be flexible.

The Details

In terms of the apartment itself, there are several specific features you should consider and questions you should ask to ensure that the apartment is the perfect fit for you. One extremely practical aspect of the apartment is whether it has enough storage space to meet your needs. Remember though that many apartments also offer supplemental storage for an additional fee. Other features such as how many bathrooms it has, how large the kitchen is, and whether kitchen appliances/washer and dryer are included are other questions to ask. Another aspect that can add charm and value to the apartment is whether or not is offers outdoor space, such as a patio or balcony. Some apartments also provide common outdoor spaces that you can use for parties and socializing. If you are an individual who enjoys animals, you can also inquire as to whether or not you are allowed to have animals in the apartment.

These are several of the essential questions you should ask and observations should make when looking for a new apartment, ones which will not only make the house search much more efficient but which should also decrease the amount of worry or stress involved in the process.

You can save yourself a significant amount of time in your apartment search by visiting Flagship's website at www.flagshipcorp.ca or an apartment search engine like www.rentseeker.ca