Moving out on your own can be a challenge

You’re ready to go out on your own. You’re moving to a new city. You’ve just gone through a divorce. Whatever the reason, you need to go apartment hunting.

Finding the perfect apartment is not easy. There are many things to take into consideration. The classified section of the local newspaper is an excellent place to start looking for an apartment. The Internet and local apartment publications are other good sources. There are numerous questions you need to answer before you go apartment hunting:

•Do you want to live in an apartment, a condo or a loft?

•Are you looking for a furnished or unfurnished apartment?

•Are you looking for an apartment with the utilities included?

•How many bedrooms do you need?

•How important is the closet size?

•Do you need a large bathroom with a tub or just a shower stall?

•Are you looking for an apartment with central air?

•Do you need more than one phone jack?

•Do you need an apartment that is cable ready?

•Are you looking for an apartment that allows pets?

•Do you need extra storage space?

•Do you need a garage?

•Do you need a community laundry facility?

•Would you like a pool?

•Are you looking for an apartment with a play area for children?

The neighborhood around the apartment is also an important consideration. How far are you from work? Are there major roads close by? Is there a park or recreational facility nearby? Is there close public transportation? If you have children, you need to consider the closeness of the schools and what school district is nearby.

You’ve decided what features you are going to be looking for. Now it’s time to check out some of the apartments that have caught your eye. When you drive up, look at the condition of the building and the surrounding grounds.

•Is there trash lying around?

•Is the lawn well maintained?

•Do you see any broken windows?

•Does the building have storm windows?

When you see the apartment, look around.

•Are there cracks in the walls?

•Does the apartment need a paint job?

•Will the landlord agree to fix the walls and paint them?

•Don’t get tricked into doing it yourself.

Look under the sink.

•Is the plumbing in order?

•Are there signs of bugs or rodents?

•How’s the water pressure?

•How does the bathtub look?

If you can talk to the current tenant, ask them what it is like living there and why they are moving. Ask them what the neighbors are like and if the landlord is quick to make repairs.

When talking to the landlord, don’t be afraid to ask questions, the most important being, “How much is the rent?”

Also ask:

•Are utilities included in the rent, and if so, which ones are included?

•Are there any city taxes to pay?

•Will there be any extra fees?

•Is there parking?

•Is there any kind of building security and what kind is it?

•Will you need a key to get into the building?

Most apartments require a security deposit to reserve the apartment. This deposit is refundable only under certain conditions, so think before you sign. Be sure to read all the fine print on the rental agreement.

Pay special attention to the rules regarding garbage pickup, parking, recycling, maintenance, security, any changes you would like to make to the apartment, use of the facilities, pets and move-out policies.

Don’t settle on the first place you look at. If you can’t find the perfect apartment right away, don’t get discouraged. Just keep on looking. Keep in mind that you may be there a while, so you want to be happy, and more importantly, you want your new apartment to feel like home.