Whether it’s your first time going solo or second, you’ll always going to need a solid checklist of things that you need to look at when looking for your next apartment/home! Don’t put off the inspection; you might be able to get a better look at your prospect with it.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the fundamental four (4) you’ll need to look at with your prospective apartment!
The Price
Price is paramount! Can you even afford to live in the apartment? You may want to take into consideration your budget as it will determine if living there long-term is feasible. You may want to conduct some market research so that you can get a sense of the rental rates within the neighborhood. Some neighborhoods might be pricier than your usual but if it’s safe, it might be a good trade-off – as well as the convenience some condos have: nearness to malls, groceries and a community.
If the price is too high, you might want to consider letting someone live with you. Roommates help make covering costs easier. If there is rent that is too low and too good to be true, then you might have run into a red flag. Doing more research would be better!
Amenities
Of course, another thing you want to consider is the amenities of the area and the place. Condos offer a lot such as a swimming pool, a community, common rooms, and some spaces where you can work on your physical fitness such as jogging, running, walking and swimming.
In smaller condos, you’d get a swimming pool.
But even if you might not look at a condo, amenities are still important because they can help improve somehow the quality of your life.
For example, a cooling and heating system might be a good amenity to check! Or even a balcony!
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Leakages and Moisture
Don’t forget to scrutinize the areas of the floor and carpet, and walls as well, for stains, holes, cracks and evidence of waterleaks. Small holes from pictures may also need noting and photos so that the property manager is informed about these issues.
Dig deep and wide – tug on the floorboards and for flooring nails; you may want to avoid places that have those glaring issues.
For areas that have excess moisture, you may need to note that if you do move in there, you will have to use integral waterproofing or other waterproofing methods so that you can control and remedy this issue and protect yourself from possible health hazards.
Neighborhood
Before you sign the lease, you may also want to gauge the neighborhood. A walk in the neighborhood is helpful. It helps you judge the general age, condition and demographics of the area – and the safety. You can tell a lot about the safety of an area by its neighborhood, cleanliness, and even the general vibes!
Don’t forget to do your research too by looking at the crime statistics online. You may also want to look at the neighborhood rules and regulations as well as traffic-related regulations.
Lease and Landlord
Review the lease with a realtor or lawyer to ensure that it’s the real thing and to check for suspicious clauses. If you have future plans for the property, you may want to know if the lease allows this. Check the time terms of your lease as well, who to go to, and when rent is due monthly.
Wrapping Up
When planning your solo living space, you need to be discerning about the area. It’s more than just the lease and price. Rather, think of it as a whole package, as your safety and quality of life will depend on these factors you’re checking out.