I would like to start shopping for a new apartment or town home. How would I start?

Question

I would like to start shopping for a new apartment or town home not to far from my job. How do I start?

Answer 1

I would try a website like rent.com. you can use a search engine to get you started.

Answer 2

I'm going to assume you are buyer not a renter. The first things to consider are price range, location, convenience and the condition of the new apartment. Also, there are often different legal structures for the sale and ownership that you'll need to take into account. I'm not sure what country you live in, what the laws are, or what is available in your area.
Location is the easiest part usually. Draw a circle on a map around areas that are close to our workplace or if you like close to transportation hubs. Block out any neighborhoods that you know you'll not be interested in.
Get a Sunday edition of every newspaper in your area that has a nice Real Estate section and go around looking. After a week of this find a real estate agent. Ask him/her about the fee, and if that person would be available to take you around to look - during hours it is convenient for you. Take a camera with you, because after yo've looked at the first 10 places, they'll all start to blend in your memory. Be organized, and don't let the agent persuade you to jump at one of the first apartments you see. Don't let them be lazy; they are working for you. Keep all conversation strictly professional and do not discuss any personal business, unless it affects the type of unit you are buying. Make a list of all the things you want to check out - plumbing, homeowners association rules and fees, property taxes, parking, nearby public transportation, security in the building. type of floors.
While you are looking at each unit make notes on a separate sheet so you can be organized.
If you really like a few units, go back a second time and take someone with you who can evaluate condition better than you can. Even with inspection reports, you can miss something important. Again, don't be in a hurry to buy unless you MUST HAVE that one townhouse.... If you don't find anything, ask your agent to keep an eye out for new listings in that apartment building or area. Once again, don't let him/her steer you into paying a higher price than you want.
Since I don't know where you live, I don't know what the RE market is like in your area. How "soft" is it? Is it a buyers or sellers market? What is the trend in resale value? How quickly does RE in that area move? You have to know that, because you may have to make a decision when the right unit becomes available. You will be making an offer, but should it be for less for more or for the same as the asking price. When you make the offer, you need to make it contingent upon getting financing. Or if you have the cash for the whole sale, then you are in a better bargaining position. I hope all goes well for you.

Answer 3

Get a real estate agent. If you just call different real estate offices to get prices on homes the agents will want to work with you. It's better if you just find one agent and have them do the work for you. All agents have access to a real estate database. Of course each agent is different try to find one that isn't afraid to get the best price for you, because some agents just want you to buy something and they don't care what price YOU will pay. The databases on the internet don't have all the info that you need, and many aren't updated as quickly as you would like them. An agent can find you homes that come right on the market, and you can see it as fast as possible. Believe me, when a nice town home comes on the market with a great price, it won't stay there long. There are homes that the first day they come on the market go under contract the next day. Also there are HUD homes, taken away by the bank, those go really fast because they are cheap, but not all are in the best condition.
Good luck

Answer 4

You can try the web as some people have already mentioned. This is good because they list amenities and usually indicate if there is some sort of discount or special being offered. You could also try checking sections of town that you are interested in living in and just going from apartment to apartment. You might want to really narrow it down because most apartments charge a $25 application fee. They will let you check the place out before obligating you to filling out an application.

If you are real busy and just don't have the time in your schedule there are apartment agencies that actually do the looking for you. They are apartment search. You tell them what you are looking for and they contact you when they find what you are looking for. It cost you nothing because they get a comission from the apartment when they find tenants.

I hope I have given you some good suggestions. Good luck finding your appartment.

Answer 5

There happen to be two ways to start. First, is without a penny to you name start looking through yard sales and flea markets. In you travels a suggest a vintage approach, personally selecting unique items. Most of the time you can find very interesting tapestries, rugs, lamps, furniture, ect..,you know stuff to fill up space. Worn furniture is extremely comfortable, and with the right ten dollar blanket from walmart it can look any way you want it to. As far as pictures and knickknacks look for private garage sales and local flea markets, you'd be surprised at the kind of stuff can pick up for a couple dollars, all the while showing a unique personality and a safe conversation peace for nervous dates. Before long you'll have a sanctuary that is unique and full of positive energy. The second method is to succumb to the shrink rapped disposable society we have become, spend a fortune on furniture and trendy housewares, but beware you might give a quest the feeling of being hermetically sealed in with a person that has the personality of a Bologna sandwich.

Answer 6

It has been my experience that most of the best deals you will find on apartments are not listed in the newspaper. I found my apartment while driving around my new neighborhood, I saw a sign in the window...apartment for rent. It's been 8 years and I have been very happy, and my rent hasn't increased more than 25.00 pm! If your looking to buy, it's a whole different ball game. First you need to decide what you can afford, and then you need to either get a real estate agent, or at least talk with a few if you plan on doing the search yourself! Try the Internet..yahoo has up to date real estate listings that let you determine the criteria.
Good Luck!

Answer 7

First, find out how much you can afford (go to some loan calculators that are freely available on the net). Then find out what it is you are looking for (there is a ton of variety out there, see realtor.com) and see what the price range is for that type of home. Revise what you are looking for until it is within your previously discovered price range (DO NOT change your price range).

After you figure this most important step out talk to several local banks and see if you can pre-qualify for a loan of your price range. It's OKAY to have multiple banks checking your credit for a home mortgage at the same time so long as the checks are all within a two week period (when the credit score is calculated, it takes into account shopping around when it comes to home mortgages).

After you are pre-qualified (hopefully with a few banks) choose the best pre-qualified loan for you (I recommend lower APR over lower payment, but it depends all on your personal circumstances) and then go speak with a realtor about finding the right home for you. If you don't like the realtor, find a different one, because in the end you are essentially giving them a fat commission check, and I personally wouldn't want to give that nice sized check to someone I don't like.

If all goes well, you'll be moving into your new home shortly (30 to 45 days goes by fast). Start packing :)

Answer 8

Get a local newspaper and the Sun. one if it's still available, and start calling those ads first. Remember to ask ea. place you call if the apts. are in an urban or suburan area so you'll get an idea of how far the drive to work will be. If you have a pet, ask about the pet deposit. Find out how much the deposit is and wheter or not its refundable (some places don't refund you the money when you leave), and ask how long of a lease you will have to sign. Also ask wheter or not the apt. is all elec. When you find one you like, get the address and call your local police dept. and tell them you'd like the call history for that address and the surrounding blocks. Don't forget to do this! When you're all done, drive by and see what you think and if you like it, set up an appt. w/the manager and bring a money order/check w/you - no cash. Then you'll be all set and ready to put your utilities in your name and get started! Good luck!

Answer 9

Simple....

Just goto a Real Estate broker. Try a few agencies. They have listings of apartments in your area, and can show you apartments or town homes that fit your needs.

If you intend to purchase (not rent), then the folowing is very important......MAKE SURE your credit, and your finances are in good standing!

If you purchase an apartment, more than likely it's going to be a co-op, or a condo. Either one is a good choice, but be aware that both have Boards, and there will be a screening process and an interview.

Make sure you can produce months of pay stubs, bank statements, proof of current address (bills), and some Boards even ask for reference letters, and a background check.

Don't let any of that discourage you from purchasing an apartment.....owning is far better than renting! Remenber that.

Buying a house may have less hassles, but again, make sure you have your finances and credit in order!

Good luck!

Answer 10

First decide how much you want to pay for rent, second decide on the areas, these two go hand in hand, you get what you pay for, third get your local paper make selections based on utilities paid or not, you may be able to save money this way, check if the lease is monthly or annual, make some phone calls, then go visit the places you selected and check the conditon of the places you are considering renting, does it look like it is maintained well or does it need work? Take a close friend or realitive or if you know any handy men their opinions could save you some headache and make all the difference in buying a dump or a place you feel comfortable in.

Answer 11

Local papers tend to have rental ads. Ask around at your place of work, as people who live nearby usually do hear of an apartment or condo that may shortly be available. Try the bulletin board at the local universities, as landlords post signs for rentals to college age students, and you might get a good deal that way. Look on bulletin boards at the local grocers, and also take different routes to and from work - side street detours just to see what is out there. go to the link below as well, as they have a lot of listings for most of the USA if you live in this country. Good luck!