any advise on getting my first apartment?

Answer 1

Check out this article on the seven "sins" of first time renters...

http://realestate.msn.com/Rentals/Articlekip.aspx?cp-documentid=534310>1=8698

In the 7th point, there is a checklist for everything you will need for basics in your new place...

Good luck!

Answer 2

Most leases require at least one year's commitment, so if this is too long for you, consider a sublet or a month-to-month lease. Decide whether or not you want roommates. Whether or not you want a roommate will determine how you find an apartment. Before deciding, you may want to research the cost of rent in the area. Living with a roommate is much cheaper than living alone, and it's good to know now what you can afford. Avoid renter's remorse by ascertaining how much space you need, how much you can afford and the types of amenities you would like. Research and explore different neighborhoods. Ask yourself what kind of environment you want to live in. A neighborhood with many young families? Or young professionals? Explore different neighborhoods. Do a test commute from the area to work. Also confirm whether the apartments in the area are affordable by researching apartment listings and developing an idea of the range of rent being listed. Landlords often require first month's rent and security deposit to be paid with a certified check, money order, or other cash equivalent. Sign the lease. http://apartments.about.com/od/leases/ht/sign_a_lease.htm

Answer 3

Search everywhere, and see lots of places before you make your final decision. Note things you want an apartment, size, space, utilities, location, cost (if its more or less than the average rent, why?)

Make sure you have a lot of money saved up, a lot places require first and last months rent together. Also once you move in there are so many little costs that add up, furniture, decorations, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies.

For any furniture you need check on craigslist.com You can usally find deals on used furniture. Also a great place to sell anything you buy or had that doesn't fit into your new apartment.

Answer 4

Make a list of features you want in the apartment. 1 bedroom or 2? Ground level or an upper floor? Roommate or no roommate (more on that below)? Do you want appliances to be included? I'm talking about stove and refrigerator; little things like a microwave oven are usually up to you. If they're not included, it's on you to buy them. Also, if your place doesn't have central A/C, ask if a window unit will be provided. If not, it's up to you to provide that.

Landlords typically ask for the first month of rent up front. Most also require a deposit, and some also ask for the last month of rent as well. If you have a pet, make sure it's ok to bring Fluffy along. Not very many places allow cats and dogs, and a few places charge a few dollars extra per month for a pet that doesn't live in a fish tank. ;) Make sure you have enough money socked away for power, heat, water, phone, and cable or satellite. Your expenses will vary a bit depending on what you need and what's included in the lease, but it can add up quickly.

If you want to live with a roommate and split expenses- approach with caution. Friends can be a good choice, but it can also be trying on the friendship. Try and go for someone who has a similar personality (i.e., both kind of quiet instead of a bookworm and a partier- that's a recipe for disaster). Agree on how to split expenses, and put it in writing; that way, there won't be any complaints later of things like that not being clear. Talking about chore division is also omportant. If you decide to live with a stranger, interview a lot of people. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions to get a feel for their personality and how responsible they are. Again, get any agreement between you two in writing. (FYI- if only your name is on the lease, techinically- you're the one legally liable for rent, even if you have a roommate. If your roomie slacks on rent, and you have trouble coming up with the money, the landlord will be on your butt, not your roommate's.)

To furnish, try asking family and friends if they have anything they want to get rid of or sell cheap. I furnished my first apartment that way (also got a lot of other things!). For dishes and such- discount stores (think WalMart, Kohl's, and Target) typically offer complete sets at decent prices, especially with the holidays now approaching. The same goes for cookware and accessories. Bathroom accessories are also inexpensive to get there. EBay and Craig's List are good places to look if you can't find what you want offline.

Good luck!!

Answer 5

Make absolutely sure you can afford the place. Factor in an emergency or two. Nothing worse than destroying your credit when you're just starting out.

READ the lease. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. If you still don't understand something on the lease, don't sign. This is a CONTRACT...they will hold you to it.

Inspect the apartment before you put pen to paper. Turn things on, check for leaks or evidence of past leaks...water is NOT your friend.

GET RENTER's INSURANCE.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Watch out for hidden costs. Application fees and different kinds of deposits . They will advertise a certain amount for move in sometimes, then they tack on these fees that you are not expecting. If you have the option to pick out what apartment you want, make sure you walk over and check out the neighbors. They are generally a big deciding factor when I was living in an apartment...They can make your stay a nightmare or a joy if you have ones you can tolerate....

Answer 7

Consider what you can afford to pay and don't forget that you need furniture. you can possibilty buy things second hand or ask family or friends. brand new stuff is nice too.
i would save every penny. i would not move in with roommates. see if you can find a studio or a 1 bedroom. also stay away from broker's they always charge really high fees. secondly, if you have visited a friend and you like their apartment ask them where they found it. search everyday don't give up. visit apartments and go to open houses and if you see yourself there move in. also, make sure you have good credit just in case the landlord decides to check it.

Answer 8

make sure you understand, fully what is on your lease. do NOT sign it if you don't agree with something and ask the landlord to change things you don't agree with. and, follow your gut instinct, if you have an uneasy feeling about the particular rental, don't sign the lease... find a different place. take the time, don't rush, after all you are going to live there and want to feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

Answer 9

Do not move in with friends it ruins your friendships.
If you get a room mate set the rules and bill paying out first.
Make sure you have a fair lease and price.
Make sure your apt is in a safe part of town. If it isn't make sure you take precautions.... I could go on and on....

Answer 10

Yeah, get the cheapest one you can find, save your money as quickly as possible, and buy a house as soon as you have enough for a down payment. Apartments suck.