what are the steps you need to take when choosing an apartment?

Question

I have 3 in mind that I can afford and I'd like to know the steps I should take to inspect if it will be a decent place to live and move in

Answer 1

Well, aside from the obvious aspect of checking the interiors of the units you are considering, also check the exterior situation. Take note of how well the grounds are maintained, whether there is adequate refuse removal and containment and other exterior conditions. Also be observant about any security provided (or not)

If parking is provided, observe the units after work hours to see if there are adequate spaces for tenants remaining.

If you happen to see a friendly looking tenant outside there unit, approach them kindly and ask about THEIR experience living there. (Of course, be cautious about doing so).

You might also check with the local authority which handles tenant issues to see if they have any files or information concerning the management/ownership of the premises.

Best of luck. You're approaching this move quite sensibly.

Answer 2

pend some time thinking about the kind of apartment you're looking for. This will help you narrow down your options and enable you to determine some 'must haves' in your apartment choices. Why not designate a file or specific notepad for relevant ideas, lists, notes and criteria to help you organise your ideas? This could really help you keep on top of your thoughts during the planning, hunting, viewing and buying process. You might want to keep the following in mind when narrowing down your apartment choices:

* Location, Location, Location! - Narrow down the areas that you are most interested in living in, and make a list of these locations. Similarly, make a note of all the areas you definitely don't want to live. This way, any agents you approach will know straightaway which properties to offer and which to discard. This process will help narrow down your search area and save you time when both searching and viewing.

* Money Matters - Consider your finances carefully and decide on a maximum budget – narrowing down your search field in this way will ensure that you only view properties you can afford! Don't forget to bear in mind your income and outgoings – factoring in bills and general living expenses will help you be more realistic about your options.

* Space - How much space will you need in your apartment? How many bedrooms? How big a kitchen? Do you need an office? Set yourself some rough criteria for potential properties, so you can present your checklist to estate agents and help them to search for properties more effectively.

* Style - Estate agents use certain design terms with which you need to be familiar when searching for your apartment: Studio apartments merge all your living space into one area, while open-plan design means that your kitchen, dining area and living room will be contained in one open space. Consider your thoughts on these styles of apartment – do you want separate rooms within the apartment? Would studio living be too cramped for you?

* Specifics - Are there certain criteria on which you are unwilling to compromise? Do you want wooden floors? High ceilings? An open-plan design? Designated parking spaces?

* Location - On your route to the apartment, take in your surroundings. Are there shops and amenities nearby? How do you feel about the neighbourhood? How convenient are the transport links?

* Security - Consider your surroundings long before you step through your potential apartment's front door. How easy is it to gain access to the main building? Is there an intercom system? Is it working? Is the area well lit? Consider your first impressions carefully – do you feel safe? If you have a car, will it be secure?

* Communal Space - Apartments must be considered in light of the space you will be sharing with others in the building. How clean is the communal space (stairways, lifts, garden space)? Does the building look cared for?

* Inside the Apartment - Imagine yourself in the apartment space. Can you see yourself living in the space available? If you have furniture, will it fit? (Here's where your tape measure comes in!) How easy will it be to move your furniture into the apartment? Are you overlooked by adjacent buildings?
While the above points are vital for a successful property viewing, there are a few further points you need to be aware of when viewing an apartment. Apartment living can come hand in hand with unique property issues that can work both for and against you. Try to bear in mind the following apartment-specific considerations as you view properties.

* Noise is a key consideration when investing in an apartment. Wooden floors may look chic and stylish, but they can also make for noisy neighbours! If you're seriously thinking of investing in a particular apartment, take the time to research those living above and below as well as next-door to your property. A week into your new apartment-life is not the time to discover a neighbour's penchant for heavy metal or playing the drums!

* Accessibility can be an issue in an apartment block. Take a minute to think of those who will be visiting you at home – are there people for whom access could be a problem? Is there a functional lift for older visitors or family? Simple considerations such as shopping trips may help you to better envisage the practicalities of apartment life.

* Outside Space One of the major sacrifices of apartment living can be the loss of outdoor space. Consider this sacrifice carefully, and if you find the loss too daunting, ask your agent about apartments with balconies, roof terraces or even shared gardens. Alternatively, check the surrounding areas for public parks or footpaths.

* Pets If you have pets, consider them in your property search. This can be a major consideration for those wishing to move into an apartment, as you must be fair to both your pets and your neighbours. Is your dog's barking likely to irritate neighbours? Will you be able to give the pet adequate fresh air and exercise?

Answer 3

well !
this is really good idea and i agree with you!