Moving to a new home is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Finding the best home for you and your family is a huge decision, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. The Solar Art team has collected 5 of the best ways to find a good rental listing:
Before you start searching, establish your budget and know how much you can afford so you can focus on the most ideal properties right away. Once you know your budget, get searching. Websites like Zillow and Redfin have made the house hunting experience easier, but also overwhelming. Spend time getting to know the search functions and interface for efficient searching. The search might have some key features hidden away that could really save you time. Take advantage of the tools you have to find the right rental house or apartment.
After you’ve found a few properties, investigate the details--especially the lease! Get familiar with their terms and conditions, what you are responsible for paying out for pocket for, and if they allow interior modification or pets on their policy. Being able to make the rental your home is a huge step toward finding the perfect place.
After reviewing the terms of the lease, take a good look at the history of the property. How old is it? Have they updated the fixtures? Have rooms or even the entire house been renovated? When was the flooring replaced? Have the pipes and amenities been inspected by professionals? Does the landlord plan on renovating soon (and possibly raising your rent or disrupting your life)? These answers will determine your upkeep expenses over the next few years.
If the terms are great and the house seems to be in good working order, check out the neighborhood. Locate the nearest emergency services like police, fire, and hospitals. Check out local crime numbers and if the neighborhood seems safe. The distance to grocery stores, schools, and shopping centers are all critical factors to consider. You might not get everything you want, but being aware is the most important part.
Finally, it goes without saying, but see the property in person before you apply to live there! Assess with an objective eye and remember that you’ll be calling the rental home for a few years likely or even more. Can you envision yourself living there? Great! If not, don’t settle.
In the end, finding the perfect rental house or apartment seems hard, but if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll have a new home in no time. Good luck and happy house hunting!
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