When you are considering moving to a new apartment and you are on a tight budget or if it’s your first time to look for your own space, you may think that your options are limited. But not all affordable spaces are cramped and sparse. If you know what to look for and what to ask, you can enjoy a splendid home.
1. Ask About Special Utilities
Not all apartments have complete amenities and features. But you can still find a number of all-utilities-included apartments in Richmond, VA, and other areas in the U.S. That means your overall bills can be lower than if you were to pay for each separately.
Of course, everyone’s budget varies. If you have the extra dollars, don’t hesitate to lay out the amenities you want to see.
2. Make a List (And Check It Twice!)
In the middle of finding a new home, a lot of details can fall between the cracks. You might find that some things are missing only after you have already signed the paperwork. The best way to avoid this is to go old-school and write everything out.
Include everything that comes to mind. Though, of course, know that you may need to make some compromises. If you’re working with a realtor, run through the list with them. They can help you organize the items according to your wants, needs, and negotiables.
This also gives both of you a good foundation of what to look for. You can even use this list as a guide to what you need to consider when weighing your options.
3. Be Flexible
Many landlords will often offer you a deal or a bid to work from. Chances are, this won’t really fall into your budget anyway. You will most likely be asked to go above the budget you have set. Before you make any hasty decisions, look at the finer details. Is it closer to your work? Does it offer more space? Is a covered garage included? These are the factors that play a lot with budgets.
Make sure the pros are accessible in the present and future. This means your budget should be flexible enough to accommodate additions for the features you need now and soon. On the other hand, you also need to ensure that you can be flexible to let go of some things. Again, this is where your list comes in handy.
4. Check the Finishes Before Making Any Deposit
You may have heard of the old hack where former tenants use toothpaste to hide any scratches or holes in the walls. Now, granted, this isn’t the norm but you want to make sure you’re aware of any existing damage or problem before you move in. If possible, document them with pictures and show them to your landlord. Checking the finishes also helps you justify the landlord’s asking price or rent.
When looking for your new home, don’t hesitate to look for the best option within your budget. Doing so, with a mindset rooted in practically and openness ensures that you will be able to make the smartest choice with the least compromise.
