The apartment rental market has changed so much in the past ten years it’s hard to know the good deals from the bad! Should you rent a room in a private home? Or rent an apartment in a luxury rental community? All tough choices. So, Heatherwood decided it was time to share our favorite Apartment Hunters’ Survival Guide tips with you. This should help make your apartment search easier…and more fun!
An Ounce of Attention
Most apartment hunters always seem to start off on the wrong foot! They jump in the car and start driving place-to-place, visiting vacancy after vacancy and before long…they’re simply burnt out! So, why not prepare ahead of time by creating a “wants and needs” list. This list can contain things like; how many bedrooms you need, can you live with just one bathroom or do you need two? And, what type of kitchen will work best for you. Once you have this list, your apartment search will become much simpler, saving you time and money!
Don’t Panic
Let’s say you’ve finally found the “one!” The only apartment you’ve seen fit to call home. But then, without warning, the place gets snatched up–leaving you out in the cold! Don’t panic! In today’s rental market there’s always another vacancy right around the corner…literally! Heatherwood has over 20 rental communities on Long Island-from Hampton Bays to Oyster Bay-and rental properties in Brooklyn and Long Island City too! We’re sure you’ll find one that’s just right for you!
Testing! Testing!
A simple thing most apartment hunters forget to do during their apartment search is to give the appliances and plumbing a quick once-over. So, here’s what you should do; while you’re walking through the apartment, simply turn on the air conditioners, run the facets and shower, open and close the closet doors and flush the toilets. Why wait till the day you move in to find out the heat doesn’t work or the water pressure is low!?! That’s not good for anyone!
Talk of the Town
Do you have children in elementary, middle or high school? Are you elderly and need shopping, or your doctor’s office nearby? These are all things you should consider before you move in to your new apartment. Luckily, apartments on Long Island and NYC are typically located a short distance away from shopping centers and schools. So, why not take a minute to explore the surrounding area to be sure it has all of the conveniences you desire before you move in. Finding out that the nearest coffee shop is 15 miles away can really hinder your caffeine intake!
Sign & Drive
You’ve made it! You survived the apartment search! You’re about to start packing, but wait–the most important part of the process is about to take place–signing the lease agreement! This is the part that usually backfires on tenants later in their apartment renting experience. Most lease agreements come with essential details that you need to know! Read the entire agreement to make sure you understand what your responsibilities are. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask! Asking questions is one part of this survival guide you won’t want to skip!
Heatherwood is happy to answer any questions you may have about our apartments for rent on Long Island or New York City! We can help you choose the perfect Suffolk, Nassau or NYC locale that is just right for you and your family. For more information or to schedule an apartment tour, call (631) 234-1600 or click here to contact us today!