So, you are in the merchandise looking for a new apartment, or you are thinking to. If you are deciding to relocate places, cities, or even across the country, how do you know when to start the search? Many lessees make the blunder of beginning their search too early or too late, so we will give you the inside scoop.
Here is how to know the perfect time to search for what is a studio apartment.
Suggestions on Best Time to Look for Apartment from Experts:
- Set Timeframe:
The lease merchandise is best when you are looking one or two months before your expected move-in date. If you start looking three months before, you will face the problem of availability. What is available before three months of your move-in date will likely not be available in one or two months. If you are in specifically desirable merchandise, these numbers are even more relevant. An open home or apartment tour on a Saturday may lead to a signed lease on Sunday.
That is why we suggest you to start searching 30 to 60 days before you wish to move in. The lease directory will be up to date during your search and you will be ready to move in pretty soon once you find something.
- Read Through the Descriptions
Searching for an apartment online is a standard way, so it is no surprise that property dealers and landlords are spending a lot of time publicizing their rental records online. Simultaneously, they are also advertising a complete description representation of the property so renters can have a better idea of the property without taking a tour. By reading an apartment’s description, you can learn about the facilities offered, whether it is animal/pet friendly or not, and, most importantly in case it is available or not.
If the property is described as “for lease/rent or available”, it is because that the landowner wants to rent it now. This is best for someone who wants to move in within 30 days. If you want to take more than a month to move in, it is not worth it to tour the apartment, as landowners will want to fill their apartment within a month. You can still explore it to get a better idea of what you are searching for.
- Narrow Down Your Search
Once you decide when you want to move in, it is beneficial to know what you are searching for. Having precedence, requirements, and even a list of what you want in your next place will narrow down your search. Examine which of the following facilities you need and which you could live without:
- Parking space
- Laundry
- Dishwasher
- Backyard / Yard for pet
- Swimming pool
- Elevator
- Gym
- Resident lounge / Common space
- Salon / Spa
- Sports amenities
Do your investigation. Consider which neighborhoods you will best fit in. You will want to look after the following:
- Budget
- Commute to work
- Favorite places/hobbies and interests
- Public transportation
- Cafes, grocery stores, restaurants
An apartment that is close to your workplace, but far away from all your favorite restaurants, might not be a good option. Think what according to you an ideal apartment is, then continue your search.
- Start Touring
When you are almost 30 to 40 days away from your expected move-in date, start exploring a few apartments to have an idea of what they are like. You cannot judge a place based on pictures, nor they always portray an apartment precisely. Taking an in-person on a tour of an apartment is the best way to see what the place looks like and if you could yourself living in that place.
Observe the ambiance and neighborhood, ask about the neighbors or fellow complex residents, and make sure to know what your commute to work is. Check out our apartment searching checklist and make sure to ask those queries, too.
- Rents Are Lowest in the Winter
Winter has been considered a great time of year to rent since not many people are prone to shifting apartments in the colder months and college student leases are generally tend to cluster in the summer. Apart from conventional perception though, some real numbers are recommending that winter is the cheapest month to rent an apartment and thus probably a great month for your hunt.
The cheapest months for lease are from December to March, or between early winter to early spring.
If it is about searching a place that you are worried about, then do not worry. Apartments will be available and hit the merchandise daily, so there will always be something out there that can fit into your needs. Just remember to start your search 30 to 60 days before move in and you are great to go!