So you've finally decided to take that leap and live on your own (or, in these times, with a roommate), this guide will help you navigate your apartment search to find your dream apartment. Continue reading for ways to make the process a little less stressful.

1. Determine your budget:

   First things first, you want to know what your budget is before starting your apartment search. You don't want to start looking at apartments and fall in love with a unit just to find out that it's out of your price range. Budgeting experts suggest different approaches to allocating your expenses. 

   For example, the 50/30/20 rule states you should spend 50% of your after-tax monthly income on essentials ( Rent, utilities, car note, groceries, & insurance). 20% on saving &/or debt repayment. Then, 30% on everything else ( entertainment, travel, eating out, gym memberships, etc.). This is just a frame of reference; customize this to best suit your finances. 

   Establish your non-negotiables:

   Now that you have established a budget, you need to determine your non-negotiables. This will help to quickly weed out apartment listings that don't offer what you are looking for. Here are a few examples: 

   1. Carpet or hardwood flooring

   2. Pet friendly

   3. Washer & dryer in-unit or hookups

   4. Amenities such as pool, elevator, workspace, gym, etc.

   5. Parking on the property

   6. Gated/ Secured Property

   7. Handicap Accessible

   8. Min sqr footage

   Create a list of questions:

   After setting your non-negotiables, this will help you with follow-up questions to ask the leasing personnel. Here are some questions to ask:

   1. What is included in rent ( water, sewer, gas, power)?

   2. Payment methods for paying rent ( online portal, money order..)?

   3. What internet/ cable providers service the area?

   4. How much are the application fee, security deposit, and administration, and when is the payment due?

   5. What is the rent payment grace period?

   6. Is there assigned parking, a parking fee, and guest parking?

   7. Is there pet rent or pet fee; is it nonrefundable?

   8. What is the policy for early lease termination?

   9. What are the stipulations for modifications to the apartment: Can I paint, will I have to paint the walls back, can I mount a tv, and what is the maximum size a hole can be when drilling? [If it's not in writing, get it in writing.]

   10. What is the process of lease renewal?

   11. What are the quiet hours?

   12. How are packages handled?

   13. Is there a valet trash service

   14. Is this a smoke-free community

   15. What is the subletting policy?

   Schedule Tours:

   You are finally ready to schedule tours of the apartments on your list. Take a day out of your schedule to dedicate to touring. Reach out to the leasing office to schedule a time and verify the rent prices listed on the site. Request to see specific units and layouts on different floors. Ask if any current move-in specials are being offered. Also, be mindful of how the leasing agents behave around residents and you; It is an indicator of how your experience will be if you decide to live there. While touring, it might be helpful to look inside all the cabinets and the refrigerator to get an idea of how much space you are working with.

   Scope out the neighborhood:

   After your tour, drive around the area to get a better feel of the location. See where the closest gas station & grocery store are. Where is the nearest highway or public transit? Are there any good restaurants or entertainment nearby? How is the traffic in the area? Are there school buses driving around? Is the apartment located in a well-lit area? Are there places to walk your dog or hiking trails?

   Prepare your documents & Review the lease:

   Once you have solidified which apartment you will go with, gather all the documents the leasing office requires. That can include: 

   • Social security

   • Driver License

   • Pay Stubs or W2

   • Rental history records

   • If cosigning, have your consignee paperwork ready.

   • Vehicle registration

   • Bank account information

   Be sure to review your lease and understand the property's policies.

   Save this document for future reference.

   Sign your lease:

   You've decided on an apartment; congratulations! Now it's time to pop a bottle and celebrate. If you’re reading this today, a move-in day checklist & apartment essential list will soon be up on the blog, so be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to be notified when those posts drop on the site.