Finding Your Perfect Dallas Apartment – 10 Essential Tips for First Time Renters
Whether you’re a recent grad moving off-campus or an ambitious go-getter ready to spread your wings and officially fly the coop, there are a lot of important factors to consider before taking the plunge. Not only do you want to make sure that the place you choose is the right fit for your needs, budget and lifestyle, but you also want to make the process of finding and moving into your new place as smooth and stress-free as possible. For an insider look, we asked some of our experienced Dallas apartment locators what advice they would offer to someone in your shoes. Here’s what they had to say.
- Determine your budget.
There’s really no point in beginning your apartment search until you have a clear picture of what you can comfortably afford to spend on a monthly basis. Remember – it’s not just rent you have to consider, either. There are also things like security deposit, utilities, groceries and a whole host of other living expenses to keep in mind. - Figure out your “must haves”.
There are a wide variety of luxury apartments for rent in Dallas, and along with them, many different styles, layouts as well as any number of perks and amenities. Not having a good idea of what you’re looking for can make the process of elimination infinitely more difficult. Conversely, knowing what things you absolutely can’t live without will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect place more quickly. - List your “would like to haves”.
In addition to the things on your “must have” list, you probably have several perks and amenities that you feel would make a good apartment even better. While you may not ultimately end up with a place that features everything on this list, it doesn’t hurt to aim high. For instance, it may not be a deal breaker, but having an on-site pool or fitness center might be something additional to look for during your search. - Iron out other details.
Are you moving by yourself or do you plan on having a roommate? If it’s the latter, do you already have someone in mind or will you be tackling that after the fact? What about pets? Do you have or plan on adopting a pet? These are all things that are important in helping to determine which of the available luxury apartments for rent in Dallas would be the best fit for your needs. - Scope out the available locations ahead of time.
There are a number of available neighborhoods that are chock full of luxury apartments for rent in Dallas, and each one has its own unique charm and personality. It’s important to know what you’d like to get out of the location of your new apartment. For instance, does it need to be close to work? Is nightlife important to you, or do you prefer a quieter atmosphere? (Check out our featured areas of town to learn more about your options.) - Know where to start your search.
Most first-time apartment hunters begin their search online. Unfortunately, if you aren’t careful, sites like Craigslist and local classified ads can end up being a huge waste of time, not to mention unsafe. The fastest, safest and most convenient option is to enlist the help of a professional. Our Dallas apartment locators do all the legwork to match applicants with the perfect properties (and we do it for free!). Plus we have access to a number of luxury apartments for rent in Dallas that haven’t been publicly advertised. - Plan ahead.
As you narrow down your list of options, it can be helpful to prepare a list of questions to ask the landlord. Start with the most important ones, like:- What is the lease term?
- How much is rent?
- How is rent paid (monthly, via check, etc.)?
- What things are included (i.e. utilities, other amenities, etc.)
Additional inquiries that are specific to your situation might include things like what the pet policy is and what nearby public transportation options are available. This is another area where working with a Dallas apartment locator service can be helpful because we already know exactly what to ask.
- Polish your negotiating skills.
Many new renters don’t realize that certain things are open to negotiation when it comes to the apartment rental process. For instance, some landlords offer move-in bonuses while others might be willing to adjust the monthly rent or throw in additional perks – but only if the applicant knows what and how to ask. As a first time tenant, it can be helpful to let someone else go to bats on your behalf. For instance, our seasoned Dallas apartment locators know exactly how to negotiate the best possible deals to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. - Be prepared to jump.
While there may be plenty of luxury apartments for rent in Dallas, they’re also a hot commodity – especially in certain neighborhoods. When you do find the place of your dreams, be prepared to jump on the opportunity quickly, before someone else does. Have important documentation and paperwork ready, including copies of your recent pay stubs, a list of references and your checkbook in case you’re required to put down a deposit. - Finalize and start your move.
Once you’ve officially chosen your ideal Dallas apartment, it’s time to start planning for your big move. Don’t underestimate the work that goes into making a move successful. Start preparing as soon as you sign the lease and use the resources available to you (such as guides and checklists). It may also be wise to enlist the help of a professional moving service. (Our apartment locators Dallas service includes two hours of this at no cost.)
Renting your first apartment is an exciting life experience. Planning ahead and knowing exactly what to expect can make that experience much more positive and stress-free. If you’d like to learn more about our extensive inventory of luxury apartments for rent in Dallas, or to enlist the help of our free Dallas apartment locators to make your search faster, easier and more convenient, we invite you to contact us today!
