Renting 101: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Determine What You Really Need
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in our many years as experienced Dallas apartment locators, it’s that every individual is unique. As such, what shows up high on the list of criteria for choosing the ideal rental property for one person may be inconsequential to another, and vice versa.
The key to ending up in your dream apartment lies in knowing exactly what it is that matters most to you. This will allow you (or the Dallas apartment finders you’re working with) to narrow down your selection and find the perfect place to suit your needs, preferences, lifestyle and budget. If you’re not sure where to begin, the following 10 questions should provide a good starting point.
- What is your budget? You can’t begin your apartment hunt until you know exactly how much you can comfortably afford to spend. When considering budget, don’t forget to include other expenses, such as utilities, cable, renter’s insurance, etc. If you’re unsure about what to factor in, one of our Dallas apartment finders should be able to provide some guidance.
- How much time do you have/need? If you’re currently living with family or friends, you may have plenty of time to be selective about where you move. If you’re under lease at a different apartment, however, and that lease is about to expire, the timeframe for finding a new place will probably be more urgent. Understand how much time you have and/or need in order to find the right property and be sure to factor in the amount of notice you must provide your current landlord prior to moving.
- Do you want/need a roommate? If you can’t afford rent on your own, or you’d just prefer not to live alone, getting a roommate is a great option. This can either be someone you already know, or you could find someone through a roommate matching website, such as Roomiematch, EasyRoommate or Roomster. These services are designed to make finding a roommate easier and safer than simply posting a want ad.
- What is your desired neighborhood? There are dozens of neighborhoods to choose from in Dallas, and each has its own unique charm as well as certain pros and cons. Things to think about when researching which locations would be the best fit for you include proximity to where you work, local amenities (i.e. restaurants, nightlife, arts and entertainment, shopping, etc.), accessibility to public transportation and available outdoor activities.
- What do you need in terms of space? Once you’ve narrowed down the location where you’d prefer to live, the next step in finding your perfect apartment is figuring out what size place you’ll need. This is important because, as any seasoned Dallas apartment locator will tell you, there are a lot of different options at different price points from which to choose. Is a studio sufficient, or do you need bedrooms (and if so, how many)? What square footage do you need in order to fit all of your furniture?
- Do you need a pet-friendly unit? If you currently have a pet or plan on getting one in the future, you’ll need to consider that when conducting your apartment search. If you’re using online sites to find a place, be sure to narrow your search criteria accordingly so as not to waste your time or that of the landlord or property manager. If you’re working with a Dallas apartment locator service, be sure to let them know upfront that you need a pet-friendly unit.
- What are your must-haves? Next, figure out which apartment features and amenities you simply cannot live without. For instance, do you require in-unit washer/dryer hookups or is an on-site Laundromat sufficient? Do you own your own vehicle? If so, an apartment with ample secure parking is probably a must.
- What extra perks would you love? In addition to the things you absolutely must-have, it can be helpful to also create a wish list for extra perks that you’d enjoy. For instance, while it may not be a necessity, having options like an on-site fitness center or swimming pool might make further narrowing your selection even easier.
- What do you need to plan for upfront? Will there be a security deposit at your new place? Do you have to pay extra for your pet? Will you be required to show proof of renter’s insurance, and if so, does that need to be hammered down now? What about moving expenses and arrangements? These are all important components of planning a move that you must consider well in advance.
- Can you handle this on your own (and do you really want to)? Let’s face it, finding an apartment, especially in a place as big as Dallas, isn’t easy. There are a ton of factors that go into locating and choosing the ideal place and the process can be incredibly time consuming. Ask yourself and be honest about whether it might make more sense to enlist the help of professional Dallas apartment locators. Doing so could save you time, aggravation and money.
Ready to get started? Give us a call today at (214) 550-3717.
