Finding a new apartment to call home is easier said than done. Regardless of whether you are moving on from an old lease or getting your own place for the first time, there are a number of things you should take into consideration before signing a lease.
Work within a Budget
As a general rule of thumb, your rent and utilities should not exceed 30-35 percent of your monthly income. Therefore, use the Internet as a tool, and find Nassau County apartments that match your budget constraints ahead of time. Set up tours only at sites that fit your needs, so you are not tempted to live beyond your means. Keep in mind that this often means compromising. Your may end up with an apartment that is smaller than you were hoping for, or it may be that it is a little farther away from work than you wanted. If your budget is small, consider living with a roommate. However, be careful when selecting someone to share your space with; ideally, they should have a similar living style as your own for best results.
Look over the Apartment Carefully
Never sign a lease without taking part in a thorough walkthrough of the apartment. In particular, make sure you look through the cabinets carefully. The cabinets can tell you a lot about the state of the apartment, particularly when it comes to bugs and other pests. Obviously, seeing either live or dead bugs gives you an indication that there is an infestation. However, also look for their waste, which may resemble either black pepper or black pellets. Do not be afraid to bring along a flashlight, so you can get a better look at little nooks and crannies that may be difficult to see into.
Make Location a Priority
There are a lot of points to consider when it comes to location. Is the entrance to the complex located on a busy road? Is there a stoplight to make entering and exiting the property more efficient? How safe is the area? You want to consider not just the location of the property, but also the surrounding streets. It may be that the complex itself is fine, but you find questionable neighborhoods only a short distance away. How close is the apartment to your work or to the places you like to hang out in the evenings? Is it near friends or family members? Remember that you are likely to be at this location for several years, at least. What may not seem like a big deal initially could turn into something major. Therefore, carefully consider all aspects of the location.
With a bit of work, you can find an affordable apartment that you love. Do your research ahead of time, visit apartments that fit within your budget, and ask yourself hard questions about the type of location you want. Before you know it, you’ll be moving into your new home!
