Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Finding Your Own Apartment

Apartment buildings lining the south side of E...Image via Wikipedia
Finding your first apartment outside of campus and away from your parents can be scary if your not prepared.  However, with a few basic tips to follow you’ll find it’s not as intimidating as you once thought.  Below are some of the most important items to consider.
Establish a Budget
It will be much easier to know how much your rent should be if you have a job prior to searching for a home. Most of the time, if you are paying your rent by yourself, it should equal about 25 percent of your income.  However, depending on your lifestyle, you may need to consider other expenses you will have, for example utilities, cable and Internet.  Since you are a college graduate, you more than likely will be trying to get out of debt from college loans and living within your means is crucial for these first several years post graduation. 
Proximity
Where you work should determine where you would look for a place.  Living closer can save you time, sleep and money if planned efficiently.  If you live in a larger city, finding a place farther away from the metropolitan area will be significantly cheaper, so my advice to you is to find an equal balance between time and costs. 
Deciding
Ranking your top five choices will help you decide when it comes to the final move.  Staying organized and keeping photos and pamphlets about each option will keep these properties from blurring together. Make sure you know the dates and exact apartments that are going to be available to you for each location.  Take your time in making your decision.  Once you have decided allow yourself 24 hours before signing a lease.  
The Final Steps
After making your decision, you are now ready to fill out an application, pay the application fee and wait to see if you were approved to rent.  Once you are approved you will more than likely make an initial deposit, along with your first months rent and sign the lease.  This will typically occur the day you move into the apartment.  Now you will need to call and register for utilities, which could include gas, electric, water and waste disposal. 
Get excited, because you will be officially on your own!  Look for an upcoming blog about decorating your apartment on a budget and taking advantage of all the amenities your complex has to offer!


Posted by: Taylor Ray
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