Renting an Apartment
The process of renting an apartment can be a tricky process. With having to find the right neighborhood, the right place, and especially the right price. It is a rite of passage that many adults starting off with “adulting” have to do. Here are a few tips to help you find your first apartment and have a place to call your own.
Research
Now that you are ready to move and are looking for your future apartment. It’s a good idea to start looking for the place where you will settle down for a while. Luckily, with the internet, there are plenty of places to look online for your future apartment. Here are a few sites you can do to find a place:
- Apartmentguide.com
- Abodo.com
- Apartments.com
- Craigslist.org
- Forrent.com
- Hotpads.com
- Zillow.com
These sites have their own ways of sharing listings for apartments. Many share the same function with selecting price range, size, and location. Using these resources will give you a good place to start when looking for an apartment. The only issue with searching online for an apartment is to make sure you are NOT getting scammed. Make sure that you are speaking with the actual owner of the property, also be sure to never hand out personal information.
Environment & Layout
Now that you are in the process of looking for you apartment, it is a good idea to consider what exactly you are looking for in an apartment. What type of apartment do you want to live in? A studio for yourself, or a one-bedroom in a larger apartment/home? Knowing what you’re looking for in a new place will help you narrow down your options quicker.
Another important thing to keep in mind is what neighborhood you will be living in. Every neighborhood has its own personality. So you want to make sure that the neighborhood you select bodes well with your own lifestyle and values. Do you enjoy living close to nature, closer to art and museums, or something near nightlife. These are all questions you have to ask yourself and choose the right place accordingly.
Applying
Now that you’ve found your dream place, it’s time to apply for renting. First, you need to get an application from the property management company or landlord and fill it out ASAP. The best apartments tend to go fast. So make sure to apply early in the season when apartments are still available. As part of your rental application, you may need to provide a few of the following documents:
- Driver’s license
- SSN
- Employment history
- Rental history
- References
- Application fee
These documents will help prove that you are indeed a viable candidate for an apartment. Landlords want to know that they will be hosting a person with good character, stable employment, and income for their apartment.
How Can We Help?
If you need more advice or have any further questions regarding renting an apartment in Raleigh, NC, feel free to Contact Us. Established in 1989, Wilson Property Management, Inc. (WPM) is a full service management company offering both homeowner association and rental management. We can help you with any questions or concerns you may have.