In these harsh economic times, individuals are turning towards renting rather than purchasing, and it is important to build your own checklist of what you want out of the rental. Moving to a new apartment could definitely be an exciting task for you, but before you make advances in leasing, here are a few simple guidelines to follow.
First you should set a budget for yourself, and determine how much money you can spend each month to make rent. Focus your search around your budget, and even think about saving money; decide if living with a roommate is worth it for you and your situation. When looking for a roommate, make sure you thoroughly interview them to determine if it is someone you can see yourself living with.
When searching for an apartment/house to rent, make sure that it is close to where you work. Because gas prices continue to climb, and you're trying to save by renting, it would be ideal to find a place where you can walk to work. This will help you save while renting. Look for an apartment/house that is sizeable enough for you to live. You obviously don't want to live in a 4x4 brown box, so it's important to find something that won't be too difficult to adjust to.
Like negotiating the price on purchasing a house, you can also attempt to negotiate with a landlord. There is really no harm in trying! The landlord will be lucky to have a tenant that pays on time and doesn't cause problems. When signing a lease, make sure you read the fine print. Try not to sign a long-term lease, and look for a 6 month lease, unless you want to live there for an extended period of time. Find out exactly what you're responsible for, and budget your expenses. If it's not exactly what you're looking for, don't be afraid to write up your own agreement, and present it to your landlord for approval.
Remember, if you are really tight on cash and cannot afford much, you can always move back in with your parents (if that's an option). I know it doesn't sound glamorous to say that you live in your parent's basement, but it may be beneficial to you to save up for that dream apartment, or even house for the near future!
Are you looking to rent in the Charlotte, Boone, Myrtle Beach, Fort Mill or Concord? Or have you considered an investment property? Please check out the Kuester Website for some great Kuester properties!