Now, my question 'cause I have not really looked at apartments before is does anyone have any special advice or "make sure you check out for xxx because I didn't and I got screwed" kind of thing? I've got a couple already like: make sure there's laundry in the building; and make sure the kayak fits in the elevator. We'll, I don't know about the second one.
My dad's advice is to not install a phone land line, but share a plan with 2 phones (with free evenings and weekends...). I'll have to look at this more, but it sounds like good starting advice. Now it's your turn.
Listening to: Jay-Z + DJ Danger Mouse - Dirt Off Your Shoulder
1) Make sure you have adequate storage
ReplyDelete2) Don't forget to take parking into account
3) The building that you're looking at has a pool. Take a look and make sure that it's actually clean and that you'd want to use it before considering this 'feature'
4) 'Spectacular views' are subject to interpretation. ;)
5) How many elevators are available? How fast are they?
6) If you have the opportunity, take the stairs up to your apartment. This lets you
--a) see if you can make it in the event that the elevators aren't working or take forever
--b) more importantly, see how clean the stairwells are. This is a *very* good indication of the general state of the building.. (or at least has been by my experience)
7) When you're reading your lease, check to see if you're allowed pets (if you plan on having pets) or if there are any fees such as for air conditioners etc.
8) Get an apartment with a dishwasher, it's worth it!
Good points there Pete. I'll add a couple:
ReplyDelete1. Check if the utilities are included
2. Check if there is a superintendent on-site and try to talk and ... hmmm... smell the guy. I have a super in my building but I don't want this guy in the apartment, because I have to sanitize everything after he leaves.
3. Check if there is carpet or hardwood floor in the apartment
It's all about location.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the advice guys. ;-) We're going to go check out apartments tonight and tomorrow... I'll update everyone on how things go.
ReplyDeleteI suggest getting a landline and not relying on the cell phone. Some may disagree but a land line is important. It is more available than your cell phone. Especially if you don't get good service in your own home...
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to rely solely on your cell(s), make a note to check the reception in your apartment when you're viewing it..
ReplyDeleteGood point guys. I hadn't thought of that. But then I had not thought that the walls, floor and ceiling would be like 2 feet thick concrete. ;-)
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