Are you gearing up to search for a new apartment? Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or are new to the process, knowing how to go about the search the right way will save you time and money.

Tips for having an effective apartment search:

Set a Budget Range

Setting a budget range before you begin you search based off of how much you can afford per month and your day-to-day living expenses, you won’t be devastated when you find an apartment you absolutely love but can’t afford. Setting a range will also allow you a little buffer space for a space that you find and fall in love with.

Consider the Time of Year

The warmer months and fall are extremely busy rental times, which is great because there is more inventory to chose from, but it also means the apartment hunt is much more competitive. If you aren’t on a time constraint for finding an apartment, consider looking for an apartment between October and December or February through March.

Since it’s colder out and the holidays are in full swing, fewer people are looking to move. You will also avoid any of the spiked monthly rentals due to the busy months.

Narrow Down Your Search

Going to view every single apartment you see online can take a lot of time. Instead, narrow down your search to those units you see online and have to see in person. If possible, schedule tours of apartments that are close to one another so you can cross three or four tours off in one day.

Stay Organized

When viewing several apartments, it’s easy to to get them mixed up. To avoid any confusion with the details of each unit (i.e. amenities, features, rent cost, etc.), create a spreadsheet with a quick link to the unit.

Bring Your Roommate(s)

If you’re going to be living alone, you can skip this step! If you’re planning on living with a friend or significant other, make sure to bring them to view the unit to make sure all parties are happy with the space.

Is There Public Transportation Near By?

Having access to public transportation even if you have a car, is a great perk. Whether you’ll be taking it to work or utilizing it to run errands on the weekends, public transportation can save you a lot of money on gas, car insurance, and maintenance.

Ask About Average Utility Costs

When you’re viewing each unit, be sure to ask about average utility costs past residents have paid. This will help you budget better and decide whether you can afford the apartment on a month-to-month basis.

To schedule your tour of our apartments contact our Shrewsbury team at (508) 481-4663 and our Southborough team at (508) 842-3388.