If you’re moving locally, locating a new place would be completed within a few hours on Craigslist and a few Sunday evenings. Here you already know what the neighborhoods look like and the reasonable rent prices in the area where you’re looking to commute. But on the other hand, when you’re preparing to move to a new city, you might not know anything. Craigslist also doesn’t turn out to be too helpful when it comes to finding apartments when all that you know is the zip code. Whether you’re moving for some personal work or some other reasons, sometimes hunting and leasing an apartment in a new city becomes inevitable. Read on the concerns of this article to know some tips to locate the best apartment even if you’re miles away from that place.
- Consider working with a realtor: The best move that you can make is to start working with a realtor who has enough knowledge on the area. He should be able to weigh in all the unknowns like the safe areas, the areas that are several miles outside the city and what kind of price range you should expect from that region. The good news that that usually the realtors get paid by the landlords who can send them good renters and therefore working with them is actually free. You can contact your new workplace in the new city and ask anyone to recommend some names.
- Know what exactly you want: Start planning about 2 months before your moving date, get in touch with the realtor and inform him everything about your choices starting from rent, nearness to public transportation and amenities. For instance, what is more important for you – a large kitchen or a large bedroom? You should also be clear about the deal-breakers so that the realtor totally avoids them.
- Start searching too early: Don’t make the mistake of searching for the apartment at the eleventh hour when it’s already time to shift. If you’re someone who is planning to shift from Chicago to Austin, start searching at least 9 months ahead of time. Start with researching about the neighborhoods and browse through the listings to get a clear idea of the rental prices. Calling the realtors to know everything might not always help you and you might not always get the right information.
- Consider visiting the place once: If you’re especially brave, you might have the audacity and courage to sign a lease agreement based on photos. But this won’t be recommended. Plan a weekend or a month to this place before your move date so that you may be able to check out some new places. Drive around the neighborhood and have an idea of what’s a better deal and what’s a bad deal. When it comes to moving in to a place and locating an apartment, it is always best to visit the place and do lots of research.
Therefore, when you’re taking the decision to move into a new city, take the above-mentioned steps to find a good apartment that fits your budget and needs. After you complete your lease, thank your realtor and show your gratefulness for his cooperation with you.
The article has been contributed by Shane Parker. He is a commnunity member and an active blogger working with mortgagefit community since 2009. He has an expert writing skills on mortgage, refinance, home loan and more which can help homeowners or homebuyers. To discuss any home mortgages related queries join here.
