"I really need to find an apartment closer to work but the process of moving and finding a new apartment is so long and tedious!" It's true there are a lot of places to rent and they are all a little bit different in aesthetic, price, location, management, etc...
So I'm here to help! Let's look at it from the perspective of the Apartment office manager (Yes, that's me!) I get all sorts of people in my office everyday. I can tell you what they forgot to ask, what kind of people apartment owners are looking for, and how to organize all of that information. So let's get started!
1) Make a list of items and amenities that are important to you. List them from greatest importance to least importance. Work hard on this list and once you have it just right, don't waiver from it.
2) Put your list in a notebook. Bring your notebook with you everywhere! If you need to, leave it in the car or in your purse so it is with you at all times.
3) Treat it like a job interview. Get dressed, fix your hair, bring your wallet/ID, and bring your NOTEBOOK! Be honest, but don't tell them your life story. Be straightforward and kind, answer their questions, but don't delve into how your girlfriend dumped you and you've been living in your car. The leasing agent is not your best friend...just a leasing agent.
4) Ask the important questions first. Whether in person or on the phone, ask the deal breaking questions first. Do you have a pet you won't live without? Make sure they are a pet friendly place. Do you smoke? Make sure they allow smoking in the buildings. Do you have to have a pool for the kiddos? Ask them what amenities they have. Club house? pool? Workout room? Many times price is not a set thing or they may have a special going on, so ask these deal breaking questions before you ask about price. (unless price is your deal breaker.) There is no use wasting your time or the managers time, and it will help you not get confused deciding between different apartments.
5) Ask for brochures, business cards, or postcards. Ask for anything that will help you remember that place and put it in your notebook. Write down any information about it that you might want to remember (No laundry...or Nice pool open May-Aug!)
6) Keep a step ahead. There are dozen of people that all look at the same apartment, maybe more if it's a very large complex. If you found the place you want, be a little pushy, be on top of the ball, give them a call every day or every few days to make sure you don't need to do or bring anything else for them. (unless they specifically ask you to wait for them to call you, and I don't mean the flippant reply "we'll give you a call when...") Fill out an application as soon as possible, don't be stingy with paying a deposit or application fee. I you want the apartment, act like you want it. If you are debating between two places, make sure the two places know you are working between them. They might give you a deal to swing you their way.
Sarah
So I'm here to help! Let's look at it from the perspective of the Apartment office manager (Yes, that's me!) I get all sorts of people in my office everyday. I can tell you what they forgot to ask, what kind of people apartment owners are looking for, and how to organize all of that information. So let's get started!
2) Put your list in a notebook. Bring your notebook with you everywhere! If you need to, leave it in the car or in your purse so it is with you at all times.
3) Treat it like a job interview. Get dressed, fix your hair, bring your wallet/ID, and bring your NOTEBOOK! Be honest, but don't tell them your life story. Be straightforward and kind, answer their questions, but don't delve into how your girlfriend dumped you and you've been living in your car. The leasing agent is not your best friend...just a leasing agent.
4) Ask the important questions first. Whether in person or on the phone, ask the deal breaking questions first. Do you have a pet you won't live without? Make sure they are a pet friendly place. Do you smoke? Make sure they allow smoking in the buildings. Do you have to have a pool for the kiddos? Ask them what amenities they have. Club house? pool? Workout room? Many times price is not a set thing or they may have a special going on, so ask these deal breaking questions before you ask about price. (unless price is your deal breaker.) There is no use wasting your time or the managers time, and it will help you not get confused deciding between different apartments.
5) Ask for brochures, business cards, or postcards. Ask for anything that will help you remember that place and put it in your notebook. Write down any information about it that you might want to remember (No laundry...or Nice pool open May-Aug!)
6) Keep a step ahead. There are dozen of people that all look at the same apartment, maybe more if it's a very large complex. If you found the place you want, be a little pushy, be on top of the ball, give them a call every day or every few days to make sure you don't need to do or bring anything else for them. (unless they specifically ask you to wait for them to call you, and I don't mean the flippant reply "we'll give you a call when...") Fill out an application as soon as possible, don't be stingy with paying a deposit or application fee. I you want the apartment, act like you want it. If you are debating between two places, make sure the two places know you are working between them. They might give you a deal to swing you their way.
Sarah
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