Your next apartment could be home-sweet-home or a nightmare to live in.
And choosing a good apartment isn’t just a result of luck. There are several common mistakes tenants make that lead them to homes they can’t wait to move out of.
But you can avoid those mistakes when searching for your next apartments for rent in Boston. Look out for these six common apartment hunting errors.
1. Overlooking Damage and Age
Apartments tend to have more tenants moving in-and-out compared to other types of properties. And that can lead to more damage and wear over time.
Extensive renovations can be nearly impossible in a shared apartment building. That means that any damage you see will be damage you’ll have to live with.
Not only this, but it can be safe to assume that the damage and wear may go beyond what is immediately visible. If you’re noticing imperfections, assume that there could be more.
To avoid being stuck with a poorly maintained apartment, be wary of properties with a lot of wear. Ask about what repairs and updates have recently been done.
And remember to look beyond pretty touches, like new kitchen hardware. Instead, inspect pipes, walls for cracks and windows to get a better idea of the apartment’s condition.
2. Choosing an Apartment With No Parking
If you have a car, you need parking.
But many apartment dwellers may wrongly assume they’ll be able to find street parking or use a nearby parking lot when in a pinch.
Before signing a contract for a home, visit the area on busy days. If it’s in a business district, visit during the weekdays. If the home is in a more residential area, take a look during the weekends and evenings.
See if parking is readily available. If not, the apartment may be more of a hassle than it’s worth.
3. Not Considering Your Commute
You may have fallen in love with an apartment’s surrounding neighborhood, or maybe the location is great because it’s cheap.
Either way, it’s important to consider your commute. When weighing your options for apartments, you should also factor in where you work or regularly visit.
An ideal neighborhood will feel comfortable and budget-friendly. But it shouldn’t add extra time and money to your commute.
4. Making Budget Errors
Whether renting or buying an apartment, there are often fees and other costs aside from your monthly rent or mortgage payment.
When comparing apartment costs, don’t overlook all the hidden charges associated with your dream apartment. This article explains some costs you may have forgotten about.
5. Skipping the Apartment Viewing
It’s convenient to search for apartments online, but real estate photos can be very misleading.
Some apartment hunters may fall in love with an apartment before ever actually visiting it. Then, during the apartment viewing, they’re either disappointed or biased and overlooking problematic flaws.
Don’t ever skip the apartment viewing, and visit apartments with an open yet neutral mindset.
6. Missing the Fine Print
Ignoring the fine print on an apartment leasing agreement can be a costly mistake.
It’s important to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to before signing on the dotted line.
Will you have to pay for damages? Is there a noise curfew? Are you allowed to sublet in the future?
Make sure to read through all paperwork and ask for any clarification if needed.
Prevent These Apartment Hunting Errors
Find your next comfy oasis, and avoid moving into a nightmare property.
There are some common apartment hunting errors tenants make when searching for their next home. From visiting an apartment to signing the paperwork, avoid major missteps with these basic tips.
Still, want more advice for your next home? Read our latest home and real estate blog posts!
