Finding an Apartment In Another State: 10 Tips for You

Finding an Apartment In Another State: 10 Tips for You

Moving tends to be a stressful event in your life. Even if you are excited about your move, there is a large amount of stress that goes with a move. When you are moving to another state, that can complicate the move you are trying to make. However, no matter why you are moving, there are some tips you can follow that may make finding a new apartment easier. Continue reading to find out the top 10 tips for finding an apartment in another state.

#1 – Set a Budget and Create a List of Must-Haves

Before you can begin finding an apartment in another state, it is essential that you understand how much you can afford each month. You do not want to look for an apartment that you cannot afford to pay each month. If you already have a job in another state, you should know how much your salary is going to be at that job. In addition to knowing how much you are going to get paid, you want to understand how much money you have saved. When you know how much you have saved, you should consider how much, if any, of that saved money you want to spend. Do not forget to include the moving costs. You can expect to pay around $1,000 for a move that is long distance.

It would be best if you also considered what is essential for you to have in your apartment. Some apartments have amenities such as a fitness center on-site that you do not have to pay extra to use. You want to know if you are going to have laundry facilities in your apartment or laundry facilities on the site of the apartment. There are some apartments that do not offer a washing machine and dryer anywhere on site. Depending on the weather in the area in which you are moving, you may want to verify that the apartment includes central air conditioning.

#2 – Find Trustworthy Resources for Searching Purposes

After you know what you want in an apartment and how much you can afford to spend, you want to find someone you can trust to help you in finding an apartment in another state. You may wish to locate real estate property management services that can help you find the best options available in the area where you are moving.

Not only do you want to find someone that you can trust when looking for an apartment, but you want to find someone that knows the area where you are moving. With the right resources, you can find exactly what you want in an area that is safe and centrally located. You can find out what is near the apartments in which you are interested. You can find out how close the grocery store, shopping mall, hospitals, and schools are to the apartments on your radar.

#3 – Read Online Reviews About Landlords and Agencies

Getting feedback from people who have lived in the apartment where you are interested is the best way to find out what is really going on when finding an apartment in another state. You want to do some research by reading reviews and Google to determine details about the apartment. Not only can you find out about the apartment, but also about the landlord or rental office running the apartment. These reviews can give you insight into how helpful they are when you need service in the apartment. When there is any problem in your apartment, you want immediate attention. You want to know if your service request will be handled timely and by experts. If there are a large number of negative reviews, you may want to look somewhere else.

You want to read the negative reviews as well as the positive ones. It would be best if you kept in mind that not all negative reviews may be 100 percent accurate, but there is usually always some amount of truth to them. You should pay attention to complaints about noise, pests, and issues not being resolved. The staff handles cleaning and maintenance. You want to pay attention to reviews about the staff that handles these everyday tasks.

#4 – Purchase Renter’s Insurance

Anytime you rent an apartment, you want to consider purchasing renter’s insurance. You should contact an insurance agency to get the best insurance coverage for your needs. The purpose of renter’s insurance is to provide coverage for your belongings that are inside the apartment in the event something happens. The landlord of the apartment should have insurance that covers the actual property. It is common for renters of apartments not to get renter’s insurance, which is a mistake.

Renter’s insurance is relatively affordable, often is required, and provides the necessary coverage. Renter’s insurance protects your personal items when you travel. This type of insurance may cover additional expenses that can occur when there is an accident. Renter’s insurance can cover damage caused by explosions, falling objects, theft, smoke, or vandalism, among other accidents.

#5 – Consider the Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Every city has unique areas that are considered hidden gems. All cities have nice areas and then areas that are not so nice. Depending on what is located in each of these areas is what makes them ideal for you or not. Typically, the better neighborhoods also have the best stores, restaurants, and schools. If you are not able to visit the cities, you should look at photos of the streets where the apartments are located to get an idea of the neighborhood. You always want to feel safe where you live, so it may be in your best interest to look at the best neighborhoods in the area. This may be particularly essential if you’re finding an apartment in another state that is a studio or a one-bedroom.

#6 – Schedule a Real-Time Virtual Tour

When you are finding an apartment in another state, you may not be able to go look at the apartment. In the past years, virtual tours have become a popular way to look at an apartment. Fortunately, most apartment complexes have made virtual tours available to potential renters who are finding an apartment in another state. This is an ideal way to allow potential renters and apartment managers to connect so new renters can see the apartments. While not all apartments offer this option, many do and will show you upon request. When you are in a virtual tour, you are able to see the apartment in which you are interested. This is the best way for you to get an idea of what it will look like if you live in the apartment.

While in a virtual tour, you can see the details of the apartment that may not be visible in photos. You can see things like the lighting installation and get a good idea of the natural and artificial lighting in the apartment. Even though you can see details in a walk through, they often have limitations. For example, you may not be able to get a clear idea of the size of a room. You may not be able to see the view from the windows.

#7 – Ask About Needed Repairs

When you have an opportunity to talk to the apartment management company of the apartments in which you are interested, you can ask questions. It is critical that you understand the state of the apartment you may rent. You can ask if there were any repairs provided to the apartment in which you want to rent. Some repairs that you may want to know about are plumbing repairs. You should be interested in leaks that may occur to the pipes in the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, you want to know if the toilet runs. Not only would this noise annoy you, but it can also waste water. If the pipes are in need of repair, you want to make sure that happens before you move in. If there have been repairs to the plumbing in the past, there could be a weakness of which you want to be aware.

Another area of concern should be the heating and air conditioning system. It is critical that your heating and air conditioning run efficiently. This ensures that your cooling and heating systems do the job they are intended to do. When they are in good working order, they will not waste electricity. When the weather gets harsh, you want your internal temperature to be comfortable. For this to happen, you want to ensure that any problems are resolved before you move in.

#8 – Inquire About Included Utilities

Sometimes, apartment complexes include utilities with the cost of the rent. However, they do not always include them. It is essential to find out what is and is not included in your rent when finding an apartment in another state. Then, you want to find out what charges the complex may charge in addition to the rent. Instead of increasing the rent, the complex may have additional charges outside of the rent, so the actual rent amount is not as high. Some of these costs may include property maintenance. You will not be responsible for the maintenance of the property, but that does not mean you will not pay for it. This could be a monthly or annual fee.

Most apartment complexes offer waste removal. They typically have trash dumpsters or compactors located throughout the property. This may be a service you have to pay additional money for. Rarely will you have to acquire your own trash removal when living in an apartment. Most apartments provide basic utilities in the cost of the rent. These include water and electricity. Some may even offer cable and internet as part of the rent package. Typically, they mention these perks up front, but it does not hurt to ask.

#9 – Think About Safety and Security Features

Security is always a top priority wherever you live, especially when you plan to live alone when finding an apartment in another state. If you are planning to move on the bottom floor of the apartment building, you want to make sure the door has secure locks. Updated apartment buildings offer security alarms to keep you safe from intruders. You want to make sure there are fire alarm systems in each of the apartments. You also want to make sure the hallways have fire alarm systems to alert you in the event of smoke or fire.

You want to know what is on the outside of the apartment building. First, you want to know if there are features in place to provide privacy. This protection could be a wood privacy fence or a well established tree line. If your apartment has a balcony or patio, you want to ask if there is privacy between your area and your neighbors. This may determine if you want to spend any time outside.

#10 – Consider Unique Amenities

Often you can find apartment complexes with some nice extras that you cannot find anywhere else. They may have a custom pool or a sauna along with the fitness center. There may be some nice touches with the decor on the inside, such as granite countertops or significant storage space. An apartment building may offer an extra-large closet or wood flooring in the kitchen. Some apartments even come furnished, if that is something in which you are interested. You may be interested in an apartment that allows pets. This is an important question to ask right away if you want to bring your pet with you.

Finding an apartment in another state to live in is an exciting time. It can be a new start in a new place. You want to make sure that no detail is overlooked. It is essential that all your needs are met in your new apartment. You want to feel safe and comfortable no matter how long you plan to live there.