Moving out on your own can be scary. But with the right plan and the right neighborhood, your first apartment will be your new home!
When you are moving out on your own for the first time, the prospect of apartment hunting can be confusing. You want your first apartment to be everything you see on television from Monica’s cool flat on Friends to Carrie’s walk-in closet on Sex and the City. So how do you find your first luxury apartment? By following this guide!
Establishing Your Budget
Whether you are buying groceries or renting your first apartment, it is important to establish your budget. The last thing you want to do is to get an apartment you can’t actually afford to rent. The general rule is to never pay more than 30 percent of your take-home pay on housing with utilities, the internet, and cable. This will allow you to save money and have a nice life without worrying about money.
Choosing a Good Community
When looking for an apartment, it is important you visit the neighborhood a few times. Choosing a nice area where you feel safe. Talk to your potential neighbors about the area and the apartment complex, in general, to see if it will be a good fit for you. Ask about the amenities of the complex including on-site or in-unit laundry, a dishwasher, parking spots, air conditioning, the pool, and the outdoor space.
Be Prepared to Fill Out Applications and Pay Fees
When you find the perfect apartment for you, it is time to fill out an application. There will be some fees you have to pay in order to submit the application so be sure to bring your checkbook. You will also need a check stub for your proof of income and a photo ID.
Read the Lease
It is important to read the lease thoroughly before signing. The lease will be able to tell you what you are and aren’t allowed to do. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and go through the lease line by line. The lease will answer questions like if you are allowed pets, a restriction on how many roommates you are allowed to have, the maintenance process if you are allowed to paint or use nails to hang shelves, and the utilities not included in your lease. It will also tell you what will happen if you have to break the lease before the term is up.
These are just some of the things you should know before you venture out on your own to find your first apartment.
Renting Your First Apartment with Harborside Village Apartments!
Harborside Village Apartments are beautiful waterfront luxury apartments located on the picturesque Gunpowder Cove! To learn more about Harborside Village, please give us a call at 410-679-1130 or send us an email at [email protected]. You can also request a brochure to learn more about life at Harborside Village on our website!
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