Need an Apartment?

When Greg Tabor graduated from college, he decided he needed a brand new bachelor pad, "we're done with undergraduate college, we want to move on, and it's time to get a new apartment, a change of scenery". He couldn't spend hours away from work or a ton of money trying to find a new apartment, so he started online.

Before starting your apartment hunt online, here are some helpful hints to get you started.

Apartments Online

Starting the Search

First, find a website that lists rentals. Here are some links:

Apartments.com

Rent.com

Springstreet.com

When you start your search, you may have to register with the website to get started. Once you're in, Doug Culkin with the National Apartment Association says just enter in the city or exact zip code where you want to live, and apartments available in that area will pop up. The individual apartment complexes have to register to be listed the website, so all apartments in an area may not be listed.

However, Culkin says the websites do cover most of the country, "they cover all of the major markets... there are probably some rural areas that may or may not be covered."

The Hunt is On

If you're going to spend the money on an apartment, you better make sure it's something you like. These websites make it pretty easy to narrow down your search without leaving home.

All you do is follow the prompts on the websites, entering in your price range; number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and any other amenities you may want, says Culkin. Choose which amenities you can't live without. If you want a dishwasher, washer and dryer, or a place that allows pets, just click the boxes, and the search will eliminate all apartment buildings without those features.

Greg listed everything he wanted, "they want to know what kind of amenities you want parking, pool, gym and other aspects you that you'd want to include in your living space."

When the search results return, just click on the links to learn more about the apartment. Sometimes, the building links their own website along with their description, and Culkin recommends visiting these sites.

Location, Location, Location!

Finding an apartment is all about location. Use the tools on the websites to help you find out everything you can about your new home. Culkin agrees, "one of the big things is to determine what the city is like."

He suggests clicking through parts of the website title location to learn about restaurants, community events, and schools in the area. "There were a couple different specific parts of the website that allowed you to click whether you wanted to be in a certain area, like a specific zip code or school zone or check out different amenities in the area, Greg says. This may be the deciding factor between one apartment and another.

Start the Paperwork

Don't worry about leaving work early, or taking more time than needed when going to the leasing office. Culkin says you can start the paperwork at home, "fill [out] the rental application and the credit report online and then that work... can all be done."

While it's not required, it's recommended to go see the place before you actually sign the lease. When you do decide to sign the lease, half of the paperwork is already done for you!

Bright Idea! Discounts

Some of the sites give you discounts if you sign a lease after registering with them. All you have to do is print out a form and send it in. You'll then receive a check in the mail, or a coupon for free rent, says Culkin.

Helpful Links

The websites all link to companies willing to help you in your move. Culkin says, "whether it's a long distance move or if you need to rent a truck... or if you want someone to come in and do the full service of packing you up, that information is available on these websites." Most of the moving companies listed on the websites offer to move you for a discounted prince.

Culkin says, "one of the nice benefits of the locator services... is that they provide for a renter to find and access a number of services that go beyond renting an apartment." Look on the websites for links to the following:

>>Utility Service.
When you are ready to move in, head back to the websites to help you get in touch with utility companies. That way, everything will be turned on when you move in.

>>Renters' Insurance.
You can also find insurance agents in your area that can hook you up with renters' insurance or anything else you may need.

Read more smart consumer tips and strategies
from Fox11 Eyewitness News Online

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