Abberly Green Blog

Apartment hunting can be a stressful experience. Not only does it take a lot of your time, but the process can leave you frustrated, desperate, and overwhelmed. For your search to be as effective and fun as possible, do your best to keep stress out of the picture.

Fortunately, this isn’t as hard as it seems. Here are some tips to help you find the right apartment without the stress:

1. Know what you want. Before you venture out there to look at apartments, take the time to decide on what you want in an apartment. Ask yourself questions like how many bedrooms and bathrooms do I need? How much closet space? How important are size and location? What kinds of amenities are important to me: crown molding, updated kitchen, a good view? Do I need a parking space? Do I have or want a pet?

As you ask yourself these questions, decide on your limits. For example, if you need to walk to work, look at a map and decide on how far you want to walk.

Once you understand exactly what you're looking for in an apartment, keep all your criteria in mind while you are searching. Don't waste time checking out apartments that aren’t a match.

2. Set realistic goals and expectations. Understand that it may be a longer process than you expected, but keep in mind; this is an important decision, where you live has a dramatic effect on every other aspect of life. Now, if you find an apartment immediately, great. If not, you'll know that it's just a matter of time until you reach your goal.

3. Stay organized and take good notes. Once you start to see a few apartments, it's easy to get them confused. Stay organized by taking good notes about your apartment hunting efforts. For example, make a chart (by hand or on your computer) that lists the addresses, the owner, number of bedrooms and baths, all pros and cons and any additional notes.

In a file to hold any brochures, advertisements, floor plans, listings, photos, or other printed material you have.

4. Ask questions. Choosing a community in which to live is very important, so ask questions. If you don't like the answers you hear or you suspect that the broker or a landlord isn't being honest, move on.

Hopefully, you'll feel less stressed with a plan in place. Keep your plan in mind as you search for your new apartment. Soon you’ll find a place to call home.