Top 8 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Apartment in the US
Whether you are grown enough to leave your parent’s house, you are about to start a family, or you are considering moving to the US, apartment hunting is inevitable. This dilemma could give quite a headache, and no one wants to deal with it frequently.
So, if you are at such a crossroads now, you’re in luck finding this article. There are several factors to consider when choosing an apartment in the US. Let’s help you with seven that we regard as the topmost priorities for anyone.
1. The Renting Price
The apartment cost is the most crucial factor on the list because it could hint at other elements. Have an idea about the renting rates of flats in any neighborhood you are considering. While your budget is the primary guide, be cautious not to be too cost-conscious. Doing so could make you fall into the trap of paying for icky houses.
2. The Condition of the House’s Features
We hope you are not one of those who believe in what they see in pictures. You must have a tour around the house you’re considering to determine its state. Failure to do this may cost you lots of money in repairs and other renovations.
Some things to inspect include doors, windows, roof, drainage, electrical fittings and installations, and sanitary facilities, to mention a few.
3. Neighborhood
What sort of people would you love to be around you? Answering this question is paramount to deciding if you should get an apartment or not. You may want to ask around to have some details about the trends in your potential neighborhood. If feedback is negative, finding somewhere else would be a better idea.
One of the things to note about the neighborhood is the security. How often are there reports of house burgling and other criminal activities? We hope you’re among the majority that love a peaceful area.
4. Purpose of Settling Down
Apartments vary in size from single to multiple rooms in the US. The reason for apartment hunting would decide the apartment size you need. For example, if you’re alone, you can go for a one-bedroom apartment. But imagine you have applied for a K1 family visa and would soon start a family. Before long, there’ll be kids too. You could go for somewhere spacious already to avoid searching for another apartment soon.
5. Pet Policy
After considering your family, you should think about your pet. It becomes crucial to know the disposition of your would-be landlord toward keeping pets in their apartments.
Does the house owner agree that you keep pets in the house? Is there an amount you would have to pay to keep pets? Are there stipulations on the kind of pet you can own while living there? These and many more need clarification before putting pen to paper. Unless you do not have or plan to keep pets, you should seek a flat with pet-friendly policies.
6. Do Utilities Come with Leasing the Apartment?
Some flats have utilities like water, electricity, laundry service, and what have you, which you pay for along with your rent. You’ll save yourself thinking of multiple bills since the flat manager charges a fixed rate for them. However, this also exaggerates your monthly payment without the option of cutting down the cost.
If you desire to control your spending, ask for apartments that allow you to manage these bills yourself. You may minimize how you use home utilities to reduce charges. Besides, you won’t be paying for times you won’t be around if you travel a lot.
7. Proximity to your Daily Destination
Recent research reveals that the average American spends about 13% of their income on transport. Be it work, the gym, the public library, or any other place you visit daily, you can save some transport fares by finding an apartment close to these places. You’ll be amazed at how much money you’ve conserved by doing so.
8. Neighbors
In no time, you would have new neighbors and also become one. Your preference for who shares a fence with you depends on your level of tolerance and conversation skills.
Overall, no one likes to have a creepy neighbor. While inspecting an apartment, check on a few neighbors to let them know you came to check the house nearby.
Ask questions about the flat, landlord, and other concerns. Do not ask questions about other neighbors or tenants because that would be creepy. These interactions won’t only give you answers, but you’ll also deduce the kind of people surrounding you. We hope you find friendly people.
Final Thoughts
There may be other considerations that you count equally important. What matters most is that you do the searching yourself. We know some agencies help to find accommodations, but you must be part of the process. Spelling out your desire to an agent isn’t enough. Never place your money on what you haven’t seen and approved by your standards.
Lastly, be discreet about your requirements and the cost implications. You can always have an apartment tailored to your specifications in the US, but you must also be willing to match the accompanying bills.
