Are you in the market for a new apartment? If so, you might be wondering when it’s best to start your search. There are several important factors to consider when trying to answer this question.
In this latest guide to apartment living, we’re going to offer some insight into when you should begin your apartment search. We’ll also provide some tips on how to conduct your search for maximum results.
The Best Times of Year to Look for a New Apartment
The best time to look for a new apartment depends on several factors. The most important factor is usually availability.
For example, if you’re looking for an apartment in a college town, the best time to start your search is usually during the summer months. This is because many students are leaving their apartments and property managers are looking for new tenants to take their place.
Another significant factor is when you plan to move. If you are currently renting another apartment, you should begin your search for a new living space at least a few months in advance. This will give you plenty of time to compare options and make sure you find the perfect destination for the next chapter in your life.
If you have signed a year-long lease on your current apartment, plan to start searching for a new one around month-nine of the lease’s duration. This will also provide enough runway to arrange for packing, moving, and making other necessary preparations for when you are ready to enter your new apartment.
Important Factors in Selecting Your New Apartment
Location:
One of the first deciding factors you’ll want to consider when looking for a new apartment is its location.
Do you need to be close to public transportation? Are you looking for an apartment in a specific school district? Do you have any medical needs that require proximity to certain facilities or amenities?
If you have a specific town or city in mind that you want to live in, research the local area first. You can then further narrow your search based on a community’s proximity to your desired neighborhood.
Amenities:
The next important factor to consider is what amenities you desire in an apartment community.
Some popular amenities that are highly sought by potential tenants include:
- Pet-friendly renting policy
- Stainless steel appliances
- High-quality countertops
- On-site fitness center
- Pool and/or clubhouse
- In-unit laundry
- High-speed internet
- Smart home technologies
Decide which amenities are the most important for you as a tenant. Browse the apartment community website to compare the amenities they offer to what you desire most in your new home.
Living Expenses:
Your budget is another significant factor to keep in mind when looking for a new apartment. Likely, you will want to avoid having rent costs impede on your other expenses in life.
How much should you spend on rent, then? Chase Bank recommends that you spend no more than 30% of your monthly income on rent.
However, the value that you receive for your rent payment can also be a deciding factor on how much you want to spend. For example, beyond occupancy, your rent may afford other benefits like:
- Select utility payments
- Landscaping and snowplowing
- Waste disposal
- On-site parking
- On-call maintenance services
- Community amenities
As with amenities, when you are considering costs, ask yourself “What am I receiving as part of my rent payment?” You may be willing to spend more on rent if you are receiving more services in exchange.
Apartment Size:
Lastly, but certainly not least, apartment size plays an important role in determining which community you wish to call your new home.
Typically, the two major size factors to consider are square footage and the number of bedrooms. The square footage is the total amount of space that you will have available. In apartments with more square footage, you will likely have larger common areas and bedrooms.
If you are in the market for a new apartment, Burns Management has over 20 apartment communities throughout the Capital Region, including apartments in Albany, Latham, Niskayuna, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs. With flexible leases and quick availability, you are sure to find the perfect new apartment. Browse apartments and see availability now at burnsmgmt.com.