The housing market has been on the rise in recent months with more and more renters looking to buy a home. And while many people are simply waiting for prices to drop, it may be time to start looking into apartments for rent in San Jose as an alternative choice.
What are you and your family really looking for when it comes to renting an apartment? Is there anything in particular that would make your experience better? What can you afford if you’re not purchasing a home yet? All of these questions need answers before you start browsing Craigslist or Kijiji. There’s alot involved with selecting an apartment, whether its the commute, safety or ease of access, storage space…the list goes on.
So if you’re like me and haven’t looked into renting an apartment before, here’s some helpful tips for searching for an apartment for rent:
#1 What you’re looking for (and what to consider)
This is the most important thing to remember. Just because one person says they’d love to live in a duplex and have a huge yard and another person wants a closet with space, doesn’t mean they necessarily have different needs or preferences. You’ll be able to find a place that fits your lifestyle whether you prefer double storeys or single story, cozier or more contemporary, artsy or hipster-esque.
#2 What kind of studio, 1 or 2 bedroom apartment you’re looking for
This isn’t a deal breaker but just something to keep in the back of your head if you’re on a budget. Depending on the location, type of building and amenities, studio apartments are often cheaper than a 1 or 2 bedroom. Just because someone says they want a one or two bedroom apartment doesn’t necessarily mean that their going to cough up more cash than they can afford.
#3 Be realistic with your expectations.
You don’t need to get an apartment through your parents (although it will obviously be much easier) and you don’t need to live in the city centre either. The truth is that apartments cost just as much, if not more, than homes so you’ll probably have to compromise on a few things.
#4 Consider renting an apartment near your workplace or school.
This will save you from the massive commute and will also allow you to use the same parking spots as your family and friends. That being said, most companies also require employees to live within a certain distance of their place of work so this may not be an option for everyone.
#5 Know what’s in between a studio apartment and a 2 bedroom apartment.
All studio apartments arent really studios either, theyre just smaller than 2 bedroom units. You may find that even though your apartment is perfectly acceptable and within your budget, theres little to no storage room, or its a long walk to the bus stop.
#6 Consider a 2 bedroom apartment as an alternative choice to a home.
Just because you want all the bells and whistles of a home doesnt mean you have to buy one. Although in high-demand areas, apartments aren’t always available and many times you will have to settle for something that may not be quite as nice as you’d like. However, if renting an apartment makes sense for you and there’s nothing cheaper around, a 2 bedroom apartment can fit your needs just fine.
#7 Look at places that are advertised as ‘apartment’ or ‘studio’ rentals.
This is a tip that is new to me and I’ve been doing the same thing all along. Many apartment or studio rentals are just regular bare-bones apartments with people living there. You will have no privacies and your neighbours may not be that friendly but this is often cheaper than what you would find in a similar size home.
#8 Don’t be afraid to look at places where you’re not really going to live.
As you know, everything is negotiable when it comes to real estate and that includes rent. So if you’re looking at places which are a little too expensive for your wallet but will work for you, don’t be afraid to ask the agent about the possibility of a lower monthly cost.