Before buying a condo or renting an apartment, there are some things you should do. Buying condos and townhouses is a big investment, after all, and you want to be sure your money isn’t going to waste. Here is “buying a condo 101” for anyone who is looking into buying or renting a new dwelling:
1. Check for Dirty Rooms, Not Messy Ones
Oftentimes when prospective landlords or sellers show you a home, it is while the previous tenants are preparing to leave. They want their next tenants to move in as quickly as possible to as to begin making money, after all, so they don’t want to miss a beat. Some of the rooms may be cluttered, but all of that is not your concern since that clutter will leave with the person; what you should check for is dirt, grime, and anything else you may have to scrub off of the walls and the various fixtures once you move in. It takes a lot of work to make a home look nice and you should try to find a place that already has that grunt work put in for you!
2. Ask About Appliances and Utilities
Apartment townhomes for rent can cost a lot of money, of course, but a large part of that bill is the utilities you pay to keep the water and electricity flowing. Try to see if any apartment townhomes for rent include utilities in their rent and compare pricing accordingly. If you find a reasonably priced place that includes utilities, then give that place a little more consideration. The water or electric bill may not seem big on a one-time only basis, but they stack up really quickly!
3. Interview the Previous Tenants
Ultimately, a landlord wants to sell the place to you, so he or she is naturally biased in that regard. The only other person who knows about the home who should be unbiased is the previous tenant. Do not be afraid to ask them about their experiences with the home or with the landlord! They may be able to help you avoid some pitfalls rather than having to discover them yourself. How will you evaluate your would be home? Get more info here.