Ever feel lost when you set out to buy something? So you pick an item, take it home, and get buyer's remorse. Because what you just bought doesn't fit your needs.
You can suffer renters remorse as well, if you view apartments without a specific idea of what you want in an apartment. So, envision your ideal apartment even before you go on your first viewing.
Write your answers to these questions down on a piece of paper and take them with you when you apartment hunt. That way, if a broker starts selling a feature to you, you can readily remind yourself of what you’re looking for.
You can suffer renters remorse as well, if you view apartments without a specific idea of what you want in an apartment. So, envision your ideal apartment even before you go on your first viewing.
Write your answers to these questions down on a piece of paper and take them with you when you apartment hunt. That way, if a broker starts selling a feature to you, you can readily remind yourself of what you’re looking for.
Type of Rooms
1. How many bedrooms and bathrooms would you like?
2. Think about the ideal number of rooms you'd like. Aside from the basic bedroom-bathroom-kitchen combo, would you like or need extra rooms that fulfill specific functions? What about a den, office, art studio, or sewing room?
3. How much closet and storage space do you need?
2. Think about the ideal number of rooms you'd like. Aside from the basic bedroom-bathroom-kitchen combo, would you like or need extra rooms that fulfill specific functions? What about a den, office, art studio, or sewing room?
3. How much closet and storage space do you need?
Size of Apartment
1. How many square feet do you want?
2. How big of a kitchen?
3. How much counter space?
2. How big of a kitchen?
3. How much counter space?
- Rooms big enough for large furniture?
- queen or king-size mattress
- extra-long couch
- large area rug
- long sectional desk
- exercise equipment
- piano
Amenities
Some of these amenities tend to increase the rent, so prioritize the essential amenities and hope for as many as you can attain at an affordable price.
- Elevator
- Intercom system
- Doorman or other security system
- Handicap-friendly
- Parking lot
- Cable TV
- Gym or Pool
- Specific Kitchen Appliances (microwave, dishwasher, broiler)
- Air Conditioning
- Washer and Dryer
Other Specific Features
Do hardwood floors make you smile? If there is a specific feature that will make you insanely happy and ease the troubles in your life, it might be worth the effort to look for this special feature. Here are some features to consider:
- hardwood floors
- large windows and bright light (maybe for houseplants)
- high ceilings
- beautiful view
- proximity to places you enjoy visiting: park, bookstore, library, gym, shopping mall, cafes, or restaurants
In Conclusion
Your home should fit your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. Now that you know what you want, check out apartment listings and see what’s in your price range. You can start making adjustments to your list based on what you can afford, noting what’s most important to you and what you can live without.
