By Cathy Poley
Originally posted on ApartmentGuide.com
Once you have narrowed your list of potential apartments to a few viable candidates by searching online or using your mobile device, it’s time to schedule in-person apartment visits at your favorites. But before you head out the door, think through each visit carefully.
Here are some tips on how you can make the most of any in-person apartment visit.
Set an appointment
While apartment communities are typically happy to accommodate drop-in visitors, it may be to your advantage to make an appointment for your apartment visit. First, it shows that you are an organized individual, which should make a good impression on the apartment manager. Second, an appointment allows the apartment manager is plan for and set aside time to take you on a proper tour.
Make an apartment visit kit
You will want to take a few items with you when you visit an apartment.
- A list of questions to ask the apartment manager
- A pen and paper (or digital instrument) to take down the answers and make any notes
- A digital camera to take pictures of the apartment
- A folder or binder to collect any printed materials
Dress for success
Arrive at your in-person apartment visit looking your best. You want to make a good impression on the apartment manager, so show up in clean, professional attire. Think business casual, or job interview-light.
Ask all your questions
During your visit, move down your list of questions, making sure you get all of them answered to your satisfaction. Check them off as you go, if you like. You want to get all the information you need to make an informed decision about which apartment to choose, after all.
The more details you can capture about different apartments, the easier it will be to distinguish between your options when you compare them later. Your questions are ultimately how you evaluate and find the best apartment unit and community for your needs.
An apartment manager will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Chances are, they have heard them all before!
Request marketing materials
Ask for brochures or floor plans you can take with you. These may give you more information about the amenities of the apartment community or the dimensions of the apartment unit or units you are considering, for instance.
Give the apartment the once-over
Don’t be afraid to poke around a bit during your apartment visit. Open closets and check the water pressure, for instance, gathering as much information as you can. (Do be polite and ask for permission first.)
If you properly plan your in-person apartment visit, you should walk away with much of the information you need to know in order to make an informed decision. You’ll find a little planning goes a long way in the apartment search process.