Renters: Tips To Leasing An Apartment During A Pandemic
May 21, 2020
Finding a new apartment can be a both an exciting and challenging time. Add in a global pandemic to the mix, and it can add another element of difficulty as many complexes are not offering in-person showings at this time. But have no fear! We’ve compiled a list of great tips to help you find and choose your perfect apartment, even when you might not be able to see it for yourself!
Know What You Want
It’s important to know what type of apartment you are interested in when starting your search so you can be as efficient as possibly. Do you prefer a 1st or top floor unit? Would you prefer to be Southern facing? Is underground parking important to you? Do you need a place that’s pet-friendly? How about one that includes a dog park?
Know the Area
Make sure to do some research on the neighborhood you will be moving to in order to make sure it will be a good fit for you, especially if you are moving from a different city or state. Google Maps is also very helpful in helping determine how close you are to things that are important to you, such as work, the nearest grocery store, and shopping centers. Google Maps’ street view is also great as it will allow you to talk a virtual walk through the area to get a feel for the neighborhood.
Floor Plans Are Best
Almost all apartment marketing websites will have floor plans available for you to view which should be your starting point. A floor plan can tell you a lot about an apartment. Is your sectional couch going to fit in the 13’x16’ living room? Are you okay with the lofted bedroom being open over the living room? Were you hoping for 2 bathrooms instead of 1?
Photos
If the apartment is unoccupied, the leasing agent may be able to send you photos of the exact unit so you can get an idea of the view, lighting, trim package, etc. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leasing agents may not be entering occupied apartments so photos of the exact unit may not be available. Stock photos of the floor plan type can also be very helpful if the apartment is occupied.
Virtual Tours Available
A great resource for viewing an apartment are virtual tours. Here at the McKenzie Apartment Company, our website has Matterport virtual tours for a wide variety of floor plans which allow you to actually walk through the exact floor plan to get an idea of the space. Matteport virtual tours even feature a “measurement mode” which allow you to take measurements of exact areas within the virtual tour to help you determine if your furniture will fit. These virtual tours may also be available for community spaces to help you get an idea of the amenities available to you.
Read Reviews
Reading reviews of the property and landlord is a great resource! Be sure to check out reviews on google and listing sites, such as Apartments.com. If they have a great reputation, their online reviews will show it and that means a lot! Did you know 4 of the McKenzie Apartment Company’s properties were ranked in the Elite 1% of properties in the nation for online reputation in 2019?
The Property Manager is your Greatest Resource
No one is going to know the details on the apartment, property, and area like the property manager. How close is the nearest grocery store? Is the property quiet or bustling? What’s the area like? Do you know how far the commute is to my job? What is the exact trim package in this apartment? Is there a different property under your management company that may better fit my needs? Be sure to ask them any questions you have had difficulty finding elsewhere! A great property manager or leasing agent will be more than willing to help you.
