When it comes to apartment hunting, finding the right time to start can make all the difference. Whether you’re moving to a new city or upgrading to a bigger space, there are certain things you should keep in mind when searching for your next home.
The key to saving yourself time and stress is to start with a clear idea of what you want in an apartment. That means knowing your budget, your ideal location and your ideal move-in date.
1. Start Early
Apartment hunting is one of the most stressful aspects of moving to a new place. But with the right planning, you can make it less stressful and get into a new place faster than you think.
The best time to start looking for apartments in Chicago is a few months before your ideal move date. This gives you enough time to tour different properties, and make sure you like the neighborhood and area.
It also allows you to set your priorities and budget and be confident that you are making the best decision for your needs.
This also helps you to save money, because you won’t have to pay a higher rent than your income allows. Once you know your budget, you can begin scouting for apartments that fit within your limit.
You can also search online for rental agencies in your target area and contact them directly to ask about their availability. This way, you can avoid the frustration of having to go door-to-door to find an agent who has listings in your desired area.
A good realtor can also help you narrow down your options and make the apartment-hunting process more manageable. They can send you listings, drive you around to see your favorites and negotiate on your behalf.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want to sign a lease before you are 100% sure that you will be happy with the apartment. This can be risky, because it’s easy to change your mind or decide that an apartment isn’t the right place for you at a later time.
Ideally, you should start your apartment hunt at least 60 days before your ideal move date, so you can give yourself plenty of time to tour apartments and make an informed decision. This is also a great time to check your credit score, so you can be sure that you can afford the rent.
The busiest rental periods tend to be between May and September. This is when many people are relocating for college and starting new careers. This can also be a great time for families to move with children. The warmer weather makes it easier for families to load up furniture and transport it.
2. Take Your Time
Finding the right apartment isn’t a quick process, but there are things you can do to make it a little easier. The first step is to set a budget for your new home. Then, you can begin searching for apartments that fall within that range. Apps like Budget Boss and Mint can help you determine your monthly expenses.
It’s also a good idea to see the area you’re looking at in person. Getting a feel for the neighborhood, public transport links and amenities can give you an idea whether the apartment is going to be suitable for you.
Taking your time when looking for apartments chicago is important because it allows you to find the one that’s perfect for you. In this highly competitive market, it’s worth it to put in the work to find the best fit.
You should consider a few factors when making this determination, such as size, location, and price. The ideal time to look for an apartment is 60 to 90 days before your lease expires, so plan on starting your search at least that far out.
Another thing to consider is what time of year you’re thinking about moving. Chicago has several different seasons, and seasonal patterns influence apartment prices and availability. The best time to find a bargain is around the end of the summer, when student leases are up for renewal and people are looking to move house before the winter.
A final tip: Take your time when viewing apartments, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most landlords will be happy to answer your questions, and the more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to choose the apartment that’s perfect for you.
It’s a good idea to find an agent who can help you narrow your search down. They can share their knowledge of the city with you, and they can also send you links to properties they think you might be interested in. Be sure to tell your agent what you’re looking for, and the best time to start your search. This will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.
3. Be Flexible
When it comes to the search for your new abode, being flexible is the best way to go. You’ll save money in the long run by being able to move at your own pace. This will also allow you to get a feel for the city and its various neighborhoods before making your final decision. Luckily, there are a number of great resources out there to help you find the best Chicago apartment for your needs.
One of the most popular options is the MLS, which is a comprehensive searchable database that features homes from all over the city and its surrounding suburbs. It’s a great place to start your hunt, especially if you are new to the area and don’t have a lot of time on your hands.
There are also a few lesser known sources of information on the hunt for your new digs, such as a number of online apartment communities, local real estate companies and the like. Using these resources, you’ll be able to save yourself the trouble of trawling through the slush that is the rental market in Chicago.
Finally, you should be sure to take advantage of a variety of apartment-related services, such as free moving assistance and property inspections. This will give you the peace of mind that you need to enjoy your new home in the Windy City.
4. Be Flexible on Location
When you are looking for apartments chicago, it is important to consider all the factors that make a good place to live. This includes your budget, the size of the apartment, and how close it is to public transportation, grocery stores, and other important amenities.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from a wide variety of neighborhoods in Chicago. This can range from quiet areas to vibrant downtowns with all of the city’s best upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Once you have a list of possible neighborhoods, make sure to narrow your search down to the ones that are most likely to suit your lifestyle needs and fit within your budget. Think about the area’s proximity to upscale restaurants and bars, as well as its transportation and parks and outdoor spaces.
Next, decide how much space you need and how many bedrooms the apartment has. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on rent.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to look at studio and micro-units instead of larger floorplans with 3 or more bedrooms. This will give you more room to move around in your new home, and it could even allow you to have a roommate or two!
When you’re ready to move into your new place, it’s a good idea to bring your rental history with you. Having this information on hand will help you get started faster when you are touring apartments in Chicago.
The most important thing to remember when you are looking for apartments in Chicago is that your rent should never exceed 30% of your gross income. This rule is meant to ensure that you can afford to pay for other things that are necessary for your life, such as a mortgage or student loans.
You can find affordable apartments in all of Chicago’s neighborhoods, from downtown to Lakeview. This is a great way to save money while living in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
It is also important to consider the neighborhood’s surrounding environment, such as traffic noise and train lines. These issues can affect your quality of life and can impact how you feel when you are at home. Ideally, you’ll want to live somewhere that has less background noise and is a little away from the hustle and bustle of the city.