Whether you are looking at apartments for sale in Manhattan, New York or a small homey down in the south, you are probably feeling nervous, excited and maybe a little overwhelmed. Finding an apartment can be intimidating regardless of whether it’s your first time looking or your tenth. All right- so maybe by the tenth time you will have the apartment hunt down to an art form. But for those of us that don’t have ample experience, here are five things to think about while looking for your dream home.
1. Calculate Total Cost: The cost of a new apartment is probably already high on your list of priorities. But remember that you may be paying for more, or less depending on your lease agreement. You should ask about the typical cost of utilities and, if you drive, about whether or not this includes parking. If you live in a large city like Manhattan, you may also consider public transit.
2. Figure Out What You Need Make a list of the amenities that you want your building to have, and highlight the ones that you absolutely need. For instance, if you are a pet lover, you want to make sure that your new apartment building is pet friendly. If you are on a tight schedule, having laundry and gym facilities may top your list instead. Don’t be afraid to explore to see just how much you can get out of your new apartment
3. Get to Know Your New Area: The reputation of the neighborhood that you are moving into may also be high on the priority list. While living on the “good side of town” is ideal, you may want to consider apartments for sale in slightly less reputable areas if cost is an issue. Do your research to see if maybe an area you had initially discounted because of a long standing bad reputation has been renovated. The results may surprise you and help you score cheaper rent as well!
4. Location, Location, Location You want to keep in mind the location of your new home not only in terms of your neighborhood but also in terms of the things that are close to you. For instance, if you want to live in the middle of Manhattan, but like the quiet, make sure that your apartment is away from busy streets. Think about the proximity of your new home to the things that are important to you. Unless you work from home, you want to think about how you will be getting to and from work on a daily basis. If you have hobbies, or if you are in love with your gym, you may want to consider what it would cost, in terms of time, gas and sanity, if you decide to move half way across town.
5. Know Your Neighbor and You Landlord: You want to consider the state of the building and the other occupants. For instance, if you are a light sleeper, try not to move in next to a couple with young children. When in doubt, Yelp. You also want to pay attention to the relationship that management has with its residence. Should something go wrong, you will be relying on your manager to fix the issue. Older apartment buildings may also be prone to various problems because of their age. If a building is old, ask about the last time that gas, heating and plumbing have been updated. When in doubt, hit the internet for reviews and stories.
Regardless of what your individual needs are, get your priorities in order, and do your research. Go ahead and check out several websites and keep your eyes peeled for Manhattan apartment for sale signs as you are driving through an area that you like. Do not be afraid to ask questions and to leverage costs against your other needs. After all, you are looking for your next home. To known more visit 252 East 57th
