How do you handle getting your first apartment?

Well, there are a lot of factors. I got my first apt. in May of this year and made an awful mistake - basically ended up in a ghetto in south Atlanta. Sadly I didn't do my homework on the location before I signed a lease :(. Now I've become somewhat of an expert having to hunt for a new one to fix this mistake, and live in one of the nicest areas of the city for a decent price. So here are some pointers:

- first and foremost, know your location! Visiting the area is a must. If you don't know the area, it's even a good idea to stay the night in a nearby hotel and see what night life is like. Note the convenience of bussiness, services, etc.

- know your budget; if you can't spend that extra $50/month for your "dream" place, don't. Figure in application & background check fees along with deposits (regular & pet). Try to find somewhere that includes as many utilities as possible. Trust me, it's a lot less hassle. Don't be afraid to ask an estimate of the power, gas, etc. bills from the leasing office.

- check the apt. over top to bottom before you sign a lease. Have the leasing officer note any things that need to be fixed in writing, no matter how small.

- safety first. This will probably be taken care of by visiting the area, but you can also ask residents you see wandering around about the security and any problems they've had. Ask the leasing officer about their alarms, if the apt. comes equipped with one.

- craigslist.org is a great site to visit for apt. listings. Just pick your desired city and start searching!

I'm not sure what you mean... I saved my $$ and moved in and then didn't take things seriously and ended up losing it and having to live in my car for 3 months in the winter before I could get back on my feet. So I guess you could say I didn't handle it too well. But boy did I learn!!!! I can promise you I won't end up there again!

Be prepared with plenty of money, because if its your 1st apt, you may have no rental history and not much credit so your lanlord may require more of a deposit. Remember to set aside for utilities, not only money time also. Don't let a real estate agent talk you in to something that is too expensive.

write out a budget and stick to it! lock your doors/windows at all times. turn off the lights (keep utilities low). don't let your loser friends/bf/gf mooch. good luck!

Go to some apartments, tour them, and turn in an application.

Over estimate your expenses. There is all sorts of stuff you will need to buy for your first apartment that you won't even think of until you really need it.

Also don't feel that you have to furnish everything all at once. It's ok to spread out your purchases.

Start by looking at your income. You should create a budget so you are positive you know what you can afford. Drive around and look at really cute complexes or visit different apartments people are renting. Go to the leasing office or the landlord. Ask to tour an apartment. Complete an application; they will check your credit history. Wait for approval. Sign a lease. Pay a security deposit. Move in!!! Congrats!

Just make sure you can afford it before moving out, I will tell you it is the best thing in the world though especially your first time moving out freedom, BUT! moving in your own place means paying all the bills paying for your own groceries etc. So make sure you are truly ready for this i dont know how old you are but make the wise choice when moving out depending where you live it could be expensive just make the right choice for you and GOD BLESS AND GOODLUCK!

Research on the internet for prices and what is surrounding the apartment, thats a good starting point.

You just start looking, apartment shopping. You will talk to landlords/leasing agents. Find out what things are common in leases, like term (how many months you are locked in), rent amount, deposits. Shop around until you find just the right apartment and terms for your situation. Some will require a 12 month lease, and won't be flexible. Others will allow as short as a 3 month lease, but sometimes the price is higher for shorter terms. What are the amenities? Some apartments come with washer/dryer, some with hookups, some with on campus laundry facility, and some with no laundry availability. You may find assigned parking, parking garages, or get is space if you can. If you have a car, this will be important to you. Make sure there is adequate parking for you and any guests you may have. My son-in-law even went so far as to check the crime rates for the different areas where he and my daughter were looking at apartments.

Find out if utilities are included, shared, or completely paid by you. Ask if they have any records of what the apartment utilities ran the last tenant if you are to pay them. Remember though, the last tenants may have been spend thrifts or misers. It will just give you a general idea. I've never met a landlord/leasing agent that didn't charge a deposit. You will need to know how much that is, so you can plan how much money you will want to have on hand. Also, if you have pets, make sure you check about rules for pets, pet deposits and the refundability of pet deposits.

Once you have made a decision, the leasing agent/landlord may do a credit check. Do you have a credit history? Often times first time renters haven't a record of credit. If not, you may have to get someone else, with a credit history, to sign the lease agreement with you. I had to do that for both my daughters when they got their first apartment.

Another thing you will have to get done is get your utilities turned on. The landlord/leasing agent will tell you when you need to have electricity and gas changed to your name if you will be paying for those. You will want to contact phone, internet, and whatever other services you want turned on. All of these may charge a deposit for a first time customer, to make sure you are good for the bills. You can check ahead, before renting, to find out about that. Then you will know ahead about how much it will cost you to start up.

That covers all the basic costs and info you will have to check on that I can remember. You will want to make sure you have enough start up cash, don't rush into the first apartment you look at. Make some comparisons, and remember to leave yourself enough money to buy groceries, gas, shower curtain, toilet paper, etc., when you move in. If you need, save another month or two before making the big move if possible.

Good luck and have fun apartment hunting! Take a friend with you, they will be more objective.

Scared, but free,,Exciting.
"WOW!"

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