Are you currently searching for a new apartment? Whether you’re a seasoned renter or a first-time apartment seeker, taking the time to tour a potential new living space is essential. An apartment tour gives you the opportunity to truly evaluate whether a place suits your needs and preferences beyond what photos and descriptions may convey online. To make the most of your apartment tour(s), follow these practical tips before, during, and after your visit!
Why touring is so important
Before diving into our tips, let’s make it clear why an apartment tour is so vital in the rental process. Viewing an apartment in person allows you to:
Assess the condition of the apartment
Touring an apartment gives you the chance to closely inspect the actual condition of the space. You can identify any existing maintenance issues, such as leaky faucets, faulty appliances, or signs of mold or pest infestations – which may not be evident in online listings. This firsthand assessment helps you understand the level of care and upkeep the property has received, giving you insight into potential future maintenance requirements and costs.
Moreover, being physically present in the apartment lets you gauge the quality of finishes, flooring, and fixtures, which can significantly impact your comfort and satisfaction as a tenant. By assessing the condition during a tour, you can make an informed decision about whether the apartment meets your standards for a comfortable living space.
PRO TIP: If something catches your eye in an apartment – like chipping on the kitchen cabinets, ask the leasing agent if this is something that will be fixed prior to your potential move-in. Anywhere you tour, you’ll want to get a sense of the condition the unit will be in if you decide to rent. How an apartment is delivered to a future renter gives you great insight into how the landlord/management company operates – a true indication of the overall quality of service. If it is something they are not going to address, at least you know!
Evaluate the location
One of the most critical aspects of apartment hunting is evaluating the location. Visiting the neighborhood in person allows you to experience its atmosphere and surroundings. You can assess factors like noise levels, safety, and the general vibe of the area, which can greatly influence your daily life and overall satisfaction with the apartment.
Additionally, visiting the location gives you a realistic context to the apartment’s proximity to essential amenities in the area. This firsthand evaluation helps you determine whether the neighborhood can fulfill your practical needs, making it easier to envision yourself living there comfortably.
Interact with the landlord or leasing agent/team
Meeting the landlord or leasing agent in person during an apartment tour provides you with a valuable opportunity to establish a relationship and gather important information. There are many questions to ask when touring an apartment, and this is your chance. This direct interaction also gives you the chance to clarify details that are not clearly outlined in the listing, ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of what renting the apartment entails.
Above all, building rapport with the landlord or agent allows you to gauge their responsiveness and professionalism. These interactions can be indicative of your future experience as a tenant. Afterall, these are the individuals that will provide you with customer service daily and help resolve any issues that arise. This concept cannot be stressed enough!
Visualize yourself living there
Experiencing the floorplan and space is very important for visualizing yourself living in the unit. Walking through the rooms and imagining how you would arrange your furniture and belongings helps you determine whether the apartment will work for the living environment you’re trying to create. Furthermore, you can evaluate aspects like natural lighting, room sizes, storage options, and overall functionality, which are difficult to grasp from photos alone.
Before the tour
Preparation is key to making the most of your apartment tour(s). Here’s what you should do beforehand:
Define your must-haves and deal breakers
Creating a list of must-have features and deal breakers is the best way to refine your search before it even starts. Identifying these key components will help you solely focus on apartments that are practical, saving you time during the apartment hunting process. Having your criteria well defined reduces the potential of having to compromise.
Set your budget
Determining your budget beforehand guarantees you’re only looking at apartments that you can comfortably afford. Consider not only the monthly rent but also additional costs such as utilities, parking fees, and renters insurance (to name a few). Be realistic about what you can afford based on your income and other financial obligations. Setting a clear budget will help narrow down your options and avoid wasting time touring apartments that are outside of your financial means.
Research the neighborhood
Researching the neighborhood where the apartment is located helps you get a feel for the overall living environment, aside from the apartment/building itself. Explore the neighborhood both online and, if possible, in person to get a sense of the community vibe to make sure it can provide the lifestyle you’re looking for. View our Lower Fairfield County Neighborhood Guides.
Prepare questions
Before the apartment tour, compile a list of specific questions to ask the landlord, property manager, or leasing agent. You’ll want to inquire about lease terms (duration, renewal options, deposit requirements), included utilities, maintenance policies, parking arrangements, and any specific concerns you have based on your research and initial impressions. Having questions prepared will maximize your tour to its fullest potential. Allowing you to make informed decisions when it comes down to making a final choice.
Taking these preparatory steps will empower you to approach the apartment tour(s) with clarity and confidence. You’ll have your initial research, criteria, and questions prepared – thus enabling you to truly focus on the apartment(s) you are walking through. Being in the moment, you won’t miss a thing!
During the tour
When you’re on-site, here’s what you’ll want to do:
Inspect thoroughly
During the apartment tour, thoroughly inspect all aspects of the unit, including the condition of the walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, stains, or watermarks, which could indicate underlying maintenance issues. Assess the general cleanliness and upkeep of the apartment to gauge the landlord’s commitment to maintenance and property management.
Open and close cabinets and drawers to check for functionality and storage space. Turn on faucets and showers to assess water pressure and temperature consistency. Test light switches and ceiling fans to confirm electrical functionality. Check appliances such as the stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and HVAC system to ensure they operate smoothly without any unusual noises or issues. Testing everything will give you confidence in the apartment’s functionality and highlight any potential concerns – which can hopefully be addressed!
Note your surroundings
Pay attention to your surroundings during the tour to get an accurate understanding of the living environment. Observe noise levels from inside and outside the apartment, including street traffic, neighboring units, and common areas. Check the cleanliness and maintenance of shared spaces like hallways, staircases, and entryways, as they reflect the overall management of the property. Take note of the proximity of neighboring units and any potential factors that could impact your daily life and comfort.
Take notes and photos
Document key features and any areas of concern by taking photos and notes during the tour. Capture details such as room layouts, natural lighting, storage options, and any unique features that stand out to you. Taking photos and notes will serve as valuable references when comparing different properties and making a final decision. They will also help you recall important details and communicate effectively with the landlord, leasing agent or property manager after the tour.
PRO TIP: Ask for digital copies of any documents you are provided while touring. Such as: additional fees, a building map, floorplans, etc. Always ask for written follow-ups to make sure you have everything in writing!
The tour is the time to gather essential information to evaluate the apartment thoroughly and make an informed decision about renting. Paying attention to these details will ensure that the apartment meets your standards and provides the comfortable living space that you deserve!
After the tour
After visiting each apartment, take time to reflect:
Review your notes and photos
Take some time to review the notes and photos you took during the tour. Compare different properties based on your initial impressions and observations. Contemplate key features that stood out to you positively or any concerns you noted during the visit. If you want to ask follow-up questions, this review process will help make them clear and concise.
Weigh your options
Evaluate the pros and cons of each apartment based on your priorities and preferences. Consider factors such as location, condition, amenities, rental price, management and overall suitability. Determine which apartment aligns most with your must-have criteria and offers the best overall value for your rental budget.
Ask follow-up questions
If you have any lingering questions or need clarification about certain aspects of the apartment or lease terms, don’t hesitate to reach out. Clearing up any uncertainties will guarantee that you have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision about renting the apartment.
Submit your application
If you’re interested in a particular apartment, don’t delay in submitting your rental application! Rental properties can get leased quickly, especially in competitive markets, so having a sense of urgency can increase your chances of securing the apartment. We have seen hesitation cause individuals to miss out on an apartment many times! Here are common documents you will need to apply and how to get them.
Touring is fun and exciting! But, after the tour is when it gets serious. Taking the time to review, inquire, and evaluate will significantly increase the likelihood of securing the ideal rental property for your needs.
Tour de apartment: finding home
The apartment tour is a defining step in the apartment leasing process. With the right preparation and approach – you can maximize the touring experience to secure the perfect apartment! We’ve seen prospective tenants lease their dream apartments firsthand, and the common theme was their preparation before they stepped foot in the apartment. They knew what they wanted and required for their home; and we guided them through the leasing process to make it happen. Enjoy the journey!