Looking for an Apartment? Why Newer May Not Mean Better

I remember searching for my first apartment after I got my first job. I was looking for a modern, hip place where the appliances were as sparkling as the pool, and well-dressed professional people hung around the professionally decorated club house. I got that alright. But it turned out the well-dressed cute guys happened to be drug dealers, and the pool and hot tub were great, until I figured out how all the "extras" were costing me. You see, somebody has to pay for those high-end amenities. Turns out, it's the tenants who foot the bill. They kept jacking up my rent every few months. I didn't realize that was going to happen, because I didn't bother to read the lease agreement!

Why Older and Simpler is Better

Forget the fancy shmancy surroundings. Look for an apartment complex that is in an older, well established neighborhood. And forget the pool. How often do you use it anyway? And the cost of maintaining it will come back to haunt you, I guarantee it. And forget about the well-dressed young people roaming around. Look for a place with a lot of little old ladies dressed in their Sunday best. Believe me, they have been there for a while and will know who belongs there and who doesn't. So as far as safety goes, you would rather have a nosy old person then fly-by-night "business" people who could care less about their neighbors.

Look for An Apartment with Good Bones

It doesn't have to be new. A lovely old well-maintained brick building with a manicured lawn shows that the landlord cares. Just make sure the paint on the doors or trim isn't peeling. Look for cars in the parking lot that aren't flashy, just not beaten up or rusted out. Instead of shiny new appliances, just make sure they are clean and in working order. Which would you rather have, a stainless steel double convection oven or a savings of $200 a month? Do your major cooking at Mom's.

Try to Find a Condo Instead of an Apartment

You might ask, "what's the difference?" It's huge in terms of price. Apartment complexes are usually owned by big companies. Anonymous out-of-town owners who do nothing but increase rent on schedule. They leave their often low-paid staff to attend to the actual managing. Instead find a condo that is owned by a single landlord. It will usually be cheaper, and you can often negotiate the rent. A lot of times, if they like you, a landlord might take less in rent, knowing his property is in good hands. And they won't tend to jack up rents on someone they know.

Remember, location. Location, location is just as important when you rent as when you buy. So, find a nice place in a great neighborhood that reminds you of where you grew up. It may not be new and exciting, but it's warm and homey.