Are you currently looking for a property or apartment?
Maybe you’re a bit concerned because you don’t live in the city yet and don’t quite know which approach you should be taking when looking for a new property. Either way, renting a property without actually seeing it first is not ideal, to say the least. That being said, it’s certainly not impossible. You just need to make sure that you plan everything out and that you also speak with the agent too. If you are willing to trust photos as well, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to come out on top.
Research the Market
You have to make sure that you do your part to familiarise yourself with the market. The first and most important thing that you need to do is think about the area you want to move into as well as finding out who lives there. Don’t be afraid to talk with people and also ask what neighborhoods they recommend. If you can do this well in advance, then there’s no reason why you can’t come out on top. It’s also helpful for you to find out if listings are made available, or if landlords expect them to be snatched up at the last minute. You need to make sure that you seek out local blogs too, so you can find up-to-date intel on the market. This will help you to ensure that you get the most out of your experience overall.
Look into Insurance
There are many different factors and ‘worst-case scenarios, that a good renter insurance policy will protect you from, including (but not limited to) theft, water damage, and medical expenses incurred if someone gets injured on your property.
It is very important to keep in mind that the amount of insurance you pay will largely depend on the apartment you want — namely, the size of it, and the location. Areas that are struggling with a higher crime rate may drive your costs up, for instance. The same can be said for areas that are considered higher risk for natural disasters, such as neighborhoods that exist on, say, a fault line.
Larger apartment buildings with more units are typically a little more economical, while a smaller building may cost more to insure. These are all factors worth considering as you get to know the market in your area.
Consider your Commute
If you are moving to a new city or if you have a new job lined up, then you need to think about your commute in general. You need to ask yourself if the commute distance is going to be miles, or if there’s just a short stretch of road. You also need to think about the traffic dynamics, if you are traveling during rush hour. Make sure that you ask yourself about any expectations you may have so you can ensure that you are comfortable with every part of your research. The more you can do this, the more you’ll find that you can get a better result out of your rental experience.
Find a Good Agent
If you know that you cannot be there in person when hunting for your apartment, you still need to make sure that you have a good estate agent who is able to stand in your place. Referrals are a safe bet but at the end of the day, you also need to make sure that you find ones who have consistent listings. If you can find an agent who has multiple listings, then this will show that they are an expert and that they know what they are doing. When you have finally found an agent who you can trust, you then need to make sure that they are willing to work for someone who cannot be there physically.
Get your Documents in Order
When you have finally been able to secure an agent, you have to find out what information they expect from you. In a competitive market, the list may be very long, so you have to make sure that you get documents like this in order if possible. A complete profile may well include paychecks, credit statements, or even bank letters.
Research the Building
If your broker has a very promising rental, then you need to make sure that you do your research as well, as this will help you to follow up afterward. You have to make sure that you are as informed as possible and you also need to know when the property was built. If you know that the building is owned by a big management company then you may well be able to find online reviews about the company, so take the time to do this.
Be Realistic
At the end of the day, you need to know that if you can’t be present for your hunt, you might not be able to have the smoothest experience when hunting for a property. You need to be flexible with your search and you also need to look into good rental solutions too. Consider a short-term lease and also make sure that you begin your search before you arrive in the new city as well.
