How did I find studio spaces for rent near me? – Whether you are moving to a new town, starting college, getting a new job, or moving in with your partner, finding a new apartment is not an easy job. You probably want to start this next chapter of your life with a new place to live – a quiet and cozy studio apartment.
However, house hunting can be quite a hassle, especially for the perfect studio apartment in the desired location. But don’t worry because today we will tell you everything you need to know about renting a studio apartment. So, get ready to search for “studio spaces for rent near me” and start looking for your dream studio apartment!
Hassles of Finding Studio Apartments
Finding the right cheap studio apts for rent requires lots of research, effort, and patience. You will have to go for apartment tours till you find the one you want. Now, you must be wondering why because, after all, aren’t all studio apartments identical? Well, yes. Studio apartments have the same open floor plan – a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living space. The size of studio apartments varies, but the layout is generally more or less the same. So, why is it hard to find a suitable apartment?
Here are a few hassles of finding a suitable studio apartment:
- Size
Some studio apartments can be as small as a standard room, i.e., 200-400 square feet. At the same time, others can be as big as 1000 square feet. So, first and foremost, you have to pick the right size that fits your budget and gives you enough space to live comfortably.
- Location Constraints
If you are looking for a studio apartment within a set area, it becomes tough to find one. For example, if you want to live downtown, searching for ”efficiency apts near me” won’t help much because most apartments in such areas are already occupied.
- Listing Agent
Finding a reliable and efficient listing agent is also not a piece of cake. O, you have to find one through reference or word of mouth to ensure he is reliable.
Steps To Find a Studio Apartment Near Me
Here are the steps to start planning while hunting for a studio apartment:
1. Set A Budget
First, you must decide how much you want to pay for the apartment. Consider your monthly income and calculate your expenses. Landlords can offer lease programs from 6 months, 12 months, or two years. Another essential thing to note here is that sometimes you end up paying much more than the property rent, in the form of parking fees, pet dues, washing machine charges, trash fees, and many others, so beware to details all these details with the realtor and then estimate the average amount you will be paying per month.
2. Choose Location Wisely
Another step on how I find studio spaces for rent near me is choosing the right location. You will observe a striking difference in rents of the same square footage depending on the location. An apartment right in the city center or downtown will cost you significantly higher. But the price brings significant advantages like saving on the commute, accessibility to shopping malls, cinemas, and parks. Just like that, an apartment on the outskirts of the city may cost you less rent, but you will need extra time to reach work, you’ll spend more on fuel, and you might end up missing out on city life.
Especially look into the neighborhood atmosphere. Are people friendly and supportive? Is the area too noisy? If there is a park or a community center nearby, it will be loud and disturbing. Also, do some research about the area’s crime rate and security issues before finalizing your decision.
3. Visit The Apartment in Person
Virtual 3D tours sure seem excellent, and they do let you have a general overview of the place. But never close a deal without personally visiting the property. There can be some severe issues easily overlooked if you don’t look into the details.
Shortlist a few apartments and then visit them in person. Check the working of lights and other electric appliances. Ensure the faucets are working fine and have good water pressure, check the air-conditioner/heater vents and check for jammed door locks. Check the place for molds, termites, rats, or other pests. Also, check the Wi-Fi and network signals to avoid future trouble.
4. Communicate With the Landlord
Verbalize your questions and concerns openly with the landlord. It is essential to clear out all confusions beforehand. Ask about their pet policies, amenities included, insurance requirements, payment method, due date of each month, security deposit policy, and anything else you feel like asking.
5. Filling The Application
Once you have chosen the apartment, now you need to sign a contract with the landlord. You will need to bring the necessary documents, including your ID card, bank statement, tax returns, proof of income, etc. Some renters may also require you to bring a security deposit and application fee as well. So go well prepared.
How To Find Cheap Studio Apartments?
1. Real Estate Company
Getting an authorized realtor or broker can save you a lot of time and trouble. Being professionals will understand your requirements better and guide you through the process, so you get the best deal without stress. You can find their contact details from the local directory and book an appointment with your real estate agent.
2. Listing Websites
When I looked for studio spaces for rent near me I made sure to go online. You can look up the listing websites, and there are many amazing ones out there that can help you land your dream apartment right from your computer screens.
Apartments.com – is one of the most commonly used websites with more than 1 million options to choose from, with extensive details and pictures of the properties.
Trulia.com – is another famous listing website that displays the available properties in the United States
Zillow.com – lets you compare different options with genuine ratings and reviews
Craigslist.org – is one of the oldest and most trustworthy websites in the market, with thousands of satisfied customers
3. Download Real Estate Apps
Real estate apps can keep you updated with notifications and emails as soon as a property of your choice becomes available. This gives you an edge over the other potential renters and allows you to grab the best deals in the market before anyone else. Some of the most popular real estate apps shortlisted by us with the best consumer experience are;
4. Facebook MarketPlace
Facebook Marketplace has become a common platform for renters and owners to buy, sell, and rent with no listing charges. This makes Facebook Marketplace a new favorite of many renters seeking a good bargain without going through the hassle of involving a third party. All you have to do is go to the Facebook marketplace, tap inventory, select rent an apartment, enter your details and requirements, and find the place that best suits you!
5. Share The Rent
Sharing an apartment with a roommate is an old way of saving. You save on rent, utility bills, and even on groceries. Having a roommate will also help you divide chores and save time. On top of that, you can carpool or share a ride with your roommate, again saving more money and time.