Making the decision to move is always a big one – it’s not something that should be taken lightly. It takes a lot of time and energy, so you want to ensure that once you actually make the move and start unpacking, you’ll be happy to stay in the place for a while. That’s why it’s important to take some time to plan ahead and consider what you really need and want in a rental, and there are 6 key things to keep in mind.
1. Location
One of the most important things to consider when looking for a place to rent is the location. Start from the big questions and work your way down. So, are you interested in looking for rental properties in Singapore, France, or the US? Once you’ve decided on a country, the next step is to choose a city or town. And finally, you need to zero in on a specific neighborhood that you like. All these factors will come into play when determining the final rental price, so it’s important to be clear about your priorities from the start. As a general rule, the locations that are typically considered to be the safest and most desirable will also be the most expensive. On the other hand, you can find a place to rent in a location that works amazingly for your lifestyle that isn’t expensive at all. It all comes down to what you’re looking for and what’s most important to you.
2. Rental Price Per Month
Once you decide on the general location you want to move to, and get a feeling for how much a square footage costs in that area, you can start to get a ballpark idea of how much you can expect your monthly rental price to be. Your monthly budget will be one of the biggest determining factors in where you end up renting. It’s important to consider all the associated costs that come with it, such as utilities, internet, parking, etc., and factor them into your overall budget. When setting a budget for this, give yourself some leeway. You probably don’t want to look at places that are under your budget by too much, as they may not be up to your standards. Conversely, you also don’t want to look at places that are way over your budget, as you’ll likely never be able to afford them. Find a happy medium, and remember that you can always negotiate on price once you find a place you really like.
3. Rental Type And Size
Do you need a one-bedroom rental for yourself, or are you looking for something bigger to accommodate a family or roommates? The type and size of rental property you’re looking for will obviously have an impact on the price, but it’s also important to consider your lifestyle and needs when making this decision. If you’re someone who likes their own space and enjoys having a lot of privacy, renting out a house may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you’re someone who likes being around people and enjoys socializing, a flat in an apartment complex may be a better fit. And if you have a family or plan to have roommates, you’ll need to factor in their needs as well when deciding on the size of the rental.
4. Noise Level
This is an important consideration, especially if you work from home or are a light sleeper. If you need peace and quiet in order to focus or get a good night’s sleep, make sure to look for a place that’s in a relatively quiet area. One way to determine this is to do a search on Google Maps for the specific address of the rental property you’re interested in and click on the “Street View” option. This will give you a pretty good idea of how noisy it is just by looking at the surrounding buildings and streets. If there are a lot of cars driving by or people walking around, or different shops and businesses, it’s likely going to be a pretty noisy area.
5. Neighbors
You’ll want to make sure that the neighbors are people you can reasonably get along with and who won’t be too much of a nuisance. Again, Google Maps can be helpful here. Take a look at the surrounding area and see if it looks like the type of place you would feel comfortable living in. If it’s a quiet residential area with well-kept homes, it’s likely that the neighbors will be pretty friendly and low-key. However, if it looks like a party area with a lot of people coming and going at all hours of the night, you can expect to have some pretty rowdy neighbors.
6. Commuting Options
If you don’t have a car or if you live in a city where public transportation is the better option, it’s important to make sure that there are good commuting options available. Take a look at the bus and train schedules to see how often they run and how long it would take you to get to where you need to go. If you’re someone who likes to walk or ride a bike, make sure there are sidewalks and bike lanes available. And if you have a car, find out how easy it is to park in the area and whether or not you would need to pay for parking.
7. Security System
Knowing your home or apartment building is secure is an essential box to check on your list when you’re looking for a place to rent. An apartment building intercom system is an invaluable tool for your safety and security. It will lend you peace of mind when visitors or delivery persons arrive. It will be easier to identify who is coming to see you. Other devices included in a security system should include cameras and keypads for controlled access to the building. When you can see, hear, and control who is coming and going into your home, you will feel safe and at ease.
All of these things are important to consider when looking for a place to rent. By taking the time to think about your needs and what you’re looking for, you can be sure to find a rental that’s just right for you.
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