Apartment Locators or Apartment Database Sites – Which is the best for you?

When you do a search on a Search Engine for "apartments" you are going to come across two types of Website resources; apartment locator sites and apartment database sites. Which is the best for you? Well, that depends on what your needs and circumstances dictate. It also has a great deal to do with your privacy comfort level.

The Apartment Locator Site:

If you are relocating to an area of the country that is totally new for you, someplace where you are unfamiliar with neighborhoods, schools, job centers, transportation, etc., then the apartment locator may be your best choice. These folks respond to your query by making telephone contact with you. You will describe your circumstances, needs, budget and other preferences. The apartment locator is usually extremely knowledgeable about the area and the local rental market. They will be quite helpful in finding you rental accommodations that suit your particular needs. In most cases, this will be a totally free service. The apartment locator is normally paid a commission or “finder’s fee” from the landlord or rental agent. With regard to your privacy, however, keep in mind that you are required to share your telephone number with the apartment locator and be open to the idea of personal contact. You need to decide if, or how much, that is acceptable to your sense of privacy.

The Apartment Database Site:

Unlike apartment locators, apartment database sites offer a broad selection of on-line apartment listings. They give you intricate descriptions of apartment complexes including, but not limited to, maps, amenities, rent ranges, contact information, etc. Pictures of the apartment units, inside and out, are usually included. An excellent amount of data helps you decide if any particular rental unit meets your needs and satisfaction. When you are moving to an apartment that is located within your present living area or when you are relocating to an area that you are totally familiar with, an apartment database site might be the one for you. Most require a simple registration process which usually asks for name and email address. You need not submit your telephone number and you will not be contacted personally by anyone. Like the apartment locator, most apartment database sites are free to you. Sometimes you are even offered a bonus of $100.00 or more if you list their site as your referring source when you sign your apartment lease.

So, which is better for you, the apartment locator site or the apartment database site? The answer to that question is answered by your own unique needs, desires, situation and limits of personal privacy.

Good luck on your apartment search and good luck in your new apartment.

Two Can Live More Cheaply Than One ~ Consider a Roommate

If living expenses are eating up your budget, one of the most popular solutions is to find one or more roommates to share them. Rent for a multiple-bedroom apartment is usually not significantly higher than that of a single bedroom or studio unit. So actually, with a roommate to share the expenses, you’re able to live much more cheaply. There are many places where you can find people who are also looking for roommates. Check the classified section of your newspaper and with acquaintances. Post a notice at your church, at work, or, if you’re a college student, on a bulletin board at school. There are also several websites which focus on finding roommates and living accommodations. Choose Your Roommate Wisely . . . You must keep in mind that you’ll be living closely with this person (or persons) so there are several things you should consider when choosing your roommate: • Make sure that your schedules and interests will compliment each other. If you like a quiet life and your roommate loves to invite people in for impromptu parties, it’s probably not a good mix. • How you live is another issue that should be considered. If you’re a neat freak and your prospective roommate is a slob, there will be problems. • If you’re a pet owner it’s important to find someone who shares your love for animals. • Be sure and specify whether you wish to room with a smoker or non-smoker. • If you plan to share shopping and cooking responsibilities choose a person who likes the same types of foods you do. These are just a few of the issues that must be resolved if you intend to live in harmony with other people. Take the time to get to know a little about the person with whom you intend to share a home. It will prevent a lot of difficulty later. Agree On the Rules From the Start . . . 1. Choosing a location: If you have already chosen a roommate, or roommates, and are looking for an apartment, be sure you only consider locations that are convenient for all of you. 2. All roommates should be included on the lease. This will prevent anyone being left “holding the bag” if one of the roommates decides to make other living arrangements. 3. Decide how the bills will be divided. How the rent, utilities, phone bills, etc., will be divided is extremely important. While heat, water and electricity are usually divided equally, other bills can be divided according to usage. For example, if one roommate has a larger bedroom and a private bath, while the others share a communal bath and have smaller rooms, this should be taken into account when determining what percentage each pays for rent. And, while the basic cost of the phone bill should be shared by all who use it, personal toll calls should be the responsibility of whoever made them. If there are Internet and cable bills, you can hardly expect someone who doesn’t use a computer at home to share the Internet charges. Be sure and put all of these arrangements in writing so there is no question or dispute later. It’s a very good idea for each roommate to set up one of the utility accounts (electricity, gas, etc.) in his/her name. 4. Decide how housekeeping chores will be divided and put it in writing. While this may seem like a lot to worry about, you and your roommates will get along better if everyone knows what’s expected from the start. Take the time to iron these things out at the beginning to prevent later dissension and hard feelings ~ you’ll have a much greater chance of living together happily and harmoniously if you do.