Buying First Apartment Checklist
Table of Contents
Preparation
Get an early start
Start searching months in advance of when you actually want to move in. Finding your first apartment is a big move, and you don't want to have to settle.
Check into cost of living
Do some research on the cost of living in the neighborhood of your prospective first aparment. Research average rent prices, as well as utilities, parking, food, and transportation.
Find out about the landlord
The landlord will be a very important person in the day to day life in your first apartment. Ask other residents if he or she is accommodating and responsive to their needs.
Research crime data
Look into the crime statistics in the neighborhood of your prospective first apartment. Is it safe? Are muggings or break-ins common? Ask other residents if they feel safe in the neighborhood.
Around the appartment
Look around the building
Aside from the apartment you are looking at, consider the rest of the building as well. Are the hallways clean and well taken care of? Is it quiet? Is the elevator in good condition?
Check the laundry facilities.
Is there a laundry room conveniently located in the building of your first apartment? If not, is there a laundromat nearby?
Ensure that all windows are sealed well
Ensure that doors are correctly adjusted and aligned
Check for uneven, loose chipped or cracked tiles
Examine the appliances and make sure they work
Surroundings
Consider public transportation
If you are reliant on public transportation, make sure that the service you need will be nearby your first apartment. Contact your local public transportation authority on available routes and times.
Look into local schools (if applicable)
If you are a parent, the schools nearby your first apartment are of the utmost importance. Remember, the location of the apartment determines which public schools are available to your child.
Stores/Day to day needs
Are there banks, grocery stores, gas stations and other basic needs nearby? Having these everyday staples nearby your first apartment can make your life a lot easier.
Are there pests? Make sure to look into the presence of pets and pest control services in your first apartment
A rodent or bug problem can make an otherwise nice apartment an unpleasant place to live.
Check cell phone reception
When visiting the apartment, remember to take out your cell phone and make some calls. Check for dead spots in every room in the apartment.
Finance
Have your desposit
Make sure you have your deposit ready when you finally decide on your first apartment. If someone pays it before you, you could lose out on a great place.
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Presented by:
Nicole Nichols-West
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Who it's for
This Buying First Apartment Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Buying First Apartment essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Buying First Apartment structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Buying First Apartment Checklist
- Save Buying First Apartment Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Buying First Apartment (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.