Apartment Living - Part I

I've lived in several apartments in my lifetime, experienced a lot of things in them, and currently am a maintenance specialist for 3 luxury apartment communities for Redwood Management Company. Just thought I'd share some perspectives as advice if you are living in an apartment or if are considering moving to one. This is going to be a series of blog entries because there are so many things that need to be shared and I didn't want you to have to scroll down for the next hour to read them all.

This one is about living in an apartment and what leads to which one you choose. The first recommendation, is to make a list of what you are looking for, what is acceptable, and what you do not want to experience in your life. Some basic things like:

• How much does it cost (rent, utilities, security deposit, fees)?
• How close do I need to be for work/family/friends/school?
• What amenities need to be close by (grocery store, gas station, library, restaurants, parks)?
• How quiet of a space do I need? Could I tolerate people above/below/beside me?
• What about animals/pets? Are they allowed or would being near them bother me?
• How many people live in the community?
• Where do I take my garbage, get my mail and do laundry?

Answering some of these question UP FRONT helps you filter all of the places available to you before you have to call the office or set up a tour. If it doesn't meet you needs, don't waste  your time. Because of the internet, you can learn a LOT about an apartment community before you have to show up to take a tour. Time is precious, don't waste it. Yes, doing some work with a keyboard and mouse requires time, but it is a lot less than making a phone call, driving to the community, walking around, asking questions, etc.

Bottom line, approach moving to an apartment community like you would approach buying a house.