Shopping for a Rental?

five things to make the job easier

Shopping for a downtown apartment can be a time consuming process. There are so many excellent rental properties to choose from. Between arranging a tour, walking through models, and comparing the details, amenities, costs and services, it’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed by the options. Danielle Littlejohn, a Director of Residential Services at Milhaus, has some tips to improve your rental shopping experience and ensure a final decision you will be happy with for years.

1. Utilize online search tools to your advantage. Knowing what is available in the area you are considering can save a lot of time. Most high quality apartments have excellent online search tools so renters can locate exactly what they want and need. Doing a lot of the homework from your living room couch can save time when it comes to touring units with a resident specialist.

2. Assess your spatial and financial needs. Some apartment communities offer a wide range of apartment sizes. For example, Artistry offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom units as well as studios. Residents can choose from one of seven different one-bedroom floor models at different price points. Two-bedroom units come in five different floor plans. With so many choices, it can be tempting to become enamored with an apartment model that doesn’t fit your needs (or your budget), so get clear about your numbers before you actually view any models.

3. Visit the community beforehand. Indianapolis downtown neighborhoods each have their own unique flavor and therefore attract different types of renters. Living in Chatham Arch will be different than living in Fountain Square. Spend some time in these neighborhoods and get to know what type of people live, work and play there. This will help you make a good choice for your personality and preferences. Find out if the apartments you are looking at have activities or ways to meet new people in residence. For example, Artistry utilizes an online app called Active Building which helps residents connect with each other and plan social activities like cooking clubs and board game groups.

4. Know what to look for on a walk-thru. A walk-thru is the perfect time to assess the responsiveness of the staff. How well do they answer your questions and concerns? Do they follow through on what they say they will do? Even if a building is still under construction, it should appear clean and safe. Are all the employees respectful and helpful, not just the one showing you around? The way you are treated on day one should inform you for how you will be treated after move-in.

5. Consider all the amenities and services. This is probably the one consideration that separates a “nice” place to live from one that is downright fabulous. Imagine 24-hour on-site maintenance, package delivery, dry cleaning pick-up and delivery, free Wi-Fi in common areas, conference rooms, fitness areas and a pool. The little things make a place special. People are usually willing to pay a little more to have these services and amenities that make their lives easier and more enjoyable.