Austin is a thriving city full of charming suburbs and offers plenty of benefits. It has something for everyone and it caters to a range of lifestyles. You’re sure to find an Austin neighborhood that matches both your current budget and priorities.
Although trying to find an apartment in the perfect location can seem tricky, we’ve simplified this process to just a few easy steps. Read on to find out what they are.
Consider Your Budget
Following the 50/30/20 rule is an easy way to think about dividing your monthly income. For example, according to this rule, 50% of your paycheck (after taxes) should go towards necessities like food and shelter. However, you also need to think about rent, utilities, transportation, minimal clothes, and healthcare. Setting aside 50% of your monthly earnings for your essentials leaves 30% for purchases you desire and 20% to save for things you want in the future. Keep this price range in mind also during your search for studio apartments in Austin, whether you are using a free apartment finder tool, or working with a local real estate agent directly.
Narrow Your Search Based on Price
Once you figure out how much you can afford, be sure to scout around your area and see what the average rents are. If you check out neighborhoods in Austin and other suburbs, you’ll usually find that they follow a certain trend of prices. For example, downtown apartments are typically more expensive than those located in North Lamar. Rent is usually higher near the places where there’s a demand for property.
Calculate Potential Commute Times
List all your priorities in determining your budget and filter out any areas outside of your price range. Chances are, you’ll find multiple neighborhoods as affordable options. It’s important to figure out what you consider the ideal commute to be. Some people are willing to travel a long way to work or school. Others might be more interested in getting a shorter trip to work. As your next step, you need to do some research into how long your commute will take and what sort of area or amenities your new place has.
Check Out What’s Nearby
There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding on a neighborhood for your apartment search. It’s a good idea to write down your preferences for amenities and prioritize the ones that top the list for you including the walkability score of the neighborhood or how schools are ranked in your district. You should also consider restaurants, bars, music venues, theaters, and parks.
Real Estate Search Engines
MLS (Multiple Listing Services) are databases that are compiled by real estate professionals, and they provide a lot of benefits. These real estate search engines simply aggregate listings from a variety of regional listing services and filter out search results to match your preferences. These search filters can include several bedrooms and/or bathrooms, apartment features (closets, laundry units), upgrades (balcony, new appliances), pets, etc.
Work With An Agent
Relying on apartment finder websites to detail all the available options can take a long time. If you don’t have any spare time for a search, a real estate agent might be a good solution for you. They can offer you a full-time, personalized service and make themselves your sole source for listings. A professional real estate agent can provide you with personalized guidance that could help you find the right neighborhood and type of apartment. A real estate agent can also be a powerful asset when going into negotiations with potential landlords. For example, an agent may be able to arrange for better lease terms, including help with bad credit and allowance for pets.
Take An Apartment Tour and Ask Questions
It’s time to narrow down your list of potential apartments to just one you feel connected to. Make sure it’s a good fit for you by visiting in person and find out as much as you can about what life there is like. The more details you can capture about different apartments, the easier it will be to compare them later. Contact the apartment manager and set up an appointment. Large apartment complexes usually allow walk-ins and there’s a good reason for this.
Final thoughts
Finally, you’ve found the perfect place and your application was accepted! Now that you are closer to signing on the dotted line, get familiarized with the terms. Your real estate agent can help you negotiate some of the lease terms to give you more flexibility. Just make sure you fully read up on the terms and conditions of your lease and then sign it.
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