Finding the right rental can be a difficult task. Many renters don’t even know where to begin. We check out the local paper, check some national or local web sites and often get disappointed with the available selection and information available. Part of the reason is that most rentals are not advertised well. As renters we prefer to see photos of an apartment or learn many of the details before making an effort to visit.
Good thing you found Garden State Apartments!Here are some search tips for finding quality rentals in New Jersey:
Start looking early. Begin your apartment search well before you actual need it. The process can be very time consuming.
Write down your top priorities in finding the right rental and then evaluate them.Keep the list short.
Compare places – use a checklist to compare apartments as you search. After you have looked at several apartments you will begin to lose track of what you saw.
Find out the cost of living in the area. Check average rent prices for apartments in the area. Also, make sure you prepare a list of other possible expenses such as utilities, water, transportation or parking, and food.
Know your credit – no one like surprises.Especially landlords.So if there is something on your credit score that needs an explanation make sure you know it and disclose it before it becomes the reason you lose a place.
Learn the area – When moving to a new area, find someone who knows their way around or do some research before you sign a lease for a new apartment.Speak to people who already live around there.
Act decisively – if you have found the place you want and someone else gets their deposit in first, you could lose out on a great home.
The bottom line is to be prepared when searching for a rental in NJ. If you plan on living there for a year or more, take the time to find the right place.It will save you much more time and money later if you decide to move.
Finally, a message of advice to New Jersey renters from our Founder, Sunny Kancherla as featured in the Star Ledger Business section on "How to Find Good Rentals" (9/20/07):
"The biggest thing is giving yourself time. A lot of people procrastinate. They wait until the last minute. But if you're armed all of the available information and you know what's going in your personal life and your credit score, then you can go out there and be better prepared when it comes time to look for a place to live. It's taking an honest self-assessment about where you are and what you need to accomplish. That's going to help you find the right place to live."
