Virtual Apartment Hunting – 5 Questions to Ask When Evaluating an Apartment Over the Phone

Virtual Apartment Hunting – 5 Questions to Ask When Evaluating an Apartment Over the Phone

 

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from these past several months, it’s that just about anything can be done virtually if you’re thoughtful and creative enough. Believe it or not, this includes finding an apartment. Thankfully, tools like live video streaming technology have made it incredibly easy and convenient to get a good feel for what an apartment is like without ever having to physically step foot inside. That said, there are also a few things you should ask over the phone to help seal the deal. Here are five important questions that can make it easier to find the perfect Dallas apartment.

 

How much?

First and foremost, you want to know whether or not your budget is sufficient for the Dallas apartment you’re considering. It’s not worth continuing the conversation if the rent is way out of your price range. You should also ask what’s expected in terms of fees and other upfront costs. For instance, you’ll need to know if you’ll be required to come up with first month’s rent and a security deposit so you can plan accordingly.

 

When?

Many people have the misconception that apartments are just sitting empty, waiting to be rented. While it’s true we have a pretty impressive inventory of available Dallas apartments, that doesn’t necessarily mean the one you’ve got your eye on will be ready for your target move-in date. Unless you’ve got some flexibility, this takes planning and coordination.

 

What’s included?

Beyond the number of bedrooms and layout (which you should have seen in your virtual tour), it’s a good idea to find out what kind of amenities come with the property. If you’ve read any of our previous blogs, you’ll hopefully have followed our advice and made a list of the perks you’d like to have in an apartment and the things you absolutely can’t live without. Finding out right away how many items on your list match up with each apartment you’re inquiring about can help you narrow down your options.

 

Am I qualified?

Some Dallas apartment communities have certain criteria that must be met in order for a tenant to be eligible to live there. For instance, you may be required to have a monthly income that is at least 3x the amount of the rent. In most cases, you must have a clean criminal background and cannot have been previously evicted from another apartment. Again, knowing what these qualifications are right away will save you time and money.

 

Why do the current residents love it?

Want to know what makes a particular apartment and/or community so special? Ask this question. It’s the best way to get a picture of what it’s like to actually live in a particular place. Maybe it’s the proximity to nearby walking trails, or the awesome social atmosphere. Perhaps it’s got one of the most sought after rooftop pools around, or views of the city that can’t be beat. The answers to this question will tell you far more than you’ll learn by driving by or taking an online tour.

 

Ready to start your virtual apartment search? Have more questions to ask than the ones listed above? That’s what we’re here for! Reach out today and let’s chat!

August 26, 2020Comments Off,
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