Tips on Decorating No Fee Apartments in NYC
 
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Craigslist has been one of the more popular apartment search sites to find apartment rentals in Chicago, however apartment listings are constantly streaming so you would need to spend a good chunk of time scrolling and sorting through apartment ads.  One good thing about apartment hunting in Chicago is that unlike cities such as New York and Los Angeles, you don’t have to go through listing agents or brokers who charge you massive fees that could be close to 15% of your annual rental cost.

Using a site such as Skipbrokers.com is a simple way to finding quality apartments in your area for free. Unlike other sites there is no fee to use the site and because the site deals directly with the landlords and property owners so there is no risk of being trapped into a broker ad. Skipbrokers.com also offers a concierge feature which automatically brings apartments you would potentially be interested in to your attention first saving you a lot of time in your search. 

By Sheri Lynn Salamanca

 


 
Categories: Apartments in Chicago

The quest to find a great apartment in Atlanta is difficult for many. Finding the perfect apartment is relative to each individual. A certain apartment one person views as acceptable can be a nightmare to another. In order to find an apartment that is the perfect fit for you first you must distinguish what are the right combinations of needs for you. First you should establish your individual goals of what a property needs to provide in order for it to be your perfect Atlanta home. Here are some key factors to keep in mind for when looking for your new apartment rental in Atlanta.

1. Location: How close do you want to be near your job? You will always have to factor in Atlanta traffic when calculating your commute. You should also consider any bridges or tolls that may be in route from your Atlanta home to your workplace, as they will contribute to your monthly expenses. Are you single or married? Being single you may want a location that is conducive to a social environment, such as bars restaurants etc. Already lucky and in love? Perhaps a quieter suburban type atmosphere that offers parks and leisurely activities.

2. Convenience: How close are grocery stores, gas stations, gyms, restaurants, & malls? You may not think of these factors until you need them. Who wants to drive 20 minutes just to get a gallon of milk? Unless you’re the type of person who stock piles and only needs to go to the store once a month then it’s a good idea to keep in mind what stores and facilities you’ll be frequenting most. If you’re a gym buff find gyms which service the areas in which your looking to live and take note of the membership fees. If you’re lucky some apartments will offer a fitness room as a part of their amenities if so asks if it will be an extra cost for you to use it.

3.Safety: Would I feel safe coming home alone after dark? With the economy hitting the skits many amazing new rental apartments in Atlanta are popping up stocked full of amenities and have a shiny new appeal, but the neighborhood is less than desirable, perhaps marketed as “up and coming”. Make sure you don’t get dazzled by beautiful pictures on the internet but don’t shy away either, in some cases these properties can be a great find at a lower rental rate. You can do a quick online search of the neighborhood, but I find it best to drive to the neighborhood at least three different times of the day try to go around the time you leave for work, come home, and a time you most likely will be out in the neighborhood enjoying a walk. Obviously a 6ft 200lb male will have a much different level of comfort than a 5’2” 125lb female so you need to follow your gut on this one. Usually your first instinct is best, only you can gauge your comfort zone. Check with neighbors and store clerks and ask how they like the area.

4. Cleanliness/ Maintenance: Anywhere you live your bound to get an uninvited creepy crawler here and there. However pests such as cockroaches, mice, and ants could potentially be a chronic issue so when visiting the properties be aware if you notice anything scurrying about. Don’t be shy to lower your head to the kitchen counter top and get a horizontal view, or to take a peek being the TV stand to see if you notice any droppings left by unwanted guests. Also take note of the buildings overall maintenance. Are the hallways clear of dust and debris? Is there an odor other than normal cooking smells circulating? Does everything seem to be in working order and good shape? Make sure there is a routine building maintenance being practiced and the property offers contact person such as a building manager in case something needs fixing.

5. Price: You need to ask yourself two questions here. Can I afford it?  Is it worth what they want for it? It’s a good idea to establish how much rent you can afford before searching for a new place. A general way of finding this number is dividing your annual salary by 40. So if your salary is $50,000 per year then your rent should not be any higher than $1,250.00 per month. When renting a unit be educated on the area and what the square footage going rate is and research the area to see if there are comparable apartments for a lower price.

By Sheri Lynn Salamanca